Once you've selected a pattern to stitch, choose the fabric and determine the count of the fabric - ie 14ct Aida, 32 ct Linen, etc. Sometimes we use the fabric called for but more often than not, we select something that the stitcher prefers. The design can be stitched on any size but the size of the finished design will vary according to the count of the fabric. The count of the fabric is the number of threads per inch. 14 ct Aida means you will have 14 stitches per inch. If you are stitching on linen over two threads, you must divide the number of the fabric ct in half because one stitch covers two threads. 32 ct linen will give you 16 stitches per inch.
Determining the Width and Height of Your Design Area in Inches.
Take the stitch count and divide each number by the fabric count to give you the size of your design area.
For example:
If you have a chart that is 70 squares high and 160 squares wide and you are going to stitch the design onto 14 count Aida, the formula would be:
70 squares ÷ 14 count = 5 inches high
160 squares ÷ 14 count = 11.43 inches wide (round up to 11.5)
Stitched on 32 ct linen (16 stitches per inch), it would be
70 ÷ 16 count = 4.38 (round up to 4.5)
160 squares ÷ 16 count = 16 (more stitches per inch makes your overall design smaller)
This formula is what we use in the shop. Because we routinely change the fabric and patterns vary with what they recommend, we always take the stitch count, perform the formula above and add enough fabric all around for your finishing needs - framing, pillow, bellpull, ornament, etc.Typically, we add three inches to each side for framing but four inches for a larger piece (ie larger than a finished size of 14x14). If you don't allow enough fabric around the edges, it makes the framer's job more difficult. Ask Tonia - she'll tell you!
In the example above, we would add six inches to each of the dimensions and come up with a cut size of fabric 11 x 17.5 inches for the Aida cloth or 10.5 x 16 for the 32 ct linen.
Because we cut your fabric to size, you have no waste and don't have to figure things out on your own. We even put a little tag on your fabric with the fabric count, color, and the name of the pattern you're stitching.
Clar View Thread/Stitch Counters
If you're into "Needlework Tools" (and I know a lot of us are!), you may not know about the cool Clear View Thread/Stitch Counter. This is a handy ruler with so many marks, it looks complicated! However, once you understand it, it's wonderful and easy to use. Two transparent rulers come in a pack with a clear protective carrying case. With it, you can easily count threads and stitches. Simply view your needlework through the ruler, look between the lines or above them to determine where to make the next stitch. Also checks or helps determine the count of a fabric (identifies 11, 14, 16, 18, 22, 28, 32, & 36 count fabrics); hold it up to a frame or fabric to see what stitch size will fit into the opening; and convert design dimensions. Size 1½”x6¼” so it is convenient to carry along for any project. Available in the shop or the e-store.
