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Hello!
Well, I've become quite the proficient cross stitcher. I even read your beginners thread and I have a knack for it and am doing it all correctly. I've ordered kits from online and made a few things I'm very proud of.

But what next? How do I go beyond kits? I notice I like more "fabric"-like softer fabric than the stiffer kind, but what's the difference? Is there a best kind? I get so confused with types and counts and sizing when I attempt to order online. And what about patterns? Is there a size grid I should be using when making patterns? And how will I know how big it's going to turn out from grid to fabric? Is there a simple way to count/measure? Anything else I should know to try and get to "the next level"?

Thanks!

I don't think there is a best fabric, just a best one for an individual. I would suggest (if you have a nearby LNS) getting a small cut of a few different ones and stitch up small designs on them. I still stitch on Aida, but I think my favorite fabrics are Lugana and Jobelan, although I have recently fallen in love with Zweigart Belfast linen, as well as Cashel linen.

To get the right size for a chart, just divide the number of stitches by the fabric count and add approx 3" each side for framing. If you're working on 28 count, you will (most likely) be working over 2, so it would be equivalent of 14 count. a design that is 140 stitches by 280 stitches would be 10" x 20" on 14 count or 28 count over two, so you would want fabric that is approximately 16x26.

As far as what size grid you should use for making your own patterns, most charts are a 10x10 grid, which is easy to read and follow, but you can use whatever works for you. Of course, you still need the stitch count (length x width) to make sure you get a piece of fabric big enough.

I don't even remember when I moved from only Aida to other fabrics...I think I just dove in and did it. There are so many lovely fabrics out there...have fun with them.

Sounds to me like you're ready to start working with evenweave. Evenweave is basically woven fabric where the warp and weft threads (threads going in each direction) are evenly spaced. Most fabric you buy at the store isn't quite even, so if you counted 20 threads across and 20 threads down it wouldn't be a perfect square unlike on evenweave.

When stitching on evenweave you decide how big each stitch is - you can stitch over 2 threads each way to make an X .. that's called stitching over 2 .. or over just 1 thread. The fabric comes in different counts - 25 count means 25 threads to an inch, so if you stitch over 1 thread, you'll have 25 stitches across each inch. Common counts are 25, 28, 32, and 36. If you stitch on 28 count and stitch over 2, you're now getting 14 stitches to the inch, which is similar to a lot of aida.. but the background on the unstitched parts looks like regular fabric which is a look that a lot of people prefer.

To calculate size, you can do a bit of basic math - take the count of stitches across and down.. and divide each by the count of fabric. So if your piece is 150 stitches across and you're stitching on 25 count, you divide 150 by 25 and get 6.. which is how many inches wide it will be. Don't forget that if you're stitching over 2, to use that number instead of the number of the actual fabric count.. so stitching over 2 on 28 fabric yields 14 stitches/inch.. divide 150 by 14 and you get just a little over 10. By using this information you can take a pattern you like and adjust the finished size of it up or down to fit your intended purpose, though keep in mind that hte finished look of a piece stithed at 36 stitches/inch will be quite different from one stitced at 14/inch.

Another thing to keep in mind is floss usage.. the larger your stitches, the more floss you need, and it grows exponentially. The reason for this is that when you stitch on 28 count over 1, you need just 1 strand of floss to get a good coverage. But when stitching on 14 count, you need not just double because the size of each stitch is bigger, but quadruple since you'll need atleast 2 strands of floss to cover the surface of the fabric evenly. In fact n 14 count depending on your preferences, you might even decide you need 3 strands.

All of these factors are somethign to play around with - I'd suggest getting samples of a few different fabrics and just sampling on them, trying out stitching with 1 strand or two.. and over 1 or two. This will give you an idea of what you like and then you can go from there.

Here's a couple of things that you can do to shake things up a bit.

1. Try choosing a different fabric or thread colors than the pattern calls for. I don't recommend doing this for charts with many colors, but I often like to change the colors in more abstract pieces (like the Ink Circles design 'Metamorphosis' which I just completed). There are so many fabric color options out there, and playing around with color and fabric can really make a piece your own.

2. I don't always use the same kind of fabric for each project. It sounds cheesy, but I let the project 'speak' to me. Basically, I have a intuitive feel for what each project would look best on (linen, even weave, Aida, high count, low count, etc). Other things to consider are what you're comfortable stitching on. A really high count fabric is going to be harder to see (and therefore harder to work on). Some people who have poor eyesight find it harder to work on and so will stick with counts they can manage.

3. Try different techniques, like hardanger or other kinds of embroidery. After all, cross stitch is just embroidery that only uses one kind of stitch. Other techniques you might try are blackwork, Assisi, beading, or finishing your projects into pillows, ornaments, etc.

I started stitching about 7 months ago. My knowledge and experience has grown by leaps and bounds mostly because I spend a lot of time looking at other people's projects, asking questions, and trying out things that are new to me. It's very rare that you can irreparably mess something up. Even if you make a mistake, most likely the worst that will happen is that you rip it out and try again.

Oh, and remember, there's not very many rules in stitching. Try out different things and find what you like best. It's your hobby, so do what you enjoy most.

Rie1130 wrote:But what next? How do I go beyond kits?

Hi and welcome to the board. There is no path that gives you a definite answer as to what the next step is. Its whatever you want it to be. Whenever you want it to be. Your next step could be a large pattern. It could be a chart that adds in buttons and beading or metallic threads. It could be one on a high count fabric. It could be one that you learn a new technique. Design your own pattern. Stitch onto non-standard fabric. Whatever it is. There is no right or wrong next step.

To branch out beyond kits, it all depends on what you want to do. Look at online needlework shops. Look through the Stitch A Long section on this board or click on a few links in peoples signature lines- most link to projects they are working on, or design information. Designers websites or Online Needlework Shops. Don't necessarily focus on a specific pattern someone is stitching- but if its a style you like, flip through the designers website to see if there is anything else you like. Most designers have websites. Most you can buy from- Some you have to go through a needlework shop- but they will list where to buy their patterns somewhere on their website.

Rie1130 wrote:I notice I like more "fabric"-like softer fabric than the stiffer kind, but what's the difference? Is there a best kind? I get so confused with types and counts and sizing when I attempt to order online.

There is no best kind/ count/ color/ size of fabric. Its all whatever you like. Its sort of like asking what is the best kind of soda. Or the best flavor of ice cream. There is no best. After a while, I have sort of gravitated towards 28 ct Lugana. But not always. Sometimes I want a different look- so I'll go with a linen, or an aida. It all takes some time to figure out what you like. And really, the only way to do it is to try out the different types. Quite a few online needlework shops will offer grab bags of fabrics. Small cuts of various fabrics to try out. Think small pieces, for cards, ornaments, small bookmarks, etc. They are usually around 5x5" square. Enough to stitch a small motif. If its not on their website.. shoot them an email- most have something to offer.

The higher the count fabric, the smaller your design will be. A 14 ct aida.. you get 14 stitches per inch. A 20 count aida.. you get 20 stitches to the inch.
Things get a bit complicated when you talk about evenweaves/ linens.
Those you can stitch over 1.. in which a 32 count fabric will give you 32 stitches per inch.
Or you can stitch over 2.. in which a 32 count fabric will give you 16 stitches per inch.
Really, none of that made any sense to me until I had a piece of linen/ evenweave in front of me. With aida.. you only stitch over 1.

To help you figure out what size fabric you will need for a pattern, its easiest to put your stitch dimensions into a Stitch Calculator. Play around on it- to see how changing fabric counts will change the finish size of a design.

Rie1130 wrote: Anything else I should know to try and get to "the next level"?
Thanks!

I get a lot of ideas from books and magazines at my library. New techniques. New charts. New ways to finish a project.

Have fun.. and don't be afraid to ask when you have more questions.

You have a whole world in front of you! Pick a few things and enjoy... You'll find your preferences soon ...

The others have given you some great advice, but I thought this might help in choosing fabrics: floss coverage examples.

My favourites are 2x1 on 22 count Hardanger and 1x1 on 28 count Jobelan but it took me a lot of trial and error to discover that and it's not necessarily what will work for you. The journey was fun, though.