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okay so I have stitched on 18 count linen over two. I am looking at 32 count linen. I know it is the same as 16 count linen as far as size goes but how much harder is it to stitch on the 32 count than 16 count aida? Should I try 28 count linen before jumping to 32 count?? I generally stitch on 18 count aida no classes required unless I am in poor lighting.
I don't want to pay out for fabric that I won't be able to use...

It's always hard to answer questions like this as just because one stitcher loves a certain count of fabric doesn't mean to say another will. I stitch on 32ct linen over 2 all the time and it is my preferred count. It will be different to stitch on than 16ct aida as although the crosses will technically be the same size, linen has varying sized slubs, sometimes making the holes difficult to see. If this is a problem you could always switch to 32ct evenweave where the holes will be uniform in size.

Are you thinking about this for your Ink Circles piece? If so another thing to consider is that if you are thinking of using hand dyed fabbie then the dyeing process can shrink the fabric slightly so a hand dyed 32ct fabric can be closer to a 34ct in reality - a 28ct fabbie closer to a 30ct. Maybe somebody somewhere may be able to send you a sample of 28/32ct linen so you can have a little trial before you invest !

yeah I am asking all these questions way in advance, I won't start that project until closer to the end of the year. I just am super excited about the project. I can also look online to see if the store i use has any in her scraps of fabric. Good idea!!

When I started stitching on linen when I was 12 my mom had started me on 32 count. I LOVE 32 count. I find 28 is just too big and I don't get the right coverage. It all depends on your tension though. Most people prefer 28 count however. I think it all depends what you learn on, how good your eyesight is, and what kind of patterns you will be stitching.

Hi maemae. I hadn't stitched on anything but 14-18 count aida up until June this year and then I started the Ink Circles 'Woodland Vines' design (it's in the SAL June). I'm stitching this on 32 count linen and I was so nervous about doing it But once you get started and get your 'eye in' so to speak with the threads on linen it's beautiful to stitch on and I can highly recommend it. I do need a magnifying lamp though as I wouldn't be able stitch on it without (my eyes need all the help they can get) . Kind forum members in the UK sent me some samples of counts and fabrics and I had a play with these before I started which helped so much. Good luck and let us all know how you get on.

Anna-Marie x

you guys are making me feel more and more courageous!!

I stayed away from linen for a long time and still haven't stitched on it too much. I do find evenweaves like Joblan and Lugana easier. But the times I have used 32 ct linen the only real problem I had was in counting spaces. For me it was getting used to the size as well as stitching over 2. I'd been doing afghans that were 18ct for so long. Once my eyes adjusted, as Anna-Marie said it wasn't a problem.

there is a web site that will send free samples of fabrics. Its in the UK and I think it might be Sew and So but I'm not sure. I'm sure someone else will know.

Carole

Ive just remembered about the site. I'm pretty sure it's Cross Stitch Heaven that will send small free samples of fabrics.

I have found that I don't like linen. I think the uneven threads make it difficult for me to count properly. I tend to bunch up 2 thin threads at some point then get into trouble later when they fatten up.
So, most of what I stitch on is either hardanger fabric, or an evenweave.

The next time you are ordering something- ask if she has small sample pieces of 28s and 32s so you can compare. I've quickly looked through the Stitchin Annies site- but haven't paid attention to if they also have fabric- or just charts.

annamarie23 wrote:Ive just remembered about the site. I'm pretty sure it's Cross Stitch Heaven that will send small free samples of fabrics.

thanks! I checked this site out, and it costs about $6.00 to have the fabric shipped here and none of the sample pack are 32 linen. You can leave a note to try different counts but I am not sure if this makes the price go up...do you know?

Hi maemae. I emailed them and asked for specific counts so it might be worth contacting them to see what they can do. I don't have a sample of 32 count unfortunately. I do have some other count samples that they sent me which you are welcome to have but I didn't ask for 32 count at the time If I can help in any way, let me know.

I love 32 count! I stitch it two over two. I found it easy to adjust to. Good luck and hope you love it too.
Jan x

32-ct linen is my favorite fabric. I like the uneven threads in projects that leave a lot of the fabric unstitched -- like in samplers. If you're going from aida to an evenweave, I would suggest trying 28 ct first, just because I think it's easier to *see* the squares and to see the weave of the fabric so you can see which hole to start in (that first hole is important). But. . . .you don't have my eyes, so if you can see the weave of the fabric on 32 ct, go ahead and dive in.

Count me with those that 32ct linen. Personally, I don't find too much difference between 32 and 28 (they are tied for my favorite fabric size). Yes, 32 is smaller, but not so much smaller that 32 is harder than 28. Of course, that all depends on your eye sight....

Like Allyn said, if you can see it go for it. You may find out that you love it too.

mechie