Expert: Angela - 8/23/2007

Question
This question is kinda two-fold...
1.  I just purchased a pattern off www.heavenandearthdesigns.com (the Isis pattern to be exact).  They recommend using 25-ct Lugana over 1.  I have never worked on Lugana, only Aida.  Would I stitch this pattern any differently?  And what do they mean "over 1"?

2.  I also just converted a picture of Dali's painting "The Persisitence of Memory" to a cross-stitch pattern.  The size is 500 stitches by 347 stitches.  Considering the size and detail of the chart, would it be better to use Lugana or Aida?  And what count would look best?

Answer
Hello, Jamie :)

In answer to your questions, here's what I have as a suggestion.

1.  Lugana is an evenweave fabric.  Some patterns require you to stitch over 2 threads of this fabric, and others over 1, such as in your case.  Stitching over 1 thread will make the pattern smaller.  Stitching over 2 will be equivalent to stitching onto Aida.  Here's an example on how to stitch onto 2 fabric threads:

http://www.stitching.com/CDA/stitch/stitches/reading.html

You can get the general idea of it this if you want to stitch over 1.  If you have any backstitching to be done on this project, I would recommend that you stitch over 2 threads of the fabric.

Here's a fabric calculator if you need help on calculating how much fabric to purchase:

http://www.scarletquince.com/calc.php

That also has some hints underneath the calculator.

2.  Either Lugana or Aida would work for this project.  Just remember to buy enough to cover the project itself, PLUS have some extra left over for framing.  It has been said that you'll need a 3" margin all around.  For instance, if your project is 50"x34.7", you'll need 53"x37.7".  I make sure to have about 6" all around just in case.

With cross stitching, your imagination is your limit. :)

Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)