DS cross stitch pattern

[Inatightsqueeze]

DS really enjoys doing counted cross stitch and has just finished his latest piece, he wants to move onto a pattern that if the chart is followed should be sewn on 32 count lined fabric.

I'm not sure he's really for this. The previous pieces he's completed are amazing and really neat (even on the back) but linen is a whole different beast and I'm not sure he would persevere if/when something goes wrong.

So what I'm looking for is advice on if he were to do the pattern on 32 count Aida instead of linen? Has anyone done this and could they advise on what we could do instead.

I think I've managed to attache Pics of what he's done previously and what he wants to do.

I have no experience of this but just wanted to say his work is fantastic! I wish I had the patience to do that.

If he uses the same as before it'll just turn out bigger

You should be fine using any 32 count fabric. Evenweeve such as Aida will be easier than linen. Others such as joblean are softer but more even.

But he looks to be a good sew-er already so might enjoy the step up. Maybe try a smaller linen piece first? Just to get the hang of working over two threads.

As in same count aida that he is comfortable with. Either eBay or local craft shop👍🏻

I think if he’s got the patience to complete what he’s already done then you should let him try the linen. Worst that can happen is he realises he’s peaked!

And if you go for 28 count which will be a bit easier then the design will come out bigger so you need to scale up.

Thank you for the compliments, he does work hard on them and to be fair they have been brilliant for him as he's never bored now.

I'm just worried about investing the money as we're fairly skint and to get everything he needs would be nearly £50, so I'm loathed to shell out on something that might make or break him, and I wouldn't use the linen as I'm a crocheter, more than a sewer (and would struggle myself on linen).

If anyone can point me in the direction of something that's not overly floral/fairy/birds or a birth/wedding sampler I'd be greatful as I'm struggling for an alternative, if push comes to shove and we decide against it.

One point - 32 count linen is 32 threads per inch, i.e. 16 stitches (as you stitch over 2 threads on linen). The equivalent aida is 16 count, not 32 count!
Working on linen is lovely, though, although it does require a little more care, and his work looks beautiful.
Re patterns: lots of stuff online (your screenshots are from Sew&So I think? They have a few nice patterns that aren't too twee if you look through). Amazon have cross stitch kits too, and there is a broad range. Or books like Twisted Stitches: www.urban-cross-stitch.com/twisted-stitches-30-corrupt-cross-stitch-designs although not sure if age appropriate!

To answer the question, though - 32ct linen is totally interchangeable with 16ct aida, and aida is easier but the finished product looks a bit less nice, imho.

Thank you! That could have gone wrong.

His work is neat, but he's not careful with his work and will often adorn the floor, back of the sofa, wherever it lands so just feel that linen won't cope with his lack of care,

I'll have a look at twisted threads

Death By Crossstitch can be stitched on any count. Some people are doing 14 count, some 32 count (1 over 1!). There's a Facebook group just for that design, it'd give him lots of ideas and advice.

I'm three quarters finished mine.

The design is all whole cross stitch (no fractional) and some backstitch so it's actually an easy one to stitch. It's just the size that's overwhelming!

He will be investing a lot of time and effort; go for the linen (he could save up for it) and make something that justifies his efforts.

I’m tremendously impressed, by the way. He might also love fairisle knitting (I’m a fan of both and they seem to light up the same bit of my brain!)

Would he consider evenweave rather than linen? It's kind of a halfway point but a lot easier to see. Looks really good done.

We've ordered a kit that has some colour and different stitches and when he finishes that we're going to take it he plunge and do death by cross stitch on linen.

To be fair I think I was the one overwhelmed rather than him!

Wahay! Definitely the right choice. I’m an art teacher and in my own work and my students’, using precious materials yields precious results.

I would just go for it, my cross stitch drawer is full of half finished projects. If it's too much then he can come back to it when he's more experienced. My mum bought me one as a teenager which was large and complicated, I finished it eventually almost 20 years later and it's now on my wall and is the one I'm most proud of.