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So I went to a local craft store in the hope of finding some 28 count linen. There were several types of fabric but the ones that seemed good to me didn't have the stitch count on the tag. I asked the shop keeper, so she takes the fabric, sticks two needles in one centimeter apart (1 inch = 2.54cm, making 28 count 11 in cm) and counts the threads in between, she got to 10 (which would make it 25 count in inches). Didn't seem like an accurate way to figure out the thread count.
I compared it to the fabrics that did have the count listed (one was listed as 10,one as 12 per cm) and I was pretty sure it was more than 10. So I bought some in 2 shades and now I'm trying to determine a definitive stitch count, but I'm not sure. I'm fairly certain its more than 10/25, but I've done 28 stitches and can't really fit those within 1 inch, though I'm wondering if that is just because it's stretched a bit inside the hoop.

There are two red threads in the edge that make it easier to count, and when I try that I do get to an exact 28 count inside an inch.



Is this the right way to figure it out? I would just like to know what I've bought before I started cutting it into too small a pieces! *shudder*

Ok, never mind, I did remember what it said on the tag and it was called Linda by Zweigart which is apparently 27 count! And here I thought there would be nothing in between 25 and 28....

Im new to buying fabric as up until recently I've always bought kits. If it doesn't sound like a silly question, how do you work out fabric count?

Measure an inch on your fabric and count the holes

14 count is 14 holes to the inch
16 """"""""""16"""""""""""""""""""""""
18""""""""""18""""""""""""""""""""""""""

you get the idea

Reta wrote:Measure an inch on your fabric and count the holes

14 count is 14 holes to the inch
16 """"""""""16"""""""""""""""""""""""
18""""""""""18""""""""""""""""""""""""""

you get the idea

It's beyond 18 count it sounds like it will be tricky! Think I'll need my magnifying lamp for those

The difference between 27 and 28 can certainly be hard to determine!

Most stores that carry good embroidery supplies will have the stitch count properly listed though so you shouldn't have to count it yourself in most cases.

If I am ever in doubt (usually with a scrap piece I forgot to label) I just measure an inch of the fabric and count the holes in between. Although, as you said, it might be tough to tell the difference between 27 and 28 count!

I stopped into a local craft supplies "thrift store" and apparently it was really more of just a good will for craft supplies, no one said a word to me when I walked in or out or anytime i was in the store looking( there was only 3 other people in that tiny store), nothing was organized, i had to walk around a couple cluttered tables to get to the fabrics, when i got to them it was just a couple stacks of folded fabric in a basket and only about half of them were labled with the price, some had a size of the piece of fabric, none had the count, none had a brand or type of fabric, and a good bit of them were even partially stitched! I was not about to stand there and go through all of those to try to find size or count that i needed! And even if I had seen something I wanted to buy, I couldn't because the 3 other people in the store we all standing around the small counter chatting andblocking the way! Needless to say I did not go back.... But this is good to know for a mishap with stash labeling

I have 2 rulers I bought years ago and they are 'sectioned' into different counts. They are very handy if , like me, you come across fabric stash that has lost it's label.
Couldn't remember where I bought them so googled and came up with this.



http://www.countrycrossstitchkits.co.uk ... Rulers.pdf

Thank you Louise, this will come in handy for sure! I have saved it to print it later.