looks like a counted cross stitch pattern. if you want to try counted cross stitch I would suggest you start with some thing smaller to try it out first

Heaven and Earth Designs., even small ones, will be very detailed, with lots of color changes. There's a supply list if you like the challenge. Ask Cutomer Svs about the fabric. You'll want 3" extra on each side for mounting and centering.

Hi

This pattern was stitched over one thread on 25 ct white linen or evenweave and done by DMC floss
Count of the stitches are 150 X 127. Have fun

We are not employees of ECS, but a chat group of enthusiastic stitchers who enjoy helping others with our hobby. Most of us do counted cross stitch, but we welcome stamped cross stitchers and have some in our group. We don't discriminate about stitching preferences. We all started somewhere. When I made the switch to counted from stamped, I was a bit scared at first, but I really wanted to make beautiful pieces and there is so much more available in designs/patterns, fabrics and floss!

You have picked a huge and complex pattern for an initial project. I would be afraid to do this one, even after more than 60 years of this hobby! It covers the entire fabric, has many, many color changes. It is, of course, gorgeous! I would like to suggest that you start with a KIT that you like that has 14 count fabric, so you can see how to stitch from a graphed design, learn to count your stitches and also pick a dssign without too many color changes. I know you might feel that we're being negative, but we all began slowly and fell in love with this. Some of us can stitch on very fine linen, some on the 14, 16 or 18 count aida cloth that has even squares. Some do huge projects that take months or years, others content with faster finishes.

Feel free to join us whenever you wish. We do enjoy answering questions and helping "newbies". You decide what you want to do and go for it! There are no cross stitch police, so do something to enjoy. It is a great hobby that is very portable.

Do call customer service during business hours (they are in Ohio). They are wonderful and can help you you choose to go with a pattern and buy it, floss and fabric (not a kit). Phone # is
800-800-8517

Hi Writer,
I agree with the other stitchers with learning counted cross stitch with a counted cross stitch kit. That way you'll have everything including the instructions on how to learn counted cross stitch. Already you have been cross stitching for years so learning counted cross stitching is not going to be difficult. A suggestion is to buy a simple kit AND IF YOU REALLY LOVE THIS IRIS DESIGN, buy it for the near future where you'll be comfortable doing this!
It's ok to be nervous about learning counted; I was very nervous but a wonderful cross-stitch shop owner said to me YEARS ago, "If you know how to make an "X" and you know how to count,you'll be successful." I started with kits that were not counted and got frustrated with the kits related to lack of fabric. running out of floss, etc. My first counted cross stitch project was a small (4 floss colors max.) angel kit on 14-count aida. That was over 30 years ago. Now I do 28-count on fabric I choose and have two Heaven and Earth Designs titled, "Loves Me Not" and "Sacred Hour" in progress.
You don't have to do counted cross stitch, but it does open up a whole new world of fabrics, fabric colors, different flosses, etc. The experienced stitchers on this "chat" are very willing to help answers your questions and give you stitching (and emotional support, especially when you have to "frog") advice.
We DO have MEN and WOMEN stitchers on this chat who are very much experienced stitchers.
Welcome to the Chat! PS: Everything Cross Stitch has an EXCELLENT Customer Service if you ever need help on that end. I am NOT an employee of ECS, just a cross stitcher like the others on this chat! :)

I mostly dislike kits...picking out a simple design by LIZZIE KATE or another small design with all supplies listed on the product page is also an option. :) They have some lovely kits...I just don't USUALLY get them for a variety of reasons. YouTube is full of bogus stuff that is mostly self-promotion from what I can tell...a good published book with drawings or pictures is an excellent way to learn--at least it will give you enough knowledge to know what questions you need to ask. These people will get you past most any problem/question...they are amazing! :)