Expert: Angela - 9/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: The instructions for the pattern I want to make are as follows: The design was stitched on a 16" x 16" piece of 28 count Cream Cashel Linen over two fabric threads (design size 9 7/8 x 10)  Then it says: Stitch Count
14 count  9 7/8 x 10
16 count  8 5/8 x 8 3/4
18 count  7 5/8 x 7 3/4

My question is: can I make this on 14 count Aida over 1 stitch?  Will it come out right? I have never worked with linen.  Can I use Aida, if so, what size should I use?  Ending up with an 8 x 10 picture is OK or even a 5 x 7.  What should I use?
Sorry to be so dense, but I have never worked with linen and don't know how to convert it to Aida, which I have always used.

Thank you for your help.

ANSWER: Hello, Kay :)

You can stitch ANY design on ANY fabric, including Aida.  To determine the size of the fabric, you would simply add an additional 3" all around to provide a margin for framing, and just in case you need that extra space.

For instance, if your design is 9 7/8 x 10" for 14 count Aida, you would need to cut your piece 12 7/8 x 13 (or simply 13"x13").  To stitch your design on 14 count Aida, you can use either 2 or 3 strands of floss.

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

Sincerely,

Angela :)

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response.  If I understand you correctly, I can use 14 count Aida on a 13" square piece of fabric even though they used 28 count on a 16" square piece of fabric over 2 squares.   

One question remaining.  The instructions say to stitch over 2 fabric threads (squares).  If I use 14 count Aida do I stitch over 2 squares or 1 square?  (I think this is what is giving me the problem.)

Thank you again for your help.

Kay

ANSWER: Hello, Kay :)

When you look at Aida cloth, it already has the holes in it so that you can stitch your design on it.  I would presume that that's called "1 fabric thread".

I normally use either 14 or 18 count, and few linens when I stitch projects.  I also use 2 strands with both 14 and 18 count Aida. :)

I hope that helps. :)  If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. :)  Good luck, and happy stitching!

Sincerely,

Angela :)

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

QUESTION: Here's the dense lady again.  I guess I'm not explaining myself clearly.  The instructions use 28 count linen OVER 2 threads of cloth, using 2 strands of floss.  

I would like to use 14 count Aida using 2 strands of floss (the same as the instructions say to do).  Do I stitch OVER one square or 2 squares on the cloth?  Maybe linen doesn't have squares like Aida cloth does and this is where I'm not understanding?  If I stitch OVER 1 square on the Aida will my picture come out right?  Or do I need to stitch over 2 squares like they did on the linen cloth?  I hope I have explained myself this time.

Thank you for your patience.  Kay

Answer
Hello, Kay :)

You simply stitch over 1 thread (or square) of the Aida cloth.  The "thread" (or square) is typically from hole to hole as Aida is made differently than linen or evenweave.  You can use either 2 or 3 strands when stitching onto 14 count Aida, or 2 strands when stitching onto 18 count.

Just remember to add a minimum of 3" to the size of the design to ensure that your design will fit properly, and you'll have extra left over for framing.

I hope that helps. :)  If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. :)  Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)