|
If you find yourself in a knot when trying to figure the design size conversion from fabric
of one count to another of a different count, follow these simple calculations and your frustrations
will disappear.
Establish the stitch count of the design you will be working on. Most published designs
will provide a stitch count for your convenience. If this information is not provided however,
you can easily establish the stitch count by totaling the number of grid squares that make
up the height and width of the design. Don't worry about counting individual stitches—all
you need is the number of grid squares between the furthest stitched points on each dimension.
For example: the grid squares on a particular design number 124 squares high by 82 squares wide.
Divide these numbers by the count of the fabric you will be working on:
- Divide by 14 for 14ct Aida - the stitched size will be 8.8 inches high by 5.8 inches wide.
- On 16ct fabric you will divide by 16. The stitched size will be 7.75 inches high by 5.1 inches wide.
On small count fabrics, the procedure can vary a little...
In the case of designs stitched over more than one thread (for example, 28ct stitched over 2)
you must first establish the equivalent count of the finished stitch size (28 divided by 2 (threads)
yields a count of 14.) Each finished stitch will be the same size as a stitch on 14ct fabric. Calculate
the design size using the formula for 14ct fabric. Exactly the same procedure applies to 32ct fabric
stitched over two threads. Dividing 32 by 2 (threads) yields 16. Calculate the size as you would for 16ct fabric.
Petit Pointe (small count fabric stitched over one thread) is calculated by using the actual fabric thread count.
For example: To find the design size on 32ct fabric stitched over one, simply divide the stitch count by 32. The
final design size will be 3.88 inches by 2.56 inches.
The basic principle is always the same...
Stitched over one—divide the design size by the fabric count.
Stitched over two—first divide the fabric count by 2, then divide the design size by the resulting number.
Here's to beautiful stitching!
Back To This Week's Tip »
|
