Hey there, just a quick couple of questions.
1) When you do cross stitch in dark colours (black for example) and you are working on white material, how do you stop the material showing through, between the Xs
2) I have a new project to start but I have to cut my own material. I was wondering if someone would be able to help me do this? I have the pattern and everything, just wondering how much room I should have either side
1) there are several ways of doing this. One is to use an extra strand for the dark colours, so if you would normally use 2 strands, use 3 strands instead. ANother way is to use slightly looser tension, so don't pull the thread very tightly but leave the thread to sit a bit more loosely on the fabric, that will "plump up" the thread and make coverage better.
2) If it's a large project, or one that will need framing, I'd cut at least 2 but probably 3 incheas extra on all sides. If it's a small project that will go into a card, I cut as little as I can get away with
yeah it is to be framed, as its for my friends birthday present.
I will try that with the threads, is it noticable that I would be using 3 strands instead of 2?
Mozza, if you use 3 strands for the dark colours only, it will probably be noticeable (you could do a small sample to make sure); if you're worried about that, use three strands throughout and it will not only give good coverage on the dark colours, it will also make the other colours really zing
I never start a project without consulting that calculator first! It is wonderful for people who are mathematically challenged like me you just plug in the stitch count, the count of the fabric & it tells you how much to use!
I always use 3 strands of black and I don't think it noticeably stands out. About half way down this page is a close up of one I'm doing at the moment. Hope this helps.
Edit - I should add that I tried two strands and I thought it looked just terrible!!
Many years ago cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
In the "Internet Sites" thread there a a couple of different calculator sites that are very handy to use. I think the one Slinky gave you a link to is ther as well as a few others. They are very handy.
If you are looking for some one to help change you, look in the mirror
I do most of my projects on an off white fabric and all on 18ct. I always use 3 strands for the entire project because I hate having the white poke through. It seems to work perfect for that.
Kerri Current WIP:
HAED Chessie-10,200 of 90,300 - 11%
HAED Catch a Falling Star-8,900 of 203,900 - 4%
HAED Wrath-46,630 of 240,000 - 19% http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerbear879/sets/
you just plug in the stitch count, the count of the fabric & it tells you how much to use!
Many years ago cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
