How to Check Thread Count in Counted Cross Stitch Fabric
Counted cross-stitch material is woven in a pattern that enables an "X" or cross to be stitched into it. Aida 100 percent cotton cloth is the main choice for counted cross-stitch projects. Even weave, canvas and linen are also used for the needlepoint craft. Cross-stitch fabric is woven to enable 6, 11,14,18 or 28 count. These counts determine how many cross stitches will be made per inch of cloth. An 11- or 14-count cloth is the most manageable for a beginner. The 28-count fabric is woven for a much finer stitch for the accomplished needlepoint artist.
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Instructions
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The weave in cross stitch cloth has distinct holes in it. Look at the weave in a piece of cloth that is labeled for cross stitch. Notice the rows of holes in the cloth. Aida cloth has holes that are easily visible. Linen has a basket-weave pattern of interwoven threads. The experienced needleworker will make a stitch over two threads in the linen.
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Place a ruler on to the cloth. Line it up evenly across an area where a full line of horizontal thread or holes are visible.
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Look at two rows of the holes in the thread weave lying directly on top of the ruler. Notice that four holes in the Aida cloth forms a box-shaped area. This is the one-count in the threads. Count 14 square forms to see if the space is equal to an inch. The 1 inch measurement determines the count.
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Tips & Warnings
Find the center point on the counted cross-stitch cloth to keep an accurate count when starting a project.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cross stitch embroidery image by vnlit from Fotolia.com cross-stitch image by Lytse from Fotolia.com
