Hi Cory,
What do you mean by, "doesn't look quite right?" What is the fabric count linen you've used in the past? Not all linen fabric has even threads; like fiddler's cloth has a rustic look related to the threads not being even.
Also, a lot of stitchers stitch "over TWO" on linen, depending on the size of the finished project they want.

Cory, You have probably seen my posting about Santa of the Forest. I used 32 count raw linen for that, as the pattern recommended. The "secret" is to take your time. Raw linen has very narrow strands and then some with thicker spots along the strand. Mine was 2 over 2 stitches. So, I had to be careful to constantly make sure my stitches were lining up correctly as I went. The finished product is rewarding because of the "old appearance" it gives. I will give my eyes a break now. My next project on linen will be 28 count!! Keep trying, you will get the hang if it, I am sure.

I'd never thought I'd say this but here goes - I used a hoop for the first time yesterday. What a difference. I was so opposed to using hoops because when I tried before, like 20 years ago, I had such a difficult time. Now I recommend using either a hoop or frame. I'll do the larger ones on a frame. I already made up my mind.
Cory, your stitches will look somewhat irregular on linen. As jersey has explained the uneven weave will cause that. Are you using a hoop/frame. It helps pull the fabric taut and makes stitching so much easier and the appearance is like night and day.
Have you completed a linen project and washed and ironed it? Start out with something small and get used to it before despairing. We all have adjustment periods when we change fabrics.
Good luck and keep us posted.

Texas Stitcher, Three cheers for you!! I am so glad you tried using a hoop again. I don't know what I would do without a hoop/frame. It makes me see the "straightness" of everything so much better. I am glad you are pleased.
Now I want to bring up a sensitive subject and that is your chair that has been on order forever. Last year, we went up to a Lazy-Boy store just before you cross the bridge into Philadelphia. My husband found a chair that he just loved. They told us it would take a week or two to have it delivered. Then the young man told us......"Of course, if you want to drive over the bridge to Wilmington, DE, you can go tomorrow and just pick it up at the warehouse" (which we did). What I am getting at is....do you have a family member you could ask (bribe with lunch or something) to take you to pick up the chair? Chances are real good it is sitting in a warehouse. What we learned is...they wait until they have a "full" truckload to bring deliveries into South Jersey. The distribution center was just over the Delaware Memorial bridge which is a 45 minute ride for us. We went the next morning and got home by 11:00. Sounds to me like they are dragging this out too long...you gave Cory good advice about practicing on something small first!!

TEXAS -- I guess that you can teach an old stitcher new tricks. Congratulations on trying something and liking it.

Thanks, Nancye.

Now if I could just teach an old dog new tricks!!!! LOL

jersey, I ordered the chair in the material of my choice. I also bought one for my daughter and she picked her material. They are getting away from the swivel/rocker/recliner versions and have to retool their factory. I can't remember where they are made at. I want to say NC. He said that it shouldn't take more than 6 to 8 weeks, worst case scenario 12 weeks. If all goes well then we'll be short 2 weeks of the 12 week time frame. We got plain recliners, swivel/rocker motion makes me dizzy. It's a modern looking model, if you can call their products that. After my experience with Ethan Allen (I love their styles so much but their customer service bites as does the craftsmanship - I want to almost cry that I don't trust them to shop their products any longer), I decided to go with comfort! I remain positive and don't mind waiting if it turns out to be a good job.
Thank you for your tip. I had no idea that they have these items sitting around warehouses while customers wait for weeks. Not to mention the delivery fees. Can you believe this? Our daughter lives across the street and two houses down and they are charging me $90 each for delivery. Even though they are being delivered on the same day? Bren's husband has had three knee surgeries, my husband is old and sick and we really don't know anyone we would feel comfortable asking to take one of the chairs to the other house. It is what it is but I think that's a rip off. If it's paid for by the same person and delivered to the same street on the same day, they could be nice and only charge $45 per chair.

cory- maybe you'd be more satisfied if you used Lugana or Jobelan, something that looks linen-ish but makes the stitches more even than linen. Also, if you have fractional stitches, it's the easiest thing going! You have to watch your back side (so to speak) but you get a great, even result. Have you tried those fabrics?

Valerie, great suggestions. I agree totally. I went from Aida to Lugana, then linen. Now I go back and fourth but always over two because the fractional stitches are so easy. I love Jobelin because of it's softness.

The secret of loving linen is the southwest corner of an upright thread. True for all evenweaves. What this means is:

Focus on a vertical thread at your starting point. You will notice holes, below the horizonal thread & above. Start your cross stitch in the hole to the LEFT of the upright/vertical thread AND BELOW the crosswise/horizontal thread. This supports your stitches & keeps them neat.

Don't worry about the thickness difference in linen threads. The mind's eye evens them out. I've been happy with the 28 ct & 32 ct sold at ECS. Wichelt. Another good company is Zweigart.