Expert: Angela - 12/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Greetings from Baghdad, Iraq!  I am beginning to work on the Bent Creek 12-month Snappers (very cute, and I thought it would help pass the time while I am here), and I am running into a problem.  I would appreciate help!  Since I want to put all 12 months side by side on one piece of cloth, the sewing store provided me with a "Snapper Border" pattern, and enough cloth to put the month patters, plus the border.  The cloth that I bought (32 count linen) measures 47"x11".  The Border pattern design size is 40.8"x5" -- plenty of room, right?  No!  I just finished the baseline for the first month, and it measures 4.5", and that is not enough room on the cloth for all 12 months, plus the border...but it should fit!  I swear I am only going over two linen threads - can you think of a solution??  Thank you for your help, Christine

ANSWER: Hello, Christine & Greetings To You, Too! :)

If the pattern is centered correctly, there should be enough room for the border to fit perfectly on there.  I'm sure that you've found the center of your cloth by folding it 1/2 and then 1/2 again to find the center.  If you haven't stitched a lot right now, I would frog it (remove the stitches), and then restart the pattern.  I know that it's time consuming doing it that way, however, if you want to be absolutely as centered as possible, that's the only thing I can suggest.

Yes, the fabric is enough for the pattern size, especially if you're placing all the months side by side each other.

I hope that helps.  Please stay safe, and if you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me again, and I'll do my best to assist you.

Sincerely,

Angela :)

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

QUESTION: Hi Angela - thank you for your reply.  I have done all that you suggested from the beginning, yet my cross stitches are still too large -- the individual pattern says that it should be a 3.1" x 3.1", but mine is coming out as 4.5" x 4.5" !!?!?!?  I am only going over 2 threads, and this measurement difference is driving me crazy.  I am really confused, and do not know where my disconnect is.  Any further suggestions?

Answer
Hello, Christine :)

If you're stitching over 2 fabric threads of the, it should look like this:

http://craftblog.stitchingthenightaway.com/2006/07/13/stitching-over-two-on-even

Your stitches SHOULD be about the same size as that stitched onto Aida cloth, and you would be using 2 strands of thread (which is typically used for stitching onto 14, 18, and evenweave fabrics.

Here's another diagram of what your project should look like:

http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/counted-cross-stitch.html

My only other thinking is that perhaps the person who gave you the fabric measured it in centimeters and not in inches...?

I'm sorry that I'm not much more helpful than this.  Please continue to keep in contact until we can get this sorted out. :)

Sincerely,

Angela