2 or 3 threads for 14 count

[Mischief50]

I do mostly 14 count.ocassionally 16 but find smaller too frustrating. For 14 count fabric most patterns recommend 2 strands of floss; I find the coverage looks a little skimpy, not as full. Does anyone use 3.. And does it work well, especially when adding back stitch? I am concerned about being too tight to add back stitching.

I am just getting back into stitching and am learning a lot from all of you talented ladies!!

Thanks...

[curly sue]

I suggest you do some test stitches on a small piece of fabric to see which you prefer. I have started doing that recently and find it quite helpful. I stitch on 14 aida generally. I haven't used 3 strands but I wouldn't rule it out. I try to get my 2 strands to be parallel and that helps with the coverage for me.

Welcome back to stitching!

[Allyn]

I agree, do some test stitches. For me, three works on 14 ct aida if you want better coverage. Even if they're laying flat, sometimes two just doesn't cover as well. It can work well with the design, though. With two strands, you can see the Xs and that can lend itself to a 'rustic country' look.

[Rose]

I generally work on 14 count and I PERSONALLY do not think it looks rustic. I PERSONALLY think it covers well for most projects but on the darker colors 3 may be better. It is totally a personal preferance and testing a 10X10 square will let you know what YOU like best.

[Mischief50]

What a great idea....and common sense to try it out both ways. I am stitching Winnie the Pooh Storytime...my biggest project yet...and want to get it "right" if there is such a thing. Thank you for the input!!!

[fccs]

I've always used two strands for 14 count and have never been disappointed. Let us know what you decided and be sure to put up pics of your progress on Pooh.

[Allyn]

,,,and want to get it "right" if there is such a thing. ...

There's no such thing. "Right" is what you decide looks best for your project.

[Drac]

I agree with those saying that what is "right" is what comes out looking the way you want. Best advice anyone here can give!

My personal thoughts: Three strands would probably be too much for 16ct (dependent on your taste and the visual effect you want to achieve) but when I still worked with 14ct a lot, I did sometimes stitch it with 3 strands to get a thicker coverage from the floss. I never had problems with it being too tight for backstitching. That said, I prefer working with two strands, which is part of the reason I prefer 18ct (36ct over two in linen) for most things now. It gives me the coverage I like while still working with two strands. Anything larger than 14ct (I've stitched a few sweatshirts in 12ct) I always stitch with three strands for exactly the reason you say... Looks thin, looks skimpy, not enough coverage.

Curly Sue brought this up and I'll point it out again because I think it's really brings up the quality of anyone's stitching from "good" to "even better!": Make sure you're making "railroad tracks" with your floss. Long ago, that was what I was taught to get better coverage from the floss and it amounts to making sure your floss isn't twisted. Each time you lay down a leg of your X's, make sure the two strands of floss in the stitch lay directly side by side without crossing over each other.

(As a side note, making those "railroad tracks" is essential to creating the right look for any project that calls for using two different colors together. That kind of floss blending is something that Wentzler adored to do, so I had to get very used to it very early in my participation in this hobby. )

[Mischief50]

Thanks...I think I am going to stitch my Pooh on 16 with 2 strands. Tried the 2 and 3 on 14 and just didn't feel right. Hopefully my eyes will survive! I do try to get the railroad tracks but even with letting the floss untwist I seem to get twists. Maybe with experience it will get easier. I separate the strands then bring them back together when threading needle so that helps...but guess the secret is just being aware!

Thanks for all the good advice....

[BethK]

Both of my Orenco Design projects were 2 strands on 14-count white aida. Once they were washed and blocked, the white of the aida didn't really through in a noticeable/distracting way.