Expert: Angela - 6/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: Angela,
I want to cross-stitch a pattern of George Costanza's face for my boyfriend's birthday. I have the pattern printed out (I used pic2point.com) and have all my DMC floss. The pattern is 6 stitches per inch, 72 stitches wide by 87 stitches tall (12" by 14.5"). I bought a size 12 Aida cotton canvas on a whim, and now I'm fearing the holes are TOO far apart. I'm a complete beginner, but thought I could figure out all the math. I've completely confused myself by thinking too hard. I had to use 12 strands of floss (I combined two full twisted strings) and it still didn't seem like it would completely cover my white canvas! Should I use more strands of floss? Do I need a smaller canvas (16, for example)? I don't want the finished project to be TOO small, as my boyfriend will want to hang it on his wall. What size canvas would I need if I want to use 6 strands of floss? I think this would be simplest for me because I wouldn't have to unwind floss or combine strands. Please help clear up this cross-stich mystery for me!
Thanks,
Courtney

ANSWER: Hello, Courtney

I would recommend using 14 count Aida instead of the 12.  However, you can also use 11 count Aida, and you will need to use 4-6 strands of floss, depending upon the coverage you're looking for.  If you use 14 count Aid, your pattern will be smaller, of course, and you can use either 2 or 3 strands of floss to stitch it.  You will have to separate the threads, and cut them no longer than 14-15" lengths.  While stitching, you'll need to allow the needle to drop down and it will untwist, then continue stitching.

Here's a website that will help you get started:

http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/learntostitch.htm

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

Sincerely,

Angela :)

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

QUESTION: Angela,
Thanks so much for your answer, but I'm still a bit confused. I have started stitching George's face on my 12 Aida. I am using 12 strands and not pulling it too tight or anything, but you can still see through the canvas a bit and the white canvas itself. It looks good from far away, but I still feel like I should be using more strands. I feel like if I did use the 14 Aida, that I would still need the 12 strands of floss to cover it. I can attach a picture if it would help... I think I might just make this one as a beginner's crash course project, and make my boyfriend something else for his birthday. If 12 strands are not covering my 12 Aida, I am going to try 12 strands on 14 Aida. However, would I not be correct in assuming that if that works and I want to use 6 strands on my next project, then I should use 6 strands on 28 Aida? Do they even make 28 Aida? I've confused myself even further. The lady didn't know anything about cross-stitch at Hobby Lobby and there is no speciality sewing/stitching shop in the area... Let me know if a picture would help.

ANSWER: Hello, Courtney

If you stitched onto 14 count Aida, and used 12 strands of floss (keep in mind that the floss comes in 6 strands), you won't be able to get the needle into the holes, and the stitches will become extremely bulky, and messy looking.

You can safely use 3 strands of floss when stitching onto 14 count Aida, which should provide you with a bit more coverage over the fabric than if you stitched using 2 strands.  I always use 2 strands of floss when stitching on 14 count and 18 count Aida.  I never use anything larger than 14 count Aida (ie, I've never used 11 count).  Also, I use 2 strands of floss when stitching onto an evenweave fabric, like 28 count and 32 count.

They don't make count Aida.  There is 8 count, 11 count, 14 count, 16 count, 18, and 20 count.

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

Sincerely,

Angela :)



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

QUESTION: Angela,
Thanks for all the info. I attached some pictures of my piece. It IS a little bulky, which I know isn't typical for stitching, but I like the three-dimensionality of it. The stitches are  messy from using 12 strands, but again, I kind of like the texture. I still wish the white canvas wasn't showing through. I told my boyfriend this is my

Answer
Hello Courtney

By looking at your pictures, you're stitching it all wrong.  You're not supposed to be stitching it like that, and you're going to have to start over if you want it to look nice.

Here's a website that I suggest you follow:

http://www.cross-stitch-centre.co.uk/acatalog/tutorial.html

Pay extreme close attention to where you're to place the needle as per the images about 1/2 way down the page.  I suggest that you don't stitch with 12 strands as you will find it very difficult to get the needle through the holes where you have made the previous stitches.

You have 2 choices:  1) You can rip the current stitches out, and start over on the fabric that you're using and try it again with 12 strands of floss, or 2) try another count of Aida and use less strands while stitching, which will make it very easy to stitch when you place the needle through the holes of the previous stitches.

Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela