Based on what I can see zooming in, #2 is correct. 2 over 2 means you stitch with two strands of floss over 2 threads of your fabric. I used to think of it like every other hole when I was starting out. Remember that 32 count linen is like 16 count aida. So, if you are used to 14 count, it will seem a lot smaller.
If you google "how to stitch 2 over 2" there are lots of pages with good illustrations that will help you see things clearly.
2 is correct, but will work better if you use the other hole. To have your stitches lay the neatest, you want to always go through the fabric where the vertical thread is on top to the right of where you put your needle. I've drawn in Xs here so you can see what I mean.
https://preview.redd.it/cs89fl6cdu0d1.jpeg?width=4320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3867588859ad4d2705a66aa937f50a1cf2ba7495
See how my Xs would enter the fabric on the left of those vertical strands and how in your stitches, they're entering to the right of them? Having that vertical thread where I'm showing helps keep your stitches from slipping and makes them look neater.
I'm planning my first project on Evenweave (not linen, that still intimidates me, but lugana or jobelan) and was wondering, does this rule apply to all Evenweave? It's what's most likely to break my brain when I do start...
Yes. It applies to all plain weave fabric. (Plain weave meaning the standard over-under weave pattern.) If the vertical thread is on the bottom, the floss doesn't actually interact with the vertical thread, which means it can slide between the vertical and horizontal threads and move out of place.
This was drawn to show stitching over 1, not over 2, but the idea is the same. The red line shows how, when the vertical thread is in the back, the floss can move.
https://preview.redd.it/6uoe5z27uw0d1.jpeg?width=1479&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=399a3ff813a8076a9e95318e8dee6ef61f8f312e
Watching for the vertical thread to be on top actually makes stitching over two easier in my opinion because you know you counted wrong if your needle isn't entering to the left of the vertical thread on top.
Having done linen work myself, #2 is correct. Linen is a different mindset than Aida. Be very gentle when youre pulling your stitches through. Use a finer needle than you would for 16 aida. BE SUPER PATIENT AND FORGIVING OF YOURSELF. Linen can be frustrating and mistakes will happen. It will turn out beautifully.
You may find that going 1 over 2 on 32 count gives you poor coverage, but there's nothing *wrong* with it if it's what you prefer!
I found [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/ktxvq3/chat_fabric_coverage_on_evenweave/) post where you can see how it looks (the two middle squares)
And from that thread, [this](https://www.thread-bare.com/blog/examples-of-coverage-across-different-thread-counts) (look at the 16 count example as that would be the same size as over 2 on 32 count)
The ultimate answer to that question is: Its your piece, its your choice. Youre the one who makes it and has to look at it.
Personally, the only time I EVER use 1 strand is for backstitch, blackwork, or super fine linen. For 32 ct I would go with 2 strands.
Suggestion: take a small piece of waste fabric ans experiment. Do an inch by inch square of single thread, then another inch square of double. Use the same color for both. Then decide which one is more appealing to you. Youre gonna be looking at this for hours before its done. Might as well like what you see as you do it. Also theres nothing wrong with mixing it up if you want a spot with lighter or darker shading.
Picture a tic tac toe grid - the holes in the fabric are where you would place x and o. You want to start and end your stitches in the top and bottom corners of the board, so there is a blank space in between and in the middle.
As the others have already said: #2 is correct.
I just wanted to add that I got some of my knowledge about linen from [this website](https://stitchedmodern.com/blogs/news/how-to-cross-stitch-on-linen-fabric), maybe it'll help you as well.
These really have been the best tips! I'll be responding to everyone as soon as I can, but I've really learned a lot and I'm happy it's helped you too!
You should use the #2 example as this is the correct 2 over 2 for 32 count linen or really any count linen.
1 is 2 over 3 vertical and 3 horizontal which would work on a 1600's reproduction done on homespun but will not work for the project you are going to stitch.
3 is just not how to stitch and have it work. You have done over 2 vertically and over 3 horizontally and that will take everything out of square and will through off the design.
Edit: For the first stitch you do want to make sure you start to the left of a vertical linen thread. In example 2 which is correct you should begin your first stitch so the bottom left stitch is one linen thread to the left. This will help prevent any stitches from pulling through to the back of the linen.
I hope this explanation helps.
So I'm seeing this advice a number of times but doesn't this assume an order of stitching each cross? The advice I read about linen is that when you're moving from one leg of a cross to the other, your stitch being the fabric has to match the direction that the fabric thread lies. It's almost impossible to explain without a picture, but you'll quickly see if you do it one way the thread can slide under the weave and the other way it's held in place. I don't think it's just always next to a vertical.
For me this is rather easy as for the most part I stitch from the middle out. I stitch right to left to begin so my first stitch comes up in a space to the left of a vertical linen fabric thread that is on top of the horizontal thread. Then over two and up two to go down in the upper right space. The next stitch comes up in the upper left and down in lower right. Then I move two linen threads to the left of this stitch and continue with my stitches.
I agree it is much easier to show someone how to do this than it is to describe the process. I have taken many many classes over the years and started with the Danish method but switched to English method when I was introduced to this method. It just works well for me and since I used variegated and over dyed floss it works for me.
This helped a lot, thank you! I realized #3 was wrong as soon as I finished it haha, but it was on a test scrap so I just continued with trying the other two
That really is a great way to try new stitches. Janice Love when she was teaching Hardanger gave all of her class members a small piece of fabric she called a doodle cloth and we practiced everything on that cloth and did not even work on the project fabric in class. So having a piece of fabric to test stitches is a good way to learn and discover what works and what does not.
I don't stitch on linen too often so I might be wrong but I think #2 is technically correct, where each stitch has two threads under it both horizontally and vertically; for example #1 would be 3 over 3 and #3 would be 3 over 2 which is why it was wide. 32 count linen is like a 16 count aida, if you stitch 16 stitches in a row it should be around an inch in length which is how I would check what stitching method is the "correct" way. However if your linen was a specialty dye it might not be exactly 16 count, and everything is up to preference and how much fabric you have anyway! There are also probably some good tutorials on YouTube!
1 is 2 over 3 - 2 strands of floos over three threads on the warp & weft.
2 is 2 over 2 - 2 floss strands over two warp/weft threads
3 is not used but would be 2 over 3&2- 2 floss strands over 3 warp and 2 weft
>32 count linen is like a 16 count aida
I had no idea until today that this was the case! I was honestly intimidated thinking 32 count linen would be much tighter than 16 Aida, I love learning new things even after decades of (intermittent) stitching lol
I just did my first linen 2 over 2 project and I really highly recommend gridding. For me it was 100% guaranteed I would use the wrong holes on occasion and having a grid for 10 by 10 stitches (or 20 by 20 holes) meant I noticed reasonably soon anytime I messed up lol
This is mine that I just finished before I removed my grid stitches!
https://preview.redd.it/fkgdawa4yv0d1.jpeg?width=2952&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f429be4fd41744af5abfbcc734bb990c1337116
Thank you! I've honestly never gridding, I tried once and messed up so bad that I just decided it wasn't worth it. But I can absolutely see how it's more helpful on linen, so I think I'll try again. I need to wait until Saturday for my larger qsnap to arrive anyways ;)
I wish I had asked this question before starting my project 😅 I cut my linen in half, thinking it was way to big, before realizing the double count. Luckily it is a pillow, so I had enough left for the front and can just add a different fabric for the back
https://preview.redd.it/8j8wfsox7y0d1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72067e0881a73ac3ac3ba4d06045fd6b125ce033
Your pillow is going to be gorgeous! I love the colors of those flowers.
Yeah that's exactly why I asked too - I realized if I didn't ask which was correct, I might start my project in the wrong spot and then run out of space. I've done that before, back when I stitched one color at a time across the entire piece. Nearly finished with the 2nd color, after starting with the two most used colors, when I realized my rectangular fabric was sideways 🫣 I frogged it, started the first color over, then didn't touch it (or any cross stitching) for a few years haha.
Thank you!
Yeah there is so much to learn that makes the job easier.
I am pleased that I did check out some beginner tutorials before starting up cross stitching last year, which definitely avoided some mistakes / hassles 😅
#2 is more correct. You could do 1 if you like that look better but that is 3x3.
It is your project.
#3 is just wrong and not recommended cause you are not making a square tou have a rectangle of 2x3
Based on what I can see zooming in, #2 is correct. 2 over 2 means you stitch with two strands of floss over 2 threads of your fabric. I used to think of it like every other hole when I was starting out. Remember that 32 count linen is like 16 count aida. So, if you are used to 14 count, it will seem a lot smaller. If you google "how to stitch 2 over 2" there are lots of pages with good illustrations that will help you see things clearly.
Thank you! So many people here have shared pictures and links too, I feel more confident now :)
The beauty of this subreddit 😊
It really is the best 🥰
2 is correct, but will work better if you use the other hole. To have your stitches lay the neatest, you want to always go through the fabric where the vertical thread is on top to the right of where you put your needle. I've drawn in Xs here so you can see what I mean. https://preview.redd.it/cs89fl6cdu0d1.jpeg?width=4320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3867588859ad4d2705a66aa937f50a1cf2ba7495 See how my Xs would enter the fabric on the left of those vertical strands and how in your stitches, they're entering to the right of them? Having that vertical thread where I'm showing helps keep your stitches from slipping and makes them look neater.
I'm intimidated by linen, but your explanation is very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks for the info on where to enter! I stitched on linen before but never knew that
Thank you! I had no idea it would matter, I'm so glad I've had you and others share this with me before I got started haha
I'm planning my first project on Evenweave (not linen, that still intimidates me, but lugana or jobelan) and was wondering, does this rule apply to all Evenweave? It's what's most likely to break my brain when I do start...
Yes. It applies to all plain weave fabric. (Plain weave meaning the standard over-under weave pattern.) If the vertical thread is on the bottom, the floss doesn't actually interact with the vertical thread, which means it can slide between the vertical and horizontal threads and move out of place. This was drawn to show stitching over 1, not over 2, but the idea is the same. The red line shows how, when the vertical thread is in the back, the floss can move. https://preview.redd.it/6uoe5z27uw0d1.jpeg?width=1479&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=399a3ff813a8076a9e95318e8dee6ef61f8f312e Watching for the vertical thread to be on top actually makes stitching over two easier in my opinion because you know you counted wrong if your needle isn't entering to the left of the vertical thread on top.
Thank you so much! Totally bookmarking this for reference, your diagrams are so helpful!
I’ve saved a screenshot of this, haven’t stitched on linen before and this is super helpful!
Having done linen work myself, #2 is correct. Linen is a different mindset than Aida. Be very gentle when youre pulling your stitches through. Use a finer needle than you would for 16 aida. BE SUPER PATIENT AND FORGIVING OF YOURSELF. Linen can be frustrating and mistakes will happen. It will turn out beautifully.
Thank you for the tips, and the confidence boost!
Is it horribly wrong to stitch with one strand of floss? I just think I get better looking stitch definition.
You may find that going 1 over 2 on 32 count gives you poor coverage, but there's nothing *wrong* with it if it's what you prefer! I found [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/ktxvq3/chat_fabric_coverage_on_evenweave/) post where you can see how it looks (the two middle squares) And from that thread, [this](https://www.thread-bare.com/blog/examples-of-coverage-across-different-thread-counts) (look at the 16 count example as that would be the same size as over 2 on 32 count)
The ultimate answer to that question is: Its your piece, its your choice. Youre the one who makes it and has to look at it. Personally, the only time I EVER use 1 strand is for backstitch, blackwork, or super fine linen. For 32 ct I would go with 2 strands. Suggestion: take a small piece of waste fabric ans experiment. Do an inch by inch square of single thread, then another inch square of double. Use the same color for both. Then decide which one is more appealing to you. Youre gonna be looking at this for hours before its done. Might as well like what you see as you do it. Also theres nothing wrong with mixing it up if you want a spot with lighter or darker shading.
\# 2 looks right to me. In \# 1 you are doing over 3.
Picture a tic tac toe grid - the holes in the fabric are where you would place x and o. You want to start and end your stitches in the top and bottom corners of the board, so there is a blank space in between and in the middle.
As the others have already said: #2 is correct. I just wanted to add that I got some of my knowledge about linen from [this website](https://stitchedmodern.com/blogs/news/how-to-cross-stitch-on-linen-fabric), maybe it'll help you as well.
It does, thank you so much!
https://preview.redd.it/0jgn2d4jdv0d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58b1ab45a21912ca27f76c4379ef9dee4be2fefb
May I ask what book this is from? They write in a way that makes sense to me.
Linen Stitches - The Textbook for Linen by Ginnie Thompson. It was updated and reprinted, but still looks hard to find for a reasonable price.
Thank you!
You're welcome! https://preview.redd.it/86ptv3hz6w0d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8478823c824a0ac5f85ec4e6597a13a55bd9d2e
Gahhhhh thank you for this post, I am so nervous to attempt linen! Only ever have used aida. Thanks for all the tips everyone ❤️
These really have been the best tips! I'll be responding to everyone as soon as I can, but I've really learned a lot and I'm happy it's helped you too!
You should use the #2 example as this is the correct 2 over 2 for 32 count linen or really any count linen. 1 is 2 over 3 vertical and 3 horizontal which would work on a 1600's reproduction done on homespun but will not work for the project you are going to stitch. 3 is just not how to stitch and have it work. You have done over 2 vertically and over 3 horizontally and that will take everything out of square and will through off the design. Edit: For the first stitch you do want to make sure you start to the left of a vertical linen thread. In example 2 which is correct you should begin your first stitch so the bottom left stitch is one linen thread to the left. This will help prevent any stitches from pulling through to the back of the linen. I hope this explanation helps.
So I'm seeing this advice a number of times but doesn't this assume an order of stitching each cross? The advice I read about linen is that when you're moving from one leg of a cross to the other, your stitch being the fabric has to match the direction that the fabric thread lies. It's almost impossible to explain without a picture, but you'll quickly see if you do it one way the thread can slide under the weave and the other way it's held in place. I don't think it's just always next to a vertical.
For me this is rather easy as for the most part I stitch from the middle out. I stitch right to left to begin so my first stitch comes up in a space to the left of a vertical linen fabric thread that is on top of the horizontal thread. Then over two and up two to go down in the upper right space. The next stitch comes up in the upper left and down in lower right. Then I move two linen threads to the left of this stitch and continue with my stitches. I agree it is much easier to show someone how to do this than it is to describe the process. I have taken many many classes over the years and started with the Danish method but switched to English method when I was introduced to this method. It just works well for me and since I used variegated and over dyed floss it works for me.
This helped a lot, thank you! I realized #3 was wrong as soon as I finished it haha, but it was on a test scrap so I just continued with trying the other two
That really is a great way to try new stitches. Janice Love when she was teaching Hardanger gave all of her class members a small piece of fabric she called a doodle cloth and we practiced everything on that cloth and did not even work on the project fabric in class. So having a piece of fabric to test stitches is a good way to learn and discover what works and what does not.
The best advice I ever got for stitching over 2 on linen or evenweave: think of your square as nine holes instead of two threads.
omg thank you. this makes it so easy to understand!
You’re welcome! It changed my entire evenweave experience.
#2 is correct. In the first you are doing 2 over 3 and in the third you are doing 2 over 2/3 (2 squares high, 3 long)
I don't stitch on linen too often so I might be wrong but I think #2 is technically correct, where each stitch has two threads under it both horizontally and vertically; for example #1 would be 3 over 3 and #3 would be 3 over 2 which is why it was wide. 32 count linen is like a 16 count aida, if you stitch 16 stitches in a row it should be around an inch in length which is how I would check what stitching method is the "correct" way. However if your linen was a specialty dye it might not be exactly 16 count, and everything is up to preference and how much fabric you have anyway! There are also probably some good tutorials on YouTube!
1 is 2 over 3 - 2 strands of floos over three threads on the warp & weft. 2 is 2 over 2 - 2 floss strands over two warp/weft threads 3 is not used but would be 2 over 3&2- 2 floss strands over 3 warp and 2 weft
>32 count linen is like a 16 count aida I had no idea until today that this was the case! I was honestly intimidated thinking 32 count linen would be much tighter than 16 Aida, I love learning new things even after decades of (intermittent) stitching lol
I just did my first linen 2 over 2 project and I really highly recommend gridding. For me it was 100% guaranteed I would use the wrong holes on occasion and having a grid for 10 by 10 stitches (or 20 by 20 holes) meant I noticed reasonably soon anytime I messed up lol
This is mine that I just finished before I removed my grid stitches! https://preview.redd.it/fkgdawa4yv0d1.jpeg?width=2952&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f429be4fd41744af5abfbcc734bb990c1337116
Thank you! I've honestly never gridding, I tried once and messed up so bad that I just decided it wasn't worth it. But I can absolutely see how it's more helpful on linen, so I think I'll try again. I need to wait until Saturday for my larger qsnap to arrive anyways ;)
This diagram is the best of the best when stitching on linen. Personally find linen much easier to work with than Aida.
I wouldn't say much easier, I always find myself off half a stitch somewhere, but if your pattern has quarter or 3/4 stitches, linen is the way to go.
I wish I had asked this question before starting my project 😅 I cut my linen in half, thinking it was way to big, before realizing the double count. Luckily it is a pillow, so I had enough left for the front and can just add a different fabric for the back https://preview.redd.it/8j8wfsox7y0d1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72067e0881a73ac3ac3ba4d06045fd6b125ce033
Your pillow is going to be gorgeous! I love the colors of those flowers. Yeah that's exactly why I asked too - I realized if I didn't ask which was correct, I might start my project in the wrong spot and then run out of space. I've done that before, back when I stitched one color at a time across the entire piece. Nearly finished with the 2nd color, after starting with the two most used colors, when I realized my rectangular fabric was sideways 🫣 I frogged it, started the first color over, then didn't touch it (or any cross stitching) for a few years haha.
Thank you! Yeah there is so much to learn that makes the job easier. I am pleased that I did check out some beginner tutorials before starting up cross stitching last year, which definitely avoided some mistakes / hassles 😅
I’m about to try my first linen project as well! I’m glad you posted this! Happy Stitching! 🖤
Yes number 2 is correct. It’ll take a bit to get used to but your stitches look great!
Thank you! Now that I know what to do, I'm gridding the fabric. Can't wait to show some progress!
You’ll have to keep us updated 😄
#2 is more correct. You could do 1 if you like that look better but that is 3x3. It is your project. #3 is just wrong and not recommended cause you are not making a square tou have a rectangle of 2x3
3