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I've picked up my Hardanger again and I'm really enjoying it. (pictures of stuff ASAP!!...got to get D/H away from his building projects to take )

So! Question!!

I've been using 22count Hardanger fabric and I see that Mabel uses 25 count Lugana or similar.
So! Do I stitch over 1 thread or 2? How do I stop the threads disappearing if over 1?

I want to use more coloured fabric and 22count Hardanger comes in boring white or cream versions only. I might try dying some, but it's the 25count stuff that has prettier colours, hence the question. I have got some here to try.

I'm sure this has been covered before ( I know the disappearing threads has cos I found that!) but I haven't been able to locate it.

Will I do?

22ct fabric, whether Hardanger or Oslo, is stitched over pairs of threads -- that's how the fabric is woven. Use Pearl 5 and 8 (or similar).

25ct fabric, like lugana, or a higher count fabric (28, 32, etc) is stitched over a single thread. Use Pearl 8 and 12 (or similar).

I'm no one where hardanger is concerned - but I stitch Mabel's designs on her recommended 25ct lugana with #5 and #8 perles (or equivalents) and love it! As your kloister blocks are stitched over 4 there isn't a problem with slippage and any other stitches that I have used so far (rhodes/eyelets/rice etc) were over 4. Problems with slippage (may) only occur if you are stitching over 1 on evenweaves (like with HAEDs) - in which case it is sometimes better to complete crosses one at a time, making sure you start the second "leg" of the cross horizontally from where your needle went down, e.g:

1 2
3 4

as I always start in the bottom left my first leg would be 3 to 2 and my second 1 to 4 (not 4 to 1 as this might cause the thread to slip under the weave).

Apologies if TMI!

wendywombat wrote:... Do I stitch over 1 thread or 2? How do I stop the threads disappearing if over 1?

I myself am still a beginner at hardanger. Only have been doing it a year or so.
Just as Amanda said...I cannot think of a hardanger stitch that is over just one thread.

Patterns are often charted so that one square = 2 threads. Makes the pattern smaller.. but you have to pay attention when doing satin stitches to verify where your stitch is supposed to start and end.

Klosters are over 4, blanket edging is over a minimum of 3. Satin stitched ships/ tulips/ diamonds.. whatever you want to call them.. the begining stitch can be over 1 or 2.. but as your working on a diagonal to get to your next needle position, it won't slip under the weave of fabric.

Serinde wrote:Will I do?

22ct fabric, whether Hardanger or Oslo, is stitched over pairs of threads -- that's how the fabric is woven. Use Pearl 5 and 8 (or similar).

25ct fabric, like lugana, or a higher count fabric (28, 32, etc) is stitched over a single thread. Use Pearl 8 and 12 (or similar).

Yes of course!

I forgot that kloster blocks are done over 4 threads!

I'll give my 25 count a try later, meanwhile I've been stitching several things on my 22count Hardanger fabric!
I shall have to find some Pearl 12 too. I think there's some I bought in error one time.

Still need to pin D/H and his trusty camera down to photo my finished things.

Thank you all girls! Very helpful...that's what I like about the Forum...always someone there Who Knows!

Sorry to come in late -- I'm only dropping in after a weekend away and before being off to Holland tomorrow
Anyway, fortunately there are plenty of people around to help out!
Just a brief note about "over 1" -- on Hardanger fabric I haven't found it a problem, on Oslo and Lugana occasionally.
If the design has cross stitch ove rone in it and you experience "slippage", stitch so as follows:



that is to say make sure that when you travel from the first half of your stitch to the second half, the journey lies parallel to the top thread of the intersection that your cross stitch is covering.
Hope that makes sense!

Thanks Mabel for the update on slippage!

I remembered after I'd 'posted' that you were out having Fun With Austins!
But as you say...plenty of good advice and I'm really getting on now!

Have a great time in Holland!