HAED fabric query

[annamarie23]

I've got my HAED mini Camelot design that I'd like to start. I've read that you can stitch the HAED's on any fabric count but I'd like to start on a 25 count as the design recommends. I've never stitched on a 25 count before so before I go ahead and buy any fabric, can anyone tell me if 25 count aida and 25 count evenweave give the same finished appearance? I'm just thinking if I've never worked on evenweave before then an aida might be the best place to start. I'll be gridding to stitch the piece.

All help and advice greatly appreciated. xx

[natural_isis]

Congrats on starting your first Haed! Regarding your question, I don't think aida comes in 25 ct. I have seen and used 20 ct, and 22ct hardanger, but I've only seen 25 ct in evenweave. If you're a member of the Haed board, you might want to check out the Fabric Tips section of the board. Also I would suggest getting some small pieces of different fabrics and experimenting with numbers of strands, tenting vs. full cross, etc. Find the method and fabric that works for you. You'll be spending a lot of hours with this project and it so much easier if you enjoy it. I know it may seem overwhelming at first, but its just one stitch at a time. You will love seeing the picture with all its lovely detail coming to life under your needle.
Having said that, welcome to the addiction and we want to see lots of pics.

Liz

[LadyS]

The suggestion they make with the 25 ct is to stitch it over 1 thread, meaning you wouldn't jump a thread as you normally would on evenweave (so it's similar to stitching on Aida) If you stitched it on 25 ct over 2 threads, the size would be similar to a 12 ct Aida, which would make the design very very large.

I would definitely try getting some samples of different fabrics to see what you're most comfortable with. I do see a lot of people stitching HAEDs on 18 or 20ct Aida, though.

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

Liz and Laura give you spot on advice! It really is worth taking the time to test different count materials/thread combos - as any stitcher that has made the painful decision to restart a HAED due to fabric/coverage problems will tell you! TBH if a poll was taken on what count fabric HAED stitchers use, I'm pretty sure there would be more stitchers that don't use 25ct than do. Just because 25ct is the recommended count does not mean that your finished piece will not look as good if you stitch it on something else - it will look amazing whatever you stitch it on! I've stitched my QSs on 18ct and my Mini and soon to be started BAP on 28ct 2 over 1 tent stitch - so don't feel you have to go with the flow, do what is best for you! Donna at Cross Stitch Heaven will send out fabric samples in a few counts for you to practice on for only the cost of postage - their site seems to be down at the mo so I can't link to it sorry.

If you haven't already I would definitely recommend joining the HAED BB as it is the best place to go for anything to do with HAED stitching. There is an amazing amount of information there, and worth joining for that, even if you only lurk!

[Lessa54]

Everyone's given you great advice, I can only add from my own experience that testing out thread combos is a really good idea. Most HAEDs are recommended stitched 2 over 1 on 25ct, but I and many people find that too tight to stitch comfortably. I'm doing my BAP 1 over 1 full cross on 25ct and my BB SAL piece 2 over 1 tent on 28ct.

[Reta]

Link for fabric samples

http://www.cross-stitch-heaven.co.uk/ev ... 4497-p.asp" target="_blank

[rcperryls]

Just want to add that TESTING is critical. Take it from me. I have restarted my first HAED after having completed 6 1/2 pages. And when you test, I would suggest that you stitch at least several 10x10 blocks and not all in one color. My piece seemed fine until I got to the point where I had to add significant confetti and I truly could not get the needle through the fabric. That was done on 25ct 2 over 1 as suggested. I had tested, but only with the black thread, not realizing that DMC 310 is a very thin thread. I now am or have done all different combos of fabric size and full crosses and tent stitching. I started my piece over because I love it, but I wouldn't wish this on anyone!
And if you haven't, join the HAED BB. Lots of help over there too. And never never be slow in asking a question here. Lots of help here for sure.

Carole

[annamarie23]

Thank you all for your replies and advice. That's great.

As I'm new to the HAED designs and I do find the 'over one' and references to thread a bit confusing. sorry if that makes me sound a bit thick! I've got some samples from Cross Stitch Heaven so I'll given them a try before I purchase any fabric. If I stitched on 20 count, how much would this change the size?

Carole - Would you recommend a test on all HAED designs? I can't imagine how you felt after all that stitching only to start again. Thank you for your words of wisdom.

[rcperryls]

I don't test now since I have a better understanding of what will happen. I am doing designs all different ways now as I have done more. I am doing 2 over 1 on 18ct evenweave afghan fabric. 1 over 1 on 25ct. 2 over 1 tent stitch on 28ct. And I have done 1 over 1 on 22ct Hardanger. My preferred combo is now 2 over 1 tenting on 28ct. I really like the coverage and I love the speed. That is my favorite this week anyway. A different chart might make me change my mind. Or my eyesight might. I think you will get a feel for it, but yes, if you aren't sure on a new chart you try, I would test. It is really important that you enjoy the stitching on any BAP whether it is an HAED or something else, because you are going to be at it for a looooong time. Probably.

Carole

[MaggieM1750]

I do find the 'over one' and references to thread a bit confusing. sorry if that makes me sound a bit thick!

Over 1/ Over 2.. it will all make sense once you play with evenweaves. If you are used to aida.. well, all you stitch is Over 1. When you stitch on evenweaves, you can decide if you want to stitch Over 1 or Over 2.
Over 1 gives you tiny little stitches. 25, or 28, 32, 36.... stitches per inch.
Over 2 gives you a stitch size similar to stitching on aida.
Evenweaves make fractional stitching easier
Or it allows for a lot of detail, because of the number of small stitches per inch.

The first number.. 1 over 2.. the 1 represents the number of threads you are using. So that would mean 1 stitching thread over 2 fabric threads. (which I am sure sounds like jibberish.. it did for me until I had a piece of aida and a piece of evenweave in front of me)

If you want a link to see how the finished size of a project changes depending on the fabric count, HERE is a stitch calculator I use.

[annamarie23]

I don't test now since I have a better understanding of what will happen. I am doing designs all different ways now as I have done more. I am doing 2 over 1 on 18ct evenweave afghan fabric. 1 over 1 on 25ct. 2 over 1 tent stitch on 28ct. And I have done 1 over 1 on 22ct Hardanger. My preferred combo is now 2 over 1 tenting on 28ct. I really like the coverage and I love the speed. That is my favorite this week anyway. A different chart might make me change my mind. Or my eyesight might. I think you will get a feel for it, but yes, if you aren't sure on a new chart you try, I would test. It is really important that you enjoy the stitching on any BAP whether it is an HAED or something else, because you are going to be at it for a looooong time. Probably.

Carole

Hi Carole. It's like a whole a new language with all this fabric count and stitching etc. Please can you explain what BAP means and also the 1 over 1 etc just to make sure I've understood as I do find it confusing. Thank you. x

[MaggieM1750]

BAP... Big Ass Project

There is a discussion thread here, I think its in either the Welcome or the Tips and Tricks section.. Glossary Terms.
It has a lot of information regarding stitch terminology, fabric examples.. all sorts of information.

[annamarie23]

Oh, I see! Lol. Thank you MaggieM. I'll have a look through.

[annamarie23]

I do find the 'over one' and references to thread a bit confusing. sorry if that makes me sound a bit thick!

Over 1/ Over 2.. it will all make sense once you play with evenweaves. If you are used to aida.. well, all you stitch is Over 1. When you stitch on evenweaves, you can decide if you want to stitch Over 1 or Over 2.
Over 1 gives you tiny little stitches. 25, or 28, 32, 36.... stitches per inch.
Over 2 gives you a stitch size similar to stitching on aida.
Evenweaves make fractional stitching easier
Or it allows for a lot of detail, because of the number of small stitches per inch.

The first number.. 1 over 2.. the 1 represents the number of threads you are using. So that would mean 1 stitching thread over 2 fabric threads. (which I am sure sounds like jibberish.. it did for me until I had a piece of aida and a piece of evenweave in front of me)

If you want a link to see how the finished size of a project changes depending on the fabric count, HERE is a stitch calculator I use.

Thank you MaggieM. That's very kind of you to explain things.

[rcperryls]

Glad you found the glossary. I go back to it regularly. I asked all the same questions when I joined the forum since I had never been around or friends with any stitchers before who knew so much more than I did. Which is why it is so important to not feel bad or "thick". Until you know the terms its like reading a foreign language (or for me a math book where I know what individual words mean, but the sentences don't make any sense at all ). Maggie's explanation is really great. I hope that helps and if you need more help or clarification, just ask.

Carole

[annamarie23]

Thank you again. I've asked on the HAED BB if anyone has stitched the mini Camelot to see what fabric people have used etc. to see a picture of it finished would be good too.

[elenmirie]

Hi - this thread has been really useful, as I am planning my first HAED project and was wondering the same things.

I have a question regarding tent stitching - is that just another word for 1/2 cross stitches, or is there a difference? Can anyone point me to a photo of something done entirely with tent stitching?

I'm planning to try a "storykeep" (bookmark) by HAED first to get my feet wet with their style before plunging forth with a large project. The stories on here about starting over after a lot of work made my blood run cold!

I'm going to do 1 over 1 on 28 count evenweave. I'm also going to be experimenting with gridding, which I have not done before. I've ordered a vanishing ink pen, hoping that I can make that work and not have to spend hours putting in grid threads. We shall see!

[rcperryls]

This is a picture of one I finished about a year ago called mini Amethyst by Rachel Anderson

It is tent stitched 2 over 1 on 25 ct evenweave. the coverage was pretty good, but I much prefer the coverage of tent stitching 2 over 1 on 28 ct which I am now doing on my more current starts. Tent stitching is basically doing a half stitch but many do a continental stitch. This thread Tent stitching in the Tips and Tricks forum has some really good explanations of how to do this.
I think that Dana (parksfarm) stitches most if not all her HAEDs on 28ct fabric and so does Sarah Gixxer (I think but I'm not sure if it is 25 or 28 ct. I'd have to go back and check on some of her threads). Also if you go to the HAED BB Tips and Techniques section you will find Stitched Fabric Samples which shows lots and lots of different fabric/stitching combinations.
I would get some sample fabrics and test out several and see what you are comfortable with. There is no right or wrong choice. And post pics here and ask as many questions as you need to.
and most of all Have Fun!

Carole

[elenmirie]

Hi Carole,

Your Amethyst is gorgeous!!! My favourite colour... Now I've got another thing on my wish list...

Thanks for the pic and advice. I've ordered some samples from Cross Stitch Heaven; so will do some experimenting. I just did the maths and that storykeep has 24,000 stitches so although it is small it will still take some time; worth doing well!

Off to cook dinner, and then read up on tent stitching. Thanks again!

[Naritaxxx]

I love 25 ct Lugana. I love that the fibers are round, which makes the cross stitches plump up nicely.

I started a HAED called Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. I'll post a list to where it is on my blog. I really ought to repost her picture, I've complete more of her lovely self

http://thetwilightthread.blogspot.com/2 ... taine.html" target="_blank

~Narita