Fabric Tutorial
General info on fabrics for these patterns:
These patterns are very versatile in regards to fabric type and count. They can be used for finely stitched cross-stitch pieces, needlepoint pieces, or for large tapestry projects.
Most stitchers tend to 'shun' aida due to questions of quality and durability. If you want to use aida make sure that it is a good quality fabric. To stitch one of these patterns on aida I would use a medium to high count (like 20 or 22 count) and stitch with 2 strands of floss over one 'square' on the fabric.
There are many different kinds of linen and similar cross stitch fabrics, the 'sturdier' ones are best for these patterns. For linen or similar fabrics you should stitch with 2 strands of floss over 1 fabric thread in the low counts, with 1 strand of floss over 1 fabric thread in the high counts, or with 2 strands of floss over 2 fabric threads in the high counts.
Still with me?
My favourite fabric to use for these patterns is 'evenweave', sometimes called 'plainweave'. It comes in cotton, linen and manufactured fabric blends. I like evenweave because it has the look of linen but has a little more 'stiffness' to it, is less expensive than linen, and the threads are more consistant in size and spacing than most linens. I stitch on evenweave the same way as the directions above state for linen.
Two other excellent fabrics to use for these patterns are Congress Cloth (24 count, and comes in 50" widths) and Hardanger cloth (25 count, and comes in 42" widths).
The thing to remember with these patterns is that the higher the fabric count, the finer the detail you will get. But don't let that deter you from using lower count fabrics if that is what you are comfortable with. When you use a very low count tapestry cloth (count of 10 or lower) and tapestry yarns (floss is too fine for tapestry cloths), you get a much more 'stitched tapestry' looking finished piece. When you use a very high count fabric and stitch with 1 floss strand over 1 fabric thread, you get a much more detailed 'painting look' finished piece. And then of course there is everything in between. So you can decide about how 'detailed' you would like to go by how detailed you are willing to work with the fabric and threads. Some people love to stitch on 36 count with 1 floss strand over 1 fabric thread, others run away screaming with terror at the thought!
Also, remember that you will not see the fabric in the end as these pieces are completely stitched solid over the design area. So there is no need to pay extra money for special colours. Just make sure that it is a good quality fabric, and that the colour you get will be easy to stitch on in regards to the thread colours you will be stitching with. You want the fabric to contrast the floss colours somewhat, so you can see the stitches easily as you go, but you also don't want bright white fabric showing through some of your stitches if the pattern you are stitching is relatively dark. I usually go with fabric colours like antique white, creams, taupes, etc.
Your local cross stitch shop should be able to order you any fabric in any size that you would like. 'MCG Textiles' is the evenweave I use the most. I can find it at my local craft shop (Michaels) up to 28 count in 20" by 27" pieces for $10 a package. When I need bigger pieces than that I have to get it from my local cross stitch shop, and they charge more. For example, a piece of 45 x 45 inch, 25 count evenweave I purchased at my local cross stitch shop (they had to order it in) cost $80.
MCG Textiles is working on a website (www.mcgtextiles.com) and I am very ANXIOUSLY awaiting it. You may also want to check out these websites for fabric.
www.zweigart.com
www.charlescraft.com
www.purplecowstitchery.com
My personal preference for my patterns is to stitch them on 24 count Congress cloth with 1 strand of floss over 1 fabric thread, or on 20 count Evenweave with 2 strands of floss over 1 fabric thread.. That is just my personal preference, you may want to do more, or less, detailed work than this.
How to determine the size of the finished design:
I give the finished design size measurements for 4 different fabric counts with all the patterns, so you can look at these and see what you think.
If the equation below looks like 'ancient greek' writing to you, just email me with the pattern name and fabric counts you were thinking of, and I will let you know the finished size.
To determine the finished size of your pattern according to which count fabric you are using, use the following formulae:
Size (in inches) = # of stitches / fabric count
eg. If your project measures 300 width x 350 length stitches, and you want to use a 28 count fabric, then your finished design would measure:
Size (in inches) = 300 width / 28 count = 10.7 inches
Size (in inches) = 350 length / 28 count = 12.5 inches
Therefore, the finished design would be 10.7 x 12.5 inches.
*REMEMBER: If you stitch over 2 fabric threads you need to DOUBLE the measurements of the finished size of the stitched piece, meaning you will need a double sized piece of fabric to stitch on. All my patterns' measurements are given for stitching 'over 1' fabric thread. So if the design measures 10 x 10 inches, and you want to stitch it 'over 2' then your finished design will be 20 x 20 inches. Add at least 5 inches to this for a framing or hanging margin, so 25 x 25 inches.
You want to make sure that you have an unstitched margin of at least 5 inches around the finished design for these patterns. Since they can be large and heavy finished pieces you will need a lot of fabric edging to frame, hang or sew them.
If you have any more questions or need something clarified, please don't hesitate to email me.
One of my favourite sites for reference and instruction is HeartBlossoms
Click here to go there