Page 1 of 1
Help with 40 count Linen
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:05 am
by ExLibris
Hello, I'm new to the forum but I've been stitching for a number of years, including working on linen. I recently decided to start a project on 40 count linen, which I've never done before, but I am unsure about the number of threads to use. I'll be working with DMC floss over two and am not sure if using 2 threads will be too bulky or if using 1 thread will give me enough coverage?
How many threads do you all use when working over 2 on 40 count linen??
Re: Help with 40 count Linen
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 4:34 am
by MaggieM1750
I am currently working over 1 on 28 ct with 1 strad of floss.
I would think 2 on 40 ct would be too bulky for me to work with.
Re: Help with 40 count Linen
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 4:47 am
by kimkat_tkl
Working over 2 on 40ct would be the equivalent to a 20ct. I haven't actually used a 20ct but on both 18ct and 22ct I use 2 strands, so I guess I would also use 2 strands on 20ct and on 40ct over 2.
Re: Help with 40 count Linen
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:09 am
by rcperryls
I've never worked on it but I would try both on either a scrap piece or on the edges of the fabric which won't be any part of the finished piece so that you can decide which you like best. I think it depends a lot on how tight you stitch. I use 2 threads on 18 and 20 ct fabric (only did 20 ct one time) and have used 1 thread over 1 on 22 ct and like the coverage but think 1 thread is better on 25 or 28 ct. Testing for me is the key.
Carole
Re: Help with 40 count Linen
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:59 am
by Mrs Milkybar Kid
I'm with Carole - test your stitching on a piece of the fabric in both one and two strands (I've seen samples of work stitched both ways). Everyone's stitching is different and it depends on whether you like a fuller or more delicate look to your piece. One or two strands - the right answer is what ever looks best to you!
Re: Help with 40 count Linen
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:10 pm
by ExLibris
Thanks for all the answers, I appreciate it since I was getting such mixed messages from my google searches.
I think I'll have to take your suggestion to stitch a little test section on the edge of the fabric and then decide. I guess my fear is that I'll make one decision and then after a bunch of stitching decide I don't like the look of it and end up frogging everything.
The pattern I'm doing is Lavender & Lace Mother's Tree so I want it to be beautiful since it will hopefully be an heirloom piece.