My preference is one strand of floss when cross stitching. I used two recently on something . . was it Addie’s Valentine stocking that I still need to finish? Whatever it was, it wasn’t bad stitching with two strands. Yes . . it was Addie’s Valentine piece because if I had used a higher count linen, the stocking would have been too small.
In yesterday’s post about the amount of floss needed if using Vikki Clayton’s silks, I want to clarify three things.
First, I’m staying “one strand” and I should be saying “one length”. You can use two or three strands if you want – what we’re doing is stitching one length of floss per day. Also, we’re not being real technical. I pull a length of floss, cut it, separate out one strand and stitch . . because I stitch with one strand. If you stitch with more than one strand, pull out however many you use and stitch. And, again, no police here – if you want to sit and stitch for hours . . that’s your choice and no one is going to squawk about it.
Second, when I discussed how many bobbins of floss you’re going to need, and also the amount of floss recommended in the chart I have (I haven’t seen the newer version that’s available at shops), that is for 40 count linen. If you’re going to use two strands, you’re going to need twice that amount.
Third, the chart says “This project is not suitable for Aida.” Why? As you know, I’m not a cross stitching expert so check all this for yourself. I’m assuming the “not suitable for Aida” is because some of the stitches will go through “half” the square on linen, i.e., the full stitch is across two threads and in some of the special stitches, it actually goes through “half” the full stitch, which is about the same as one over one but not really.
There’s nothing that can’t be overcome – make a different stitch instead of the one shown, or leave out that section if it’s too difficult to change it, and have a bit smaller (shorter) sampler.
I’ve gone through the charts and this is what I saw that might create issues for Aida stitchers. Please check this for yourself before beginning.
- Part 1 – There are “elongated ray” stitches. I think they should be fine. There are “elongated smyrna” stitches. I googled this and saw examples of doing it on Aida but the placement on this chart has some of the stitches being in the middle of a square. Solution: I think if you repositioned your starting spot to a full square, you could make this or . . a row of simple “x”s could replace these stitches.
- Part 2 – Looks like all regular/full cross stitches – no problems here.
- Part 3 – Looks like all regular/full cross stitches – no problems here.
- Part 4 – Lazy Daisies – These are done in an opening across the row. There’s a 13 square opening where the lazy daisies are stitched. I would think you could find another motif to stitch there.The tip of the petal is anchored in the middle of a stitch so if using linen, that’s ok. If using Aida, can you not make a hole in the middle? If I wanted to use Aida, I’d try making a lazy day as shown in the chart and see what I think. Otherwise, there’s room in there to stitch some other kind of flower.
- Part 5 – The Rhodes Square might be a bit difficult but I don’t see any reason plain stitches wouldn’t be fine in this area – I might even make plain stitches and I’m using Aida. Those look a bit chunky to me. It’s in between the flowers. Also, the Ribbed Spider Web Wheels are between the leaves. I am not even sure I like those so I may be looking for a substitute stitch there.
- Part 6 – There are more Rhodes Squares, Ribbed Spider Web Wheels and Ribbon Roses. I’m not sure I like those either. I’m quite sure there a plain stitched flower would work for me.
So, look at all those specialty stitches ahead of time and see if they’re something you want to make or if you want to find an alternate stitch but please don’t let these stop you from stitching this progress if you love it otherwise.