Would someone who is more experienced please verify that what I’m writing is correct? I think I’m right but . . who knows any more. So, please don’t order fabric til someone else says I’m correct.
The Pattern:
If you go to the pattern page at Little House Needleworks, it gives you the stitch counts for each individual square, for the piece as shown on the pattern with all nine patterns and for the piece with all nine patterns with the free border.
The piece with all nine squares and the free order is what I want to do.
That’s 209 x 209 stitches. It looks like there’s a bit larger than 1″ between the border and the frame so I’m calculating leaving 2″, though I’ll probably leave 1.5″. Then you need 3″ on each side for finishing.
The pattern, or at least most of it, is stitched over 2 threads (or squares) – I’ve seen it written both ways and I’m not sure which is correct.
They suggest 28 or 32 count. Their sample was done on 30 count, which isn’t easy to find these days. If using Aida, I’m assuming 14 would be the same as 28 but again . . that’s not something I’m sure about.
The Calculator:
There are calculators in many places on the internet. This is the one I use most. You can
The Fabric:
I’ve ordered 30 count Portobello linen and 32 count Vintage Country Mocha Belfast.
If I use the 32 count, the calculator says I need the fabric to be 23″ x 23″ for a close to 13″ x 13″ stitched area.
If I use the 30 count, the calculator says I need the fabric to be about 24″ x 24″ and the stitched area would be close to 14″ x 14″.
According to the calculator, using 15 count Aida and stitching over 1 thread would give you about a 15″ x 15″ stitched area and you’d need about 25″ x 25″ for your fabric. Again – please don’t trust me on this but someone else, please let us know your thoughts.
My fabric should ship Wednesday or Thursday and it’s been taking a couple of weeks for me to get packages from 123stitch in Utah.
If this doesn’t help or if I totally didn’t answer your questions, please post again and those of you who are cross stitchers, even if you aren’t participating in the stitch along, I would greatly appreciate your help here. Thanks!
Robin R Crittenden says
Judy leave at least a 3 inch border around the whole design. So figure your stitch count with fabric. 209 stitches across with 32 ct fabric over 2 would be about 13 inches and add 3 inches on each side I would cut my fabric at least 20 inches across and down if same stitch count. You will be starting in top left and remember more is okay. Less you are in trouble. I hope this helps.
Judy Laquidara says
Thanks!
Denise Russart says
Yes Judy – with the numbers you list above, you are figuring it correctly.
Jennifer Breitenbach says
Hopefully I’ve ordered the right size! This is my first project I’m going to try that is not in a kit. So excited to stitch along with you Judy. My knitting just was never very good so I could never do any of those.
Becky Louise Rhodes says
My fabrics and all are still on their way. Once they arrive I’ll be in the lets figure out the yardage. I may have to get a larger weave if what I’ve ordered is too small. So we’ll see,
cindy says
If you are left handed like me, it is perfectly fine to make the stitches backwards. If i had to start at the top, it would be in the top right and the bottom layer of the cross stitch would go right to left. I find it more comfortable.
Judy Laquidara says
I am not left handed but Addie is.
cindy says
I remembered you mentioning something about someone being left handed but couldn’t remember who.