Fabric size and changing it
I am new to cross stitching and have done only a couple of patterns. My question is about the concerns of working with a small count of fabric. I have only worked with 24 count and wonder about the difficulty level of working with smaller counts such as 35 count Cornsilk Linen. Can I double the size to a larger count and still have a nice looking completed project? If doubled, as above, will I have to adjust the amount of floss? What is the difference in working with a linen and working with Aida?
Posted by: Ohio Stitcher on 12/11/16
Replies:
Most patterns calling for very small count fabric call for stitching over two threads instead of one (there are some exceptions, so make sure you read carefully!) Linen and evenweave have narrower, more "natural" looking weaving that often isn't completely and totally even, whereas aida, fiddlers cloth etc have very defined "squares" that are made for cross stitching and it is intended that you will stitch over one.

So, when you have a pattern calling for 28 count linen over two, it will stitch to the same finished pattern size on 14 count aida over one. If you want to convert a pattern from a linen count to an aida, and want it to remain the same size, you just have to halve the count - 32 count linen to 16 count aida and so on. Sometimes that won't work exactly, such as with 35 count, but you can get pretty close.
by: craftydivakat on 12/11/16
Thank you for your reply. One more clarification in your explanation would be when you say over two, does that mean both 2 squares vertically and horizontally (making a total of 4 squares to be cross stitched over? As I said, I am relatively new and I'm sure my questions show it! :)
by: Ohio Stitcher on 12/11/16
Yes, Ohio, that's what it means. To answer your other question - if you increase the size then it will require additional floss. So be careful when ordering kits since there is a finite amount of floss included.
by: Texas Stitcher on 12/11/16