Let's talk about threads

I recently uploaded a video on YouTube where I discuss threads. Sometimes a pattern can have a lot of threads recommended, especially floral designs with a lot of greens. Good quality embroidery floss is expensive, and sometimes you might only use a very small amount of one colour and never use it again.

In the recording, I discussed the possibility of using one thread from a darker shade, and one from a lighter shade together as a way to get a variation of the colour without buying the middle shade. 

Naturally, I had to give it a try. So, in the photo below you can see that I used the DMC threads 699 and 702 together and got an equivalent of what 700 would look like. (I did not have 701 in my stash).

Sometimes the colours are very similar, and the  difference in hue is very slight and hardly noticeable anyways, and by mixing two threads together you get an added 'texture' to your embroidery as well.

What do you think?

Have you tried this technique before? 

Close-up view of the test 

 

Cross stitch needle size chart

    Recently a lady wrote and asked me which needle size she should use for a certain ct aida.

    The rule of thumb is to use a needle that when threaded does not enlarge the hole of your aida, or linen. Of course, it also depends on your personal preference, and do be aware that a # 28 is not just a thin needle, but a short one as well.

   Here is a helpful little chart with the measurements for both imperial, and metric fabric size.

Fabric size	Fabric size metric	Needle size
8 ct aida	3.2 aida	# 20
11 ct aida / 14-20 ct linen	4.3 aida / 8 threads per cm linen	# 22
14 ct aida / 28-30 ct linen	5.5 aida / 10-11 threads per cm linen	# 24
16 ct aida / 32 ct linen	6.3 aida / 12 threads per cm linen	# 26
18 ct aida / 36 ct linen	7.1 aida / 14 threads per cm linen	# 28

Conversion for cross stitch fabric from inches to cm + antique Sajou embroidery pattern.

    Since 2008 I have designed and sold cross stitch embroidery patterns, I have an extensive library of embroidery books/ magazines/ research material, I have more finished cross stitch pictures then I have wall space, but ask me what is the metric conversion for 28 ct linen and I go blank !

   As I am sure I wasn’t the the first one to google ‘What is 28ct linen in cm ?’  I decided to look it up once-and-for-all, and keep the conversion chart handy. 

   Do remember when buying fabric for an embroidery project to calculate a large margin for both framing, and the occasional error. Beside, the fabric could fray and it would be a shame to reach the end of a project and realize you have too little fabric left for professional framing. 

   If perchance you do run out of fabric, don’t panic ! You could always sew on an extra piece and hide the hem behind a pass partout. 

Aida 11ct / 4.3pts cm

Aida 14ct / 5.5pts cm

Aida 16ct / 6.3pts cm

Aida 18ct / 7.1pts cm

Evenweave/ Linen 20ct / 8fils cm

Evenweave/ Linen 25ct / 10fils cm

Evenweave/ Linen 28ct / 11fils cm

Evenweave/ Linen 32ct / 12fils cm

Evenweave/ Linen 36ct / 14fils cm

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Here are a few photos of a lovely antique Sajou pattern I just finished re-charting, I am not sure what type of rose it is, but it's beautiful.

Signed 'Sajou'

Lovely details

Pattern available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/221021200/old-rose-cross-stitch-pattern-instant?ref=shop_home_active_4

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    Not much garden news in February, but I did want to share a pic. of my cute little cactuses. Grown from seeds that came from Mexico, these tiny little prickly plants have very slowly grown and thrives in my living room.

Tiny Mexican cactuses growing on a Norwegian window sill.