Expert: Angela - 3/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: My project says it's 285h x 314L.  How do I know what size to cut my fabric?  I'm using 16ct and the patterns says for 18ct cut the fabric to 31x32 and for 14ct cut it to 35x37.  Man I'm confused.
ANSWER: Hi, Olivia :)

Your stitch count is based on the amount of stitches per 1" of fabric.  In your case, it sounds like that the project is 285 stitches by 314 stitches, which translates to 28.5" x 31.4".  You would need to add an additional 6" margin all around the fabric, meaning you'll need to cut your fabric 34.5 or 35" x 37.4" or 38.

You can stitch any design on any size fabric that you wish.  Just remember, if the pattern calls for 18 count and you stitch it on 16 count, your design will be a bit larger than the 18 count.

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

Sincerely,

Angela :)

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

QUESTION: It looks like you divided the stitches by 10.  Why 10 and not 16 which is the count of the fabric?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi, Olivia

There's usually 10 stitches to an inch in 14 count Aida cloth.  The same goes with 16, 18, and so on.  If you look at a pattern, the manufacturer will have mapped it out to 10 squares to an inch, where there will be 10 squares that are defined by light lines, and then defined again by heavier lines at the 10 square line in each direction.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Angela :)