Help with fabric count

[sharayah]

I just got a package from my mother, who has pretty much given up on her cross stitching as she doesn't have time anymore. So, she has sent me all her old stuff, fabric, threads, all that.

I usually work between 14-18 count as it's comfortable for me, but I got a pattern from her of the Lavender & Lace Spring woman that I was very interested in doing. In addition, there is some beautiful fabric she sent called Silkweave, and I got two pieces of it, one Jelly Bean and one Cotton Candy. The only issue is that these are 28 count, the highest I've actually owned at this point in time.

Basically, I need some advice on how to go about stitching on this fabric, as I tried just my normal x, and it looks very bunched up. Do I use only one thread instead of two, or how does that work on the higher counts? Or is it just normal to have that "thicker" look because of the count?

Apologies for my ignorance on this subject, but I thought it better to ask instead of messing up this fabric. Thanks for any help!

[karen4bells]

Hello and welcome to the forum---what a lot of lovely things you have been gifted with.
As for stitching on the 28 count evenweave---you typically should stitch with 2 threads and stitch over 2---here is a link that should illustrate and explain it nicely for you

http://www.thecrossstitchguild.com/Cros ... weave.aspx

[Arianwen]

The first time I ever worked on an even weave I felt the same way. It just felt and looked really odd so I did a small amount and then put it to one side for years

First thing is to check your pattern instructions. that should tell you how many threads to use, and whether to stitch over one, or over two. Over one is a bit like stitching on aida - you move from one hole to the next but its much smaller than on aida and you have to be careful that your stitches sit right. over two LOOKS more like aida because the crosses are bigger but you have to miss a hole between each stitch. Your pattern should tell you what you need to do. If not one of the others might be able to help - I've never done a lavender and lace before.

I like working on evenweave because it makes fractional stitches etc much easier, but it does take some getting used to at first. Take a deep breath and just go for it.

[karen4bells]

Another good idea is to use a small piece of evenweave to practice on---that will make it a lot easier when you decide to stitch the Lavender and Lace design

[sharayah]

Thanks for the great advice! I took another look at the pattern instructions and it says stitch 2 over 2, so I'm guessing that means to stitch 2 strands over...?

I took a look at the instructional webpage that was shown, and it looks like you start in one hole, go up diagonally one more than usual, and then skip a hole between stitches. Does that cause problems in the overall pattern where the fabric shows through? And is that the stitching over 2 second half of the instructions, or is that something different?

[MaggieM1750]

Stitching 2 over 2 means 2 strands of floss over 2 strands of fabric threads. On 28 count, over 2 will give you same size Xs as stitching on 14ct aida.

But yes, it sounds as you are doing it correctly. You will have 1 empty hole in the middle between each leg of your cross. Because of the empty holes, it makes for doing fractional stitches easier. Doing 3/4 stitch on aida, you need to make a hole in the middle of a block. With evenweave, the hole is already there.

[Allyn]

Along with the great advice that's already been offered, I would add that, when stitching over 2 on an evenweave, you want to make sure you start the X in the right hole or the floss could end up sliding under the weave and disappearing. Karen's link shows it done correctly, but doesn't point it out.

This link has a better description than I could give, so I'll let it do the talking for me:
http://www.better-cross-stitch-patterns ... reads.html" target="_blank

[karen4bells]

Along with the great advice that's already been offered, I would add that, when stitching over 2 on an evenweave, you want to make sure you start the X in the right hole or the floss could end up sliding under the weave and disappearing. Karen's link shows it done correctly, but doesn't point it out.

This link has a better description than I could give, so I'll let it do the talking for me:
http://www.better-cross-stitch-patterns ... reads.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

That's a really great link, Allyn!!!