Cross-stitching a Chair Seat - advice please!

[maebusch]

Hello,

This is my first post so please be gentle with me

This is my first biggish project and I need some advice from the experts!

I want to cross stitch a new seat for an old dining chair I'm upholstering. I want to copy the Galaxian design on this page viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2447.

The original pattern uses 28ct linen but I want to use black 14ct Aida as 1) it will be easier and 2) it will increase the size of the pattern to near enough what I need. Do you think this sounds okay? Will the Aida fabric withstand bums wiggling on it while people try to eat my food? What about thread? Would 2 or 3 strands of DMC cotton be adequate, would tapestry wool work instead?

I will cross stitch all the black space too which I don't think the original pattern suggests.

Thanks in advance!

[blackmageheart]

Hi and welcome!

Firstly, let me address the pattern size - that 28ct linen pattern is stitched over 2 threads, so stitching it as we would normally do - over 1 - on 14ct aida will make it come out the same size, 16 cm x 18.28 cm. Is that the size you need?

On to the next bit - bum wiggling. Aida's cotton and pretty robust, but like any material it will suffer wear. I've never sat on any for a long period (or indeed, wiggled on any) so I can't really give you any advice on this part. Same for the threads really. If they are stitched neatly and are all secure they should hold in place, but as with the aida they may just wear over time.
You can use 2 or 3 strands on 14ct, it just depends what sort of look you want. If you wanted to use tapestry wool you might be better off using a single thread canvas (interlock type because it's quite strong) than aida. Again, it may suffer wear over time.

I'm not sure I've been much help but no doubt one or more of our members will be able to offer you some more advice!

[Eliste]

>> Will the Aida fabric withstand bums wiggling on it while people try to eat my food?<<

The Aida will be just as fine as any other fabric, which is to say it will eventually wear away, but probably not for a good few years.

The threads are what you'll need to worry about. If its the back of the chair, it's probably fine, but if it's the seat, I dunno. One thing you could consider- there exists a see-through plastic that is sew able. Covering your design with that would not only solve the wear and tear problem, but probably also make it easier to clean. It's like a PVC type of material, but is easily sourced.

>> What about thread? Would 2 or 3 strands of DMC cotton be adequate<<

If you're not covering the stitches, I'd go with a higher strand count than usual. that way when one strand wears thin, there's still more to keep the continuity.

>>would tapestry wool work instead?<<

Tapestry wool would work, but it may have a tough time getting through the Aida, is sometimes less color-fast, and gives a completely different look/feel to a piece than stranded cotton. If you opt for this, make sure you test the pattern out as you may find that it isn't how you thought it would be- for instance, the wool will definitely raise the design higher (and may be more likely to snag on clothes) than stranded cotton. Do a test piece before committing. Also, be aware that there are typically far fewer color shades available in any tapestry wool range than cotton.

[dorkyzyl13]

I think I would be most worried about the threads getting snagged on someone's buttons/rivets/etc. I would have to second Eliste on some sort of covering for the seat, but it may take away a bit from the effect. (I don't think that was the right wording at all)