Country Cross Stitch Kits has Cross Stitch Count Rulers (please see links below). Just print them off, cut them out and stick on to some card or laminated them. Than if your unsure off any fabric count hopefully this will help you.
Lizzie, thanks so much...I have a cross stitch pattern with 22 blocks of 10 going across and up and down the page. How do I use the ruler to calculate the size of fabric I need to purchase?
Once you know the count of the fabric and know the number of stitches, you can figure out the size of the stitched area. Add at least 3 inches to each dimension (1.5" minimum border all around) to determine the minimum fabric size.
Example - 22 count, and pattern 100 X 120 stitches -> 4.5 X 5.5 inches stitched area. Add the MINIMUM border would be a piece of fabric of at least 7.5 X 8.5 inches.
If you want to put it in a certain size frame, you can use that as your starting point rather than the pattern size. Just add at least 2 inches to the frame size (for wrap around to the back for finishing) to that. An 8 X 10 frame would need a piece of fabric at least 10 X 12.
Here is a tip. I use a blue pen that will disappear with water, this pen can be purchased at fabric stores. I mark off squares 10x10 to correspond to the lines on the charts and I number across the bottom and sides the numbers...10, 20. 30 etc. I also enlarge all my charts with a copier to better see them (some are quite small on the large kits). If they are in color I take them to a store that does color copies. This is a little more expensive but worth it. Having a clear map of your work makes it easier to find that one or two stitches that are away from a group you are working on. be sure to mark your whole fabric with the 10x10 squares. Also by mapping out your chart you can cut your enlarged copies up to smaller sections to place in a convenient place while working. I clip mine on the edge of the stand. I am thinking of getting a little clip on goose neck note holder for that. These ideas may just be a guy thing, but they work for me. Any other guys out there cross stitching?
Cross Stitch Count Rulers
Posted - 02/19/2009 : 12:04:38
