Number of Threads

destructiveernie · Post by **destructiveernie** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:49 pm

Having done all the cross stitch I've ever done on 14 count aida I've decided to try 18 count and 22 count for something different. May sound silly but going to try stitching the same thing, something small ish, on all three to see the difference.

Question is this, on 14 count I usually use 2 threads, what would I use for the 18 and 22 count?

(PS - yes this is a way of avoiding doing my current WIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

mauveme · Post by **mauveme** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:30 pm

I usually use 2 threads on anything under 11 count, (use 4 for that) unless the chart says otherwise. I think it is just personal preferance. My sister in law uses 3 on all 14 ct., but I think it just bulks up the back. You should try a few stitches on different counts to see what effect you like. Experimenting is half the fun. PS. you should try 16 count as well.

Ekidna · Post by **Ekidna** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:27 pm

I always use two threads on 14, 16 & 18. I've not done 22 yet, but I have a pattern for 25ct and it says to use two threads on that also. Post up pics of your results, I'd like to see that comparison too!!

whiskers12 · Post by **whiskers12** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:09 am

I usually stitch on 14, 16 and occasionally 18 using two threads. It depnds on the effect you want to give your work. Stitching using 1 thread on 18 count is easier than two however the effect is generally not as striking as using 2, as you can see some of the fabric through the stitches.

Experiment and see how you go!

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:36 am

I would use 2 strands on 18ct. The coverage is excellent without the bulk. On 22 ct I would probably only use one thread, but then I never use 22ct for cross-stitch, only for hardanger.

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:08 pm

I agree with all of the ladies I use 2 for all of the sizes even 11 count but it does tend to leave a bit of the fabric showing. I very seldom use 11 count. Mostly 14 through 18 is my choice. The 22 count can be done with just 1 thread but it is a personal preferance.

destructiveernie · Post by **destructiveernie** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:16 pm

Thanks guys, you input is really appreciated.

Just got to decide what to stitch now!!!!!!!!!

lindagibb · Post by **lindagibb** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 3:21 am

I tend to agree with all the rest 2 threads most of the time.

On my dragonfly pictures (in my gallery) the wings were done with one thread to give them that transparent look and which I think is very effective.

Hope our advice has made your decision of what to stitch much more easier.

coffee_freak · Post by **coffee_freak** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:30 am

i also use 2..on darker fabric like black or dark blue i use 3 on 14ct just because i don't want to see the fabric around the stitches..

but generally i never use 14ct or 11ct...only 16ct and up!