Types of Fabric
There are different types of fabric, cloth and canvas to choose from when
deciding to start a new project. Here
are some pointers to help you make an informed decision on what would be your
best bet for your current project.
Count-
So what does
count mean? It is important to know when
you are buying your fabric. When I first
started, I got confused and wondered why my project came out smaller than the
pattern said it was going to be. For
pointer number one: The smaller the “count” of the fabric, the larger your
project will be. Some of you already
know this, but many people that are new to this craft do not, and it’s best to
know before you start!
The "count" refers to
how many threads are used in each inch. This means this is you how many
stitches you can squeeze into an inch of fabric; therefore a bigger number
means that each stitch has to be smaller so as to fit more of them in.
If you have a
pattern that states it used 16 count, but you have a frame in mind that would
require that pattern be smaller, you could switch to an 18 count, for example.
To do the calculations to make sure it will fit can be mind boggling to some. I created a quick table below for
reference. Just remember to add 2 ½-3
inches on each side of your fabric for framing purposes.
How much floss do you use for different fabric counts?- As a rule, you should usually use two strands of floss for 11-18 count fabric. 22 Count can be either one or two strands, but for 24 count on up, it's best to use only one strand of floss. If you have a pattern that asks for a blended entry, then you always use two strands. If it seems too difficult to do petite cross stitch (Over One) on certain thread counts, you can always do half stitches instead for the blended entries. just make sure that your half stitches are going in the same direction as your completed cross stitches!
Number of Stitches for Each Size Frame According to Fabric Count
| | 11 Count | 14 Count
| 16 Count
| 18 Count
| 22 Count
| 24 Count
| 25 Count
| 28 Count
| 32 Count
|
|---|
3" X 5"
| 33 x 55
| 42 x 70
| 48 x 80
| 54 x 90
| 66 x 110
| 72 x 120
| 72 x 125
| 84 x 140
| 96 x 160
|
|---|
5" X 7"
| 55 x 77
| 70 x 98
| 80 x 112
| 90 x 126
| 110 x 154
| 120 x 168
| 125 x 175
| 140 x 196
| 160 x 224
|
|---|
8" X 10"
| 88 x 110
| 112 x 140
| 128 x 160
| 144 x 180
| 176 x 220
| 192 x 240
| 200 x 250
| 224 x 280
| 256 x 320
|
|---|
10" X 12"
| 110 x 132
| 140 x 168
| 160 x 192
| 180 x 216
| 220 x 264
| 240 x 288
| 250 x 300
| 280 x 336
| 320 x 384
|
|---|
Thread Count Per Inch of Fabric
| Thread Count Per |
| 11 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
| Inch
of Fabric | 10 | 1 | 3/4 | 5/8 | 1/2 |
| 20 | 1 7/8 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/8 | 1 |
| 30 | 2 3/4
| 2 1/4 | 1 3/4 | 1 3/8
|
| Number
of Stitches | 40 | 3 3/4 | 2 7/8
| 2 1/4 | 1 7/8
|
| In Design | 50 | 4 5/8
| 3 5/8 | 2 7/8
| 2 3/8 |
| (Width
or Height) | 60
| 5 1/2 | 4 3/8 | 3 3/8
| 2 3/4
|
| 70
| 6 3/8
| 5
| 4
| 3 1/4 |
| 80 | 7 3/8
| 5 3/4 | 4 1/2 | 3 3/4 |
| 90
| 8 1/4 | 6 1/2
| 5 | 4 1/8
|
| 100 | 9 1/8 | 7 1/4 | 5 5/8
| 4 5/8
|
For a quicker and more precise number or pattern size, go to the handy conversions calculator!
Aida- Is one of the most popular types of fabric that people use for
counted cross stitch. It’s especially easier
for a beginner due to the defined holes.
This type of fabric is also known as block weave. It’s best for regular cross stitch, half
stitch and back stitching. Once you get
into fractional stitches (1/4 and ¾ stitches) it becomes a little difficult to
use. It’s available in 11,14,16,18 and
22 counts.
Hardanger/Oslo-Comes in 22 count only.
Evenweave-Has both lumpy and smooth weaves available to give your project a unique look. It
comes in counts of 25, 28, 32 and 36.
Jobelan-Is best for pillows and linens.
It’s a soft linen that comes in both 28 and 32 count.
Lugana-Is a linen fabric that comes in 25 and 32 count.
Below are the fabrics I have used most in my projects