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I’m super excited to start my first HEAD and I absolutely love this pattern! I just downloaded the pattern but still need to purchase the fabric and threads. I noticed that the instructions do not mention how much is needed for each color. So, how do I know how much to buy? Any suggestions or advice?

Also, I sadly will not be able to start this project right away. I’m finishing up a birth sampler and I have a wedding sampler to do… but I wanted to post my question about the threads.

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What a lovely design that is. If you look at the Floss Usage Chart, go past the 2 pages with the symbols and page 3 and page 4 will give you an estimate of the number of skeins that you need. I didn't find them myself until I had downloaded my 2nd or 3rd chart.

Carole

Great design and there is a link under the picture from the link that you put here that has a floss usage chart on it, starting on page 3 of that pdf

You guys are awesome! The PDF I downloaded was missing the usage info… and I completely overlooked that it was on the webpage. Thank you!

I'm glad that helped!! That will make it so much easier to buy the needed threads!!

A lovely choice for your first project.

Good luck with yor first HAED!! I am looking forward to your updates

That's lovely. A pretty choice for your first HAED

It's going to be a gorgeous piece
Faith

Hello everyone,

I have ordered my threads and fabric, but I have a few questions before I begin. The only fabric I was able to get was 25ct white lugana (I’m hoping that will work ok- it seems pretty flimsy). The instructions say to cross-stitch over one using one or two threads. Does anyone have advice regarding how many threads I should use? I’m not sure if using two threads will make it look more defined, or if it will make it look too bold. Also, the HAED website recommends basting out each grid on the fabric. I have never done this, and wondered what others feel about this process. Sorry if I sound like such a newbie, but this is my first HEAD and I want to do it right!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I would test it on a small corner of the fabric if you don't have any extra to get a feel for what you prefer. My LOTR is 2 over 1 on 25 ct, but I don't know what fabric exactly. 1 over 1 gave poor coverage because of the black thread being so thin and there is a lot of black in my design. I'm sure there will be lots of others who can give you some idea of what has worked for them.
This is such a lovely design, I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on it.

Carole

Are you a member of the HAED bulletin board? If you are there is a section that shows all different counts of fabbys with differing thread counts too...just to give an idea to people. If not I would definately suggest testing out differing ways of stitching...there are many people who stitch HAEDs on 25cnt but they don't all use the same method or amount of threads....it really depends on your tension and your own personal preference....methods I've seen are 2 over 1 or 1 over 1 full cross and 2 over 1 or even 3 over 1 tent stitch. As far as I can see the more threads you use the bolder the colours will be...this is fine for some designs but on the designs that are reproductions of watercolours I think I would maybe use 1 thread to acheive a more subtle effect.

As for the laguna I should think it will work out just fine....I am using laguna for my altair and it's very robust and I love it!!

Personally I couldn't get on with 25cnt and after much testing and frustration I ended up restarting my first HAED on 28cnt using 2 over 1 tent. But having said that my newest start is 2 over 1 full cross on 20cnt and I LOVE it.... I think I may do my next one on 18cnt....the design will still have the same level of detail...it will just be bigger!

Good luck with your first HAED...feel free to ask any questions no matter how silly you think they may be....I have probably already asked the same thing too at some point!! But most importantly enjoy the process and please post some photos soon!