Going Bigger

[galifraygirl]

Hi, thanks to eyes that have deteriorated as much as the rest of my body, I am unable to see good enough to cross stitch on a 28 count fabric. I bought some 14 count fabric, but I'm unsure if I have to make any other changes like amount of threads I need to use?? Anything else that I can't think of right now?? It's been about 13 years since I last cross stitched anything!!

Thank you for any help!!

Ciao
Raye

[Serinde]

Welcome back to the grand world of Stitching! I'm assuming you have enough 14ct, since it translates exactly with 28ct. You shouldn't need more floss for the same reason, so I'd say you're set. Sorry about the eyes! Being born in Castle Times myself, I always make sure to have the best light I can plus a magnifier -- no pride allowed when stitching takes priority! If you know someone who is computer savvy, there are ways of importing scans of the design onto, say, a tablet or iPad and using the reader software to enlarge the pattern. (Just remember to delete them when you're finished, of course.) Or just a larger photocopy! I'm sure others will come up with other ideas.

Oh! and welcome to the forum from the West of Scotland!

[rcperryls]

Hello and welcome to the forum from South Carolina! Good light and a good magnifier are critically important for me. I like to stitch on 25 or 28 ct evenweaves and couldn't even think about it without my magnifying lamp. I also like to download my charts to my iPad so I can enlarge patterns, especially when symbols are tricky to make out. will do this even when I have a working copy printed out because sometimes I need a little extra help. As Serena says "no pride allowed when stitching takes priority". Sometimes I use the tablet completely. Depends on the chart. Stitching also is how I gauge when its time to get my eyes checked and a new prescription for my glasses. If I can't see clearly, have to get that taken care of asap. So my eye health depends on my stitching for diagnostic purposes too!

Carole

[bookknurd]

Even though I have really good eyesight now (I had lasik last fall), I still need good light for higher count fabrics, and sometimes I use a magnifier (like for my blackwork piece on 40ct or beading, etc).

When I was still wearing glasses/contacts, I needed those things even more so.

That being said, the most important thing is that you enjoy your time stitching. So you should use whatever fabric or lighting/magnification set up is most enjoyable for you.

[littleturtlegirl]

Welcome to the forum from Virginia!

I would love to see the magnifiers that everyone uses.

[fccs]

I would love to see the magnifiers that everyone uses.

I have this one (it can be a floor or table lamp):
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Daylight-Nat ... /203081056" target="_blank" target="_blank

And I have this clipon, plus one very similar with a light and slightly shorter neck:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Daylight-Nat ... /203081056" target="_blank" target="_blank It's perfect for clipping onto scroll frames, stretcher bars, Qsnaps, etc.

I also have this little one: http://www.joann.com/ottlite-6x-and-3x- ... e&start=23" target="_blank" target="_blank When I first started using it I really hated it, but once I got used to it, it does the trick when I want something light to clip onto my hoops. I only use the smaller of the two lenses because the bigger one tends to distort. It's cheaply made and the battery compartment cover is now taped on. Luckily, it was on sale and I had a coupon.

[fccs]

First, welcome to the forum and hello from Colorado.

That being said, the most important thing is that you enjoy your time stitching. So you should use whatever fabric or lighting/magnification set up is most enjoyable for you.

I agree with bookknurd.

Being born in Castle Times myself, I always make sure to have the best light I can plus a magnifier -- no pride allowed when stitching takes priority!

Castle Times - hahahaha...and ditto.

Yep...the only pride we should have is in the love of our hobby. Bring on the lights and magnifiers...I'm ready to stitch.

[galifraygirl]

Sweet!! Thanks everyone!! Soooo, if I get what you're saying....Don't have pride..(that went out when I started wearing sweatpant in public!!) I have enlarged the pattern, and I bought one of those magnifying doohickeys that hang around the neck....so yeah...pride gone...and cross stitch stocking awaits!!

So do I have it right that going from 28 count to 14 count fabric is straight across same?? I don't need to add fabric, double threads nothing like that??
Good, now I can start and fingers crossed it will be done by xmas!!

Thanks again ladies!!

[Rose]

If you are stitching over 2 on the evenweave then yes it is the same size.

[fccs]

Sweet!! Thanks everyone!! Soooo, if I get what you're saying....Don't have pride..(that went out when I started wearing sweatpant in public!!)

So do I have it right that going from 28 count to 14 count fabric is straight across same?? I don't need to add fabric, double threads nothing like that??

Yep, 14 count over 1 is the same as 28 count over 2. You're good to go. Be sure to share pictures of your WIP with us.