Any embroiderer knows how painstaking and long her work can be, especially when it comes to a large painting, pillow or tapestry. It is extremely disappointing if the work comes to an end, and it becomes clear that the remaining free space on the canvas is sorely lacking. A lot of time and effort wasted.
In this article we will talk about how to correctly calculate the canvas for cross-stitch, and based on these recommendations, you will not be disappointed in your needlework.
What you need to know about preparing for embroidery?
To the beginning of each new embroidery project should be thoroughly prepared. Preparation includes the purchase of threads of the necessary colors, the selection of the basis for embroidery, accessories, the organization of the workspace. If you miss something, then the work may be spoiled, and the process will bring disappointment.
So, suppose that the thread palette is ready, the hoop, needle bar and scissors are also waiting for the start of work, and one of the main questions arises - the choice of canvas and the selection of size.
Some needlewomen begin embroidery on the canvas with a large margin, pre-measuring such a piece of fabric that will have to be cut at the end of the work. This is inconvenient and not economical, and it is better to measure clearly and accurately the required amount of canvas.
How to calculate the size of the canvas?
For the size of embroidery on the canvas, as well as the canvas itself, its main characteristic, the count, is responsible. Count is the number of crosses that can be embroidered in one inch (this is 2.54 centimeters). This parameter also indicates the canvas number. For example, if the package says "Aida No. 14", this means that 14 crosses embroidered on this canvas will be one inch. Accordingly, the larger the numerical value of the count, the smaller the crosses will be, and the pattern will turn out thinner.
For convenience, we will draw up a short table for counting crosses by 10 centimeters.
| Aida 11 | 43 cr. / 10 cm |
| Aida 14 | 55 cr. / 10 cm |
| Aida 16 | 63 cr. / 10 cm |
| Aida 18 | 71 cr. / 10 cm |
| Aida 22 | 87 cr. / 10 cm |
Next, carefully look at the pattern for embroidery - it indicates how many crosses are on each side, horizontally and vertically. Based on the fact that we know the canvas count and the total number of crosses, it will not be difficult to calculate the canvas for cross-stitch in centimeters.
Next, we consider the principle of a simple equation. For example, take the canvas Aida 16 - 63 crosses per 10 centimeters. We will take 100 crosses for X centimeters: X = 100 x 10/63 = 16 centimeters.
Be sure to add about 5-7 centimeters on each side, since after finishing work you will need to draw it up, moreover, without allowance, it will be difficult to hoop the canvas.
In total, if the size of the finished work should be 100 per 100 crosses, then the section of the canvas should be measured approximately 25 by 25 centimeters.
Recommendations for needlewomen
If instead of "Aida" a uniform weave or linen is used, it is also necessary to pay attention to the count - the fabric is numbered by analogy with the canvas.
There are special programs and online services with which you can calculate the canvas for cross-stitch.
Before work, it is better to overcast the edge of the fabric in order to avoid falling out of threads - with a small allowance, the loose edge can cause inconvenience during the execution of the work.
When embroidery is done according to a ready-made set, problems with the canvas size are usually avoided, however, in order for the image to be located evenly, it is better to start embroidery from the center.