Expert: Angela - 11/6/2006

Question
I have just ordered a cross stitch to do and on receipt I discovered the fabric enclosed is linen. I havent used linen before only the white fabric (aida I think). Could I do this pattern on aida? Would it make any differnece? Would I still have enough threads? Kind Regards.

Answer
Hello, Maria :)

Yes, you can stitch your design onto Aida cloth.  In order to do so, you'll need to buy enough to cover not only the design area, but also the margin (areas around the design), too.  Stitching onto Aida cloth will make your project a bit bigger instead of stitching it onto the linen that they provided for you.  I've stitched on linen many times.  Just takes time to get used to it.

In order to do this, check your design area, and see what the size of the design is.  (ie.  10"x10", or whatever), and then add an additional 6" to each size.

If your design area is in stitches, and not in inches, you'll need to add about another 60 stitch spaces on all sides (ie.  102 stitches high by 165 stitches wide plus 60 stitches on all sides = 162 stitches high by 225 stitches wide).  Keep in mind that you won't be stitching in that 6" margin.  That's to ensure that you'll have plenty of material when you need to frame your piece, and IN CASE you need a bit more space, too.

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

Sincerely,

Angela :)