For my example, I'm going to use 1 strand of floss (you could easily use 2 & often times that is how I stitch) 'over 2'. What does the 'over 2' mean? This means you will be making your stitches over 2 strands of linen thread vertically and horizontally ~ the threads that make up the linen fabric. These 4 threads (2 up and 2 down) will make the 'box' that you are use to using/seeing on Aida cloth.
To begin your stitch ~ bring your needle up in the lower left corner of this 'box'. Put the needle down in the upper right corner of this 'box'. Here is a photo to show you...
click on the photo to enlarge the image
Pull this stitch completely through before moving on to part two of your cross stitch.
Next you will bring the needle up in the lower right corner of your 'box' and down through the upper left corner of your 'box'. Like this...
click on the photo to enlarge the image
This method is for stitching with one cross stitch at a time, but you could easily stitch in rows if that is how you are accustomed to doing it.
The thread count of linen refers to the number of threads the fabric has per inch. For instance, if you are using a 32-count fabric and stitching 'over 2'... you will be making 16 cross stitches per inch just like a 16 count Aida cloth.
One more thing I can add to this ~ but don't want to confuse anyone.... sometimes designers will refer to stitching 'over 1'. This will make a cross stitch one half the size of the 'over 2' stitches. It means that you will make your 'x' stitch over just one thread vertical and 1 thread horizontal. My opinion... you have to have some really GOOD eyesight for this one! ;)
I did do a web search & have found many websites that offer up some great tutorials with good diagrams. If you need more help, you might do a web search too. Hopefully this has helped answer a few questions. If not, I'm happy to offer help via email the best I can.
Many smiles to you...
Betty
Very detailed directions and pictures! I bet everyone will be stitching on linen in no time :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful tutorial. I was lucky to learn how to cross stitch from an expert when I worked at a craft store. I should do more stitchery, but I do enjoy adding it to my quilting.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
i have been doing my stitchin on 28 count evenweave, I have some linen maybe i will give it a try!
ReplyDeletethanks Betty!
I've always been "afraid" of linen but I love how it looks. 18 count Aida is the smallest I've gone but am determined to give linen a try now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty!
Thank you so much for the instructions and pictures!! You know I needed this. Sher is getting me started on needle punch embroidery too! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kay
Thank you so much for the directions. I am new to cross stitch and have made several of your free designs you so kindly offer but I only use Aida cloth. I have wanted to try using linen but have been a bit unsure how to. Thank you so much for the help, I am going to give it a try. You are so sweet to be so helpful! pam
ReplyDeleteCan I say Thank you enough for this?! Goodness, I bought linen a few years ago & went cross-eyed trying to stitch it (it was a very tight weave & the pattern was called for 1 over)...I just had looked at more linen the other nite while in town (I just don't like the aida cloth for primitive work), so I'll for sure be picking some up next trip into town! Thanks again!:)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
lisa
Betty, Looks like you've inspired people to try their hand at linen. I LOVE linen and don't stitch on anything else. I actually think it's much easier to stitch on than Aida. ~Ann
ReplyDeleteYes, it is hard on the eyes...I'm going to try it again, thanks for showing how.
ReplyDeleteRondell
Thanks for your detailed help! I'm a stitcher from a while ago, but always like someone to ensure me that I'm still doing it right, lol. I stumbled on your blog and am happy I did, I'm adding you to mine. And Thanks for your free patterns, I love all your work.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Bren
thanks betty!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Betty for such a great detailed tutorial. This is really on my to do list so that I can make your adorable patterns. The smallest I've stitched on is 18 count. Thank you again
ReplyDeleteKaren
Oh thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed. I am going to print out some to take on trip this weekend. Now if you frame do use glass??
ReplyDeleteThanks again