Expert: Angela - 6/25/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello again, Angela. I finally realized how I was stitching George Costanza's face wrong, so thanks so much for the help. The piece looks bad up close, but hanging on the wall and under glass, it's pretty neat and slightly abstract. I have a new project I am about to undertake (now that I know the proper way to stitch) and I need some more help. I generated a pattern from pic2point.com that is 9 stitches per inch and 24 inches wide. I want to stitch it on Aida 11 so I can use 6 strands of thread. I figure this will save me time and be easier for a beginner. Am I correct when I figured that if I use size 11 that the piece will be smaller, about 19.7 inches? And I can use 6 strands on size 11, correct? Please let me know and give any advice you think relevant. I have learned how to secure stitches when starting and stopping colors so as not to have any knots on the back of the work. Thanks so much in advance.
Courtney

ANSWER: Hi, Courtney

11 count Aida is larger than 14 count Aida.  The lower the number, the larger the picture will be.  The higher the number (ie. 14, 16, 18), the smaller the picture will be.

You'll want to cut your fabric 6" larger than the actual pattern size so that the pattern will fit squarely onto the fabric.  Be sure to add 6" to the design size, and then cut the fabric at the inflated numbers.

You can use 6 strands of floss, however, it may be too bulky, and the needle may be hard to push through the holes.  Try a corner of the fabric, and use 4, 5, and 6 strands of floss, and see what's best for you.

I hope that helps.  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Angela,
Do they make size 10 Aida? There is no way I'm going to separate threads. I have to use 6 strands because I'm so short on time. Also, could I use a half cross-stitch for this pattern? Or will that not provide enough coverage?
Courtney

Answer
Hello, Courtney

Aida is manufactured in the following counts:  8, 11, 14, 16, 18, and 20.  Using a 1/2 cross stitch will not provide you with full coverage of the fabric.

If you're looking for 8 count Aida, here is a link:

http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/fabric/aida_fabric.pl

Hope that helps.  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela