Expert: Angela - 7/24/2001

Question
I have a few questions. I know how to cross stitch and that's where I get fuzzy! I bought a pattern and the directions are kind of confusing. It's done on 32 count Linen. Stitched (2 over 2). Stitch count of 165 X 279. I have the Linen but I have no idea what 2 over 2 is? And what that stitch count means to me? I have never worked on Linen either and I was wondering how this works. I know to begin at a vertical thread. But do I go over 2 vertical threads? Or one? I know this is a big project to handle. But I LOVE the pattern and i'm dying to get my hands on it. I just don't want to mess it up! LOL  
Thank you!
Amanda

Answer
Hi, Amanda. :)

2 over 2 means 2 floss threads stitched over 2 threads of linen or evenweave.  The size 165x279 means either 165 stitches wide or high, and 279 stitches wide or high.  You will be making a X over 2 threads of the fabric.  If you go over one thread using 2 strands of floss, you'll be creating a very small picture.  You'll need to make sure that you keep the stitching even and if necessary, stitch slowly in order to get the hang of it.  It's very simple to do.  I'm currently stitching a Teresa Wentzler's Fruit BellPull, which is stitched on linen, and it has a lot of color changes involved.  Sometimes, I just stitch one stitch with one color, and then the next couple of stitches are 2 colors, and then back to one stitch of another color, and so on.

Finding the center of the fabric will be the exact same as finding the the center of Aida cloth.  You just simply fold the fabric in half, and then half again the opposite direction, insert the needle in the center, open the fabric, and then there's your center. :)

I hope this has helped you.  If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. :)

Sincerely,
Angela