hello..can anybody tell me how to get the best coverage? i cant stand seeing the white through the stitches..would it help if i used more strands of thread??

The coverage will vary depending on the size of your fabric and what you like. The pattern usually suggests something such a as 2 or 3 strands. If you don't like your coverage you can change it and either add or take away a strand. That may change the amount of thread you need, but many charts that are on a 14 count Aida may look better with 3 strands or depending on your stitching I imagine 4 might make sense. Also different colors of thread may be thinner or thicker. DMC black (310) is notorious for being thin. In this forum on tips and tricks is a glossary and if you scroll down there is a section about fabrics and thread use. There is probably even more around here. I know I have had a number of threads about coverage on different sizes. The best thing to do is to test it on your fabric and see what you like best. In time you will get a feel for yourself. There really aren't any rules for this or for cross stitching in general except perhaps to have fun and enjoy your stitching.

Carole

Thank u very much carole that was very helpful

I find using the right needle size helps

http://www.crossstitchneedleshop.co.uk/needlesizeguide.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

Also remember when its framed and hung it will look different as you will not be able to see through it

I did not think of that thank u reta

How much thread and what count fabric you use will make the most difference. I prefer the higher counts as I also prefer working with 2 strands, I find that gives the best coverage. For 14count I'd use more thread to get the same level of coverage.

Also, a laying tool or railroading will help with better coverage.
Because by doing either method, your threads lay parallel to eachother, not
twisted, which fills up the space better.

If you hate hate the white poking through, try a different color fabric. A soft grey, or pale pale tan don't seem to have as much peeking through as bright white does. Or even try an antique white.

And like Carole said, DMC black is thin, so from tips others have said on this forum, I use Anchor whenever there is black in the body of a design I am working on.

Thank u all so much your suggestions are very helpful ...btw what is a laying tool or railroading??

Here's a link to a site about using a laying tool

http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-materials/laying-tools/

There is lots of other info on that site as well.

The girls are right, play around with different fabric counts and types and different threads.

I generally use DMC because it's readily available but I almost always switch fabric out to a smaller count to get better coverage and always use a colour that makes a good background - smaller finished piece but I'm happier with the coverage that way.

Thank u

I just heard about the 'laying tool' and appreciate the comments / info here... this will help me with a needlepoint Santa standup I'm doing that uses a lot of 'needlepoint rayon' (Neon Rays). Thanks all!