Stitching on linen?

[Ally]

I've been thinking about doing some bigger cross stitch projects with even weave linen, but I've never used it before! Does anyone have any tips or anything that might help with my foray into linen?

[tnitnetny]

I use linen a lot for my large projects. It is easier for me to wrap my hands around when trying to stitch in those hard to reach places. I basically just treat it like regular Aida. Some linen you won't need to tape the edges, but it never hurts to do it. Other then that, just be careful you don't leave your stitches too loose or pull them too tight because the linen will show that more.

[Eliste]

I prefer evenweave to Aida. Its less... Stiff and bulky I guess.

Like the other poster said, don't pull your stitches too tight as there isn't as much in between your stitches and it shows more. I also always wash and dry my evenweave first to preshrink it.

I find that it will bubble up under your stitches a bit more, which makes ironing a must when you're done. Also, if you leave it in a hoop for too long it'll really show up.

Depending on the weight, you can do work on linen that has no holes. It's very importent to be careful with your sizing, either counting threads over or whatever, cause if your crosses are not uniform in all manners, it tends to show up very obviously. It really depends on what the fabric is like. Evenweave at least has reasonable holes, but other linens don't.

[Ally]

Thank you both very much for your advice! Is there a count or brand of linen that's easier to use than others?

[tnitnetny]

I prefer this one: http://www.joann.com/monaco-cloth-28-co ... /prd60182/

A lot of fabric stores will sell it by the yard (or meter). So decide the size of your project first before you get it. I got a bolt of it a few years ago and it will last me a long time.

[Eliste]

I really like Zwiegart. I generally get it from sewandso.co.uk.
http://www.sewandso.co.uk/cat24.html
I love the feel of their fabrics, and they have a huge range of counts. I've yet to try the 55 count stuff, but the variety of counts gives you a lot of options.

[Ally]

Thanks! I'll buy some next week and give it a go!