minature patterns

[Siva]

I want to try making miniature images about 1-2 square inches for the finished size using silk gauze and petit point techniques (it looks pretty similar to plastic canvas techniques), but cannot figure out how to size the images appropriately using KG Chart. Right now I don't have a specific image, but everything I have tested has been a failure. Does anyone have experience with this or any advice on how to start?

[Kareesh]

What I do is know what fabric I'll be using. For example if I'll be using 14, 16, or 18 count. To figure out how many stitches are in a 2-inch piece from 16 count, take the count times the number of inches. So for my example piece it would be 32 stitches. Go into KG Chart and make a new project with the dimensions that you figured out. You can give or take a few stitches.

At least, that's what I tend to do. Hope that helps.

[Siva]

I was trying that but I'm still not great with KGchart. Will this work even if I'm using a 70 count fabric?

[Kareesh]

I would assume so, but I've never really worked on anything other than aida or higher than 18 count, so I can't say for 100% sure.

[funkymonkey]

How would you even stitch on 70 count? Seems like it would be impossible to separate the fibers. Generally I think people draw their pattern onto the fabric and then sew on top of that if you're doing non-counted embroidery.

[Siva]

This is for counted embroidery. It uses a fabric called silk gauze that comes in 40 count to 112 count, depending on how crazy you want to go with your project. It is mostly used to make needle point items and rugs for doll houses to scale but I'm interested in trying to make my own miniature creations. So far its been hard to find resources on it but it looks like I'll need to order the fabric from either Canada or the UK, and buy a magnifying glass. Idk if I'll go crazy on my first attempt due to the tiny size but I'm really interested in trying it out.

Here's what the fabric looks like, its not a soft flimsy fabric that you would assume gauze to be, but closer to the plastic canvas people use.

silk gauze.png (148.54 KiB) Viewed 5126 times

An example of petit point by needleandthread.com

micro-cluny-tapestry-16.jpg (41.06 KiB) Viewed 5126 times

And the completed image, only 5 inches wide!

micro-cluny-tapestry-29.jpg (53.18 KiB) Viewed 5126 times

[Kareesh]

The counts that are used, are they like 40 stitches per inch like aida, or do they do the counts differently? If they're different, than the way I suggested wouldn't work. It looks very interesting.

[funkymonkey]

Wow, that looks intense. Best of luck trying it!! I've stitched on some 30-32 count, but I can't even imagine 70. Magnifying glass needed, for sure!

[Siva]

From the info I've found it's measured the same as aida. Here is a test pattern I've made, its pretty simple, but I think it'll be a good start. I'm going to start with 40 count at first so this image should come out as 2 inches wide and an 1 1/2 inches across while still maintaining detail. If that test is successful I'll try the 70 count, so this image will be just slightly over an inch wide.

cthulhu.png (207.73 KiB) Viewed 5116 times

[Siva]

I finally bought the fabric!!!! Im super excited to try this out, but I have a feeling it will start trying my patience relatively fast. I got 40, 58, and 75 count fabric all 4" by 8". Ill start with the 40 and work my way up to see which I like and if any will work for what I have planned. Once I get started I'll make sure to post pics!