Marlene, you want 3" at the top, 3" at the bottom, 3" on the right side and 3" on the left side. The size you mentioned will be too small.

You need 24"x29" for 14 ct fabric....You need 3" to EACH SIDE and 3" each to TOP AND BOTTOM.....
18+3(left side)+3(right side)=24
23+3(top)+3(bottom)=29

OH!!!! I've been doing it WRONG all theses years!!! I was taught to just add 3" to each of the numbers - 18x23 - and gives you your margin for framing!!!! Omg now I'm wondering about the ones completed, framed and given away!!!!! 😳


Thanks ladies! You're the GREATEST!!!

So, I guess I'm going to try to grid my cloth I have...........Vcess: any tips on HOW. Where do I start? Left side and mark every 10 lines horizontally the do vertical?
Or do I start in center of cloth? Starting in center kinda confuses me.

There is a how-to grid video on the R & S website.http://www.rseasycount.com/

Marlene, I fold my fabric into quarters, using the intersecting folds as the center. I am sure there a lot of ways to do this, I'll tell you how I do it because this is quickest for me....I don't do a lot measuring, marking, or "pre-work"--I am L A Z Y.

I cut lots of lengths of the red line about 4 inches longer than the width of the fabric. I start at the third space to the left of vertical center, on the center-fold.....under 4 spaces, over 6, under 4, and so on to about 2 inches from the left edge. I end with the line on the bottom....not important. Turn the fabric over, 're-thread your needle with the remaining length and take it down on 6, up on 4. I do the same thing with vertical axis. I go to the left from center because I am right handed, I don't have to do a lot of counting and figuring, and it feels awkward going to the right. Every time you have to count, it's a chance for error, so if I can get away with it, I don't. :) Weird hobby for me to pick, huh?

When I have my axis, I double check the lines for counting errors, and begin my horizontal lines, using the center as my pattern. I work down from the center; turn it over and work the "upper half" down from the center. Then I do the verticals, working horizontally, and exactly like I did the horizontals.

I double check everything FREQUENTLY....bc I'm not very bright and the repetitive 6 and 4 sometimes dims my bulb to brownout. :) Good luck....be fast!

I apologize if this is clear as mud....it is hard to explain easy stuff! And you know that everybody has a faster, surer, smarter way....and I'm all for that! :)

Marlene....this is how I grid with the red line...fold your fabric in half lengthwise then in half width wise. Where the two folds meet is the center. You can mark this spot with a piece floss to be removed later. Now you can decide if you are going to grid.the whole piece of fabric or just the immediate design area. I did just the immediate design area to save product.
Next cut.a piece of line about 2 1/2 the length or width of fabric you will be using. When you get the center lines established count ten squares over from the center and and start weaving 6 over and 4 under. Keep repeating this for both horizontal and vertical directions until the area you want is gridded
When you order the easy count guide line it comes with instructions and pictures. I hope this helps somewhat. Good luck and have fun!!
Sydney

Ok, I read your instructions- Vcess & sydneyG - watch he'd the video - sunshine - and I think I get it!

However, I do have that product which is why I've been looking for the Magic Guide.

But........IF I WAS to pre grid my cloth, I'd use my washable marker! (visible in pic of Lavendar Rose) so would I basically do it the same way? Starting w/the axis lines the marking (with a firm straight edge!!!) every 10th "line"?

Gosh that's SO labor intensive!!!! 😬 I too am L A Z Y!!!!! 😎

I love the "red fishing line" to grid my material. It prevents me from making mistakes so the time it takes to do the gridding is time saved from having to rip out and redo stitching mistakes.

I know some don't like the time it takes to grid. I didn't at first. I was anxious to get stitching. Well, I've learned to trick myself. Before I finish the current project I'm working on, I slowly start the process of griding my next project. I do it a little at a time and as a break from my regular stitching. I find it is best for me to do while watching TV because I need to keep my hands busy while watching. Also gridding doesn't take as much concentration as stitching does.

I start gridding from the middle out, as some of you have mentioned, for my big projects. Or of it is a small project and I know that I have plenty of material, I will start three or so inches in from the edge and count how many blocks of 10 that I will need from the pattern. Once completed, I feel comfortable starting my stitching anywhere, and I even hop around stitching different areas. I just make tripple sure that I have counted over the correct number of squares to match the pattern.

I love it and the roll lasts a very long time. After three years, I'm now starting my second roll of guideline. With the first roll, I did four big pictures and more than ten 5 by 9 or so smaller pictures.

I will cry if they ever quit making this product. Adele. (I have two stashed away just in case-- my Hobby Lobby had them in their clearance area for $2.15 each. I bought all four and gave one to a friend, who loves it.)