Xstitch and stitches per inch and fabric

Hi the

I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

Also, how wide are the fabrics that we use as background? i.e. how
large of a piece can you do using one piece of background fabric?

Thanks,
Cynthia

(Jacquard_The_Ripper) wrote:

I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

I find that 14 ct (whether on 14ct Aida or 28 ct linen) is too bulky.
I prefer 16 ct (or 32 ct linen) or 18 ct (36 ct linen). I've done
some work on 25 and 28 ct evenweaves over one thread, and some XS on
22ct hardanger. My favorite is 16 ct.

Also, how wide are the fabrics that we use as background?
Aidas tend to be about 44 inches wide. Linens are usually around
55-60 inches wide. Evenweaves are usually 55-60. (note...I didn't
actually look this up, it's just what I remember from the last time I
ordered fabric.)

jenn
--
Jenn Ridley

WIP: Santa Christmas Stocking, Will Work for Freezer Space, Emperor's Coat, Stretch
Most recently Finished: Turnberry Ridge, Noah's Journey, SPRING Flowers

On 8/1/03 11:11 PM,"emerald" posted:


"Jacquard_The_Ripper" wrote in message
news:3f2b25f3.174417879@news...
Hi the

I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

Cynthia, I'm no expert but my favourite size is 16count. Since my very
favourite fabric is linen, that works out to be 32-count linen stitched over
2 threads. I usually use glasses with a slight magnification to stitch, so
this size is comfortable for me. I've done some 18-count work too.
Lots of people here like to stitch over 1 thread at 25 or 28 stitches per
inch, or even more. But I also know people who will stitch only on Aida
because they have trouble seeing the holes on other fabric.

Basically the rule is that there is no rule and you do whatever is
comfortable for you!

Good answers! Personally, I like working on 32 ct linen, and 28 ct of linen
or some even weave - for fast projects. I do a lot of 18 ct on canvas, and
some 24 ct (per inch). Have occasionally done 35, 36 ct linen, and have a
pieve of 40 ct waiting to be started upon. I use magnification on anything
over 32 ct, or if I'm stitchin on black. I personally don't stitch on Aida,
but undoubtedly when the eyes go, and I can't deal with linen anymore, will
switch back - rather than stop stitching. But, I don't see that happening
for another 30 or 40 years - I hope.

Ellice

From: Jenn Ridley

...... Linens are usually around
55-60 inches wide. Evenweaves are usually 55-60 ..........

Jenn -- just piggybacking on your post as it mentions both evenweave and
linen. Not finding any fault :-).
Just wanted to point out to the newbies that most of the "standard"
needlework fabrics (notice I did not say *all* -- just most) are evenweave.
This means the fabric is evenly woven -- there are the same number of threads
or groups of threads (as in Aida) in both directions. This means Aida is an
evenweave as is linen and a bunch of other different blends of fabric.
Many stitchers have gotten in the habit of using the term Evenweave to mean
evenly woven fabrics other than Linen. There are many posts on fabrics that
mention Aida, Evenweave and Linen. I think the group thoroughly hashed this
over earlier this year. It was mentioned that we might try to use Evenweave
with a capital E to mean an evenly woven fabric that is NOT Linen or Aida but I
don't know if it even caught on. Someone really needs to take the fabric
making or selling people to task as I *think* they refer to Evenweave, Linen
and Aida fabrics in printed advertisements. Not sure about that so I very well
could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time :-))). CiaoMeow ^;;^
..


PAX, Tia Mary ^;;^
Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their
WHISKERS!!
Nothing is complete without a few cat hairs!

I always use 18 count with Aida - with even-weave it varies - usually 32
count, I think. I usually work on a piece about 24 inches by 18 as I
produce quite large designs.

Pat P.

"emerald" wrote in message
. ..

"Jacquard_The_Ripper" wrote in message
news:3f2b25f3.174417879@news...
Hi the

I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

Cynthia, I'm no expert but my favourite size is 16count. Since my very
favourite fabric is linen, that works out to be 32-count linen stitched
over
2 threads. I usually use glasses with a slight magnification to stitch, so
this size is comfortable for me. I've done some 18-count work too.
Lots of people here like to stitch over 1 thread at 25 or 28 stitches per
inch, or even more. But I also know people who will stitch only on Aida
because they have trouble seeing the holes on other fabric.

Basically the rule is that there is no rule and you do whatever is
comfortable for you!

hth,
emerald

I have done several pieces on 40 count silk gauze. Since the gauze
threads are so much finer than linen threads, 40-ct gauze is easier for
me to use than 36-ct linen. I've heard of dollhouse miniatures worked
on over 100 count but haven't seen them.

Jacquard_The_Ripper wrote:
I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

--
Brenda Lewis
WIP: J. Himsworth "I Shall Not Want" xs
J & P Coats "Dancing Snoopy" latchhook

On Sat, 02 Aug 2003 08:12:01 GMT, Brenda Lewis
wrote:

I have done several pieces on 40 count silk gauze. Since the gauze
threads are so much finer than linen threads, 40-ct gauze is easier for
me to use than 36-ct linen. I've heard of dollhouse miniatures worked
on over 100 count but haven't seen them.

I have, and they are absolutely amazing.

Personally, I prefer over-2 on 32-ct to 36-ct, though I have done some
over-1 on 32 count.


Jacquard_The_Ripper wrote:
I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

"Jacquard_The_Ripper" wrote in message
news:3f2b25f3.174417879@news...
Hi the

I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

I am working on a piece that is stitched over one on 30-count linen. I
think it is the highest count fabric on which I have stitched over one. I
can do it without magnification (and I am 40), but if I am a little tired I
will use my Dazor when working on it. I have stitched on lower count
fabrics such as 14 count Aida and what some refer to as "TV fabric" but I
really prefer 16 or 18 count if using Aida. And I would really, really
prefer to us some other evenweave fabric as I think it makes the background
smoother and prettier when finished.


Also, how wide are the fabrics that we use as background? i.e. how
large of a piece can you do using one piece of background fabric?

I would say that a person would only be limited as to what is available from
manufacturers. For instance, I think most linens are originally 54" inches
wide. And, I know I've seen Aida on bolts in stores like JoAnns and Hobby
Lobby. I don't know the exact width because I have never had the need to
purchase that much Aida.

Happy Stitching!

--
Bonnie

WIP:
EGA's 17th Century Band Sampler ICC
Scarlet Letter's Luna
Olde Colonial Designs' Measuring Gift for Thee
Stitch-n-Zip Patchwork checkbook cover
Knitted Cardigan
Knitted Amish Throw

Jacquard_The_Ripper wrote:


I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?


Sure. Personally, I don't do anything larger than 18 and
have worked (over one) as small as 40 stitches per inch. Working
that small takes some care, but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable
(for me--obviously, it's probably a real challenge for those
whose eyesight isn't great! ;-)


Also, how wide are the fabrics that we use as background? i.e. how
large of a piece can you do using one piece of background fabric?


It depends on the fabric. Some come up to 55 or more
inches wide.

Best wishes,
Ericka

Jacquard_The_Ripper wrote:
I'd like to know from the experts, what's the limit on stitches per
inch that you can do comfortably. I know that 14 count seems to be
the most popular, but do people actually do 16, 18, 20, etc.?

Ericka Kammerer responded:
Sure. Personally, I don't do anything larger than 18 and
have worked (over one) as small as 40 stitches per inch. Working
that small takes some care, but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable
(for me--obviously, it's probably a real challenge for those
whose eyesight isn't great! ;-)

If you're talking about cross stitch: From reading the posts through
the years and communicating with embroiderers through email, my own
forum, and a few in person, the most often claimed, anecdotal reasons
for not doing things in finer counts than 14 is eyesight, fear,
simplicity/ease, availability of supplies, and not knowing what else is
available.

Many who think they couldn't see finer work simply haven't trained their
eyes. You have to get used to seeing it - but your eyes - if not
visually impaired - do adjust. Of course, with age, that becomes more
of a problem, and windows with lots of light (too sunny can also be a
problem) can make all the difference. I have learned to have several
different types of needlework available so that, no matter the light, I
can do *something* related to needlework.

I know this isn't *exactly* what the conversation is about, but I'm in
that mode. So, if you never make an effort at trying to do something .
.. . you'll never be able to do it. It simply takes time to learn. You
have to practise. Too many, like piano-player wannabes, think all they
need is a couple lessons and they'll play like gee whiz on two wheels.
Ain't gonna happen. Some have to practise more than others.

Dianne