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I would be grateful for a little advice on my issue...

I actually had a spare couple of hours last night so I managed to do a couple of hours on the princess Leia chart I have just started. The chart is designed to be stitched on 14 count with 2 threads but now I have started doing her hair, which is black, you can see a lot of white fabric through the stitching. I haven't worked on anything as big as 14 count in ages, and certainly nothing as big as this chart so I wondered - in your experiences, when designs are finished, does it all end up blending in and make the fabric less obvious?

I didn't really want to have to go down to 16/18 count because I don't have the money to buy more fabric at the moment and I won't use the 14 count for anything so it will be a bit of a waste. Would using 3 threads at a time be a good idea or would it just end up looking too bulky?

All ideas appreciated!

The black thread is the thinnest and hardest to get coverage on in any count (IMHO). I am using a ton of it on 25 ct and 2 strands does cover that. I have not done much in 14 ct, but I think that I used 3 strands on the few projects that I did as 2 strands really didn't cover it. If you haven't done much on this project, I would do a few test stitches on the edges of the fabric to see if the coverage is more to your liking. I'd test several colors though to make sure it is not just the black. Many stitchers prefer to use Anchor thread for the black. If I ever have a piece with a lot of black that is what I intend to do.

Carole

I agree with Carole.. black has a habit of being a troublemaker when it comes to showing the fabric.. I don't really have too much of an issue with it when it's all said and done.. a quick wash and some ironing usually sets things right for me..
Faith

I'll agree with what has already been said and will add that I am currently working on a darth cookies design and I'm using Anchor black on this one and it is a noticeable difference--it's covering much better than the DMC does!!

If you are unhappy with the way black is covering with 2 strands Instead of unpicking get a single strand and either do a single strand same way as top stitch Or single cross stitch on the top

Thank you everyone. I'll nip out and get some Anchor tomorrow and give that a go. Hopefully that and the wash and iron as suggested will make it right.

I was so looking forward to starting it that hitting a problem straight away was rather annoying. It's my first black and grey piece so i'm anxious about it anyway - I normally do bright pieces.

Black thread is thinner. This is a question I asked a short time ago.
Are you making sure your 2 strands are lying parallel to one another? Sometimes if they are twisted the coverage isn't as good.

I'm trying to. I'm quite bad for twisting my needle so i've been trying to take my time over it.

Have you tried rail roading Putting needle between threads on the up as well as down

or a laying tool

Reta wrote:Have you tried rail roading Putting needle between threads on the up as well as down

or a laying tool

Also dangling the needle every few stitches to let the thread untwist should help.

Thank you for all your help. The Anchor definitely looks better so I am going to carry on with that then give it a wash and iron. And I am dangling the needle regularly.

Not sure I could get on with a laying tool as well but i'll give it a go if needs be.

Hopefully she will look beautiful in the end