I usually use 2 strands of thread and a number 26 needle.

Hi,
I use a size 26 or size 28 needle, but usually a size 28 so it doesn't spread the fabric threads out of shape when the needle goes through. As for choosing one strand of floss or two, I suggest you experiment and stitch from 5-8 spaces on your fabric with one strand of floss, then stitch 5-8 spaces below the first row with 2 strands of floss and compare the two. Which do YOU like best regarding fabric coverage, etc.?

FYI: "scarletquince.com" website has wonderful tutorials and tips on crossing stitching. Also, there are always stitchers, both male and female, here on this chat message board that are always willing to help with questions you may have. ECS created and monitors this chat board. But I am not a ECS employee but one of the stitchers that saw your chat. :)

I don't have a lot of experience with linen, but I recently did a couple of kits with 28 ct. linen. The kits came with a size 24 needle. Being the chat room junkie that I am, I started out with a size 26 needle...lots of recommendations for this. Might have been cheap linen, but I HATED how my stitching looked. Also might have been irregularities in the linen I was responding to, but I ended up ripping out what I had done and beginning over with the size 24 needle. Much better. :)

Putting in my 2 cents to remind you that experienced stitchers can advise you, but it won't always work out for YOU...and its OK. :)

I also replaced the floss with DMC and used 2over 2...Happy times to you! :)

I would use three strands for 28-count, but I like a very solid square. I use three on 32- as well.

So, jsimonpurple, I know this sounds dumb, but do you stitch over 2? On higher count I stitch 1 over 1.

Yes, I stitch 3-over-2. 1-over-1 for faces.

However, I do have one project on 32- that I stitch 2-over-2. It is all one color, darker than the fabric. For that, it looks fine to my eye.