18ct versus 22ct?

[BizzieLizzie]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of doing some future projects in 22ct, using two strands of DMC over 1. The highest count I've worked with so far is 18 and I'm just wondering what your experiences are of progressing from 18ct to 22ct, which you prefer and why, etc. I know 22ct would make the picture smaller (the patterns are mostly 400x300 stitches) and I might need a magnifier, but I like the idea of the better floss coverage and the blending effect of smaller stitches.

Any comments or advice, please?

[Mabel Figworthy]

Hardanger fabric (which I assume you are talking about) is a great "transfer" from aida to evenweaves/higher counts. I find it lovely to work on, and have used both 1 and 2 strands depending on the effect I was after. If you are doing cross stitch over one, do get Hardanger not Oslo fabric -- Oslo is mercerised and therefore floppier/less stiff, and the working thread can disappear underneath the fabric threads.

[BizzieLizzie]

That's really helpful - thanks, Mabel. I did wonder what the difference was between Hardanger and Oslo, so you've saved me from a potentially costly mistake!!