Fabric

by Jane Hill
(Kent,England)

Please could you help me with what fabric count is suitable for making table linen?

I would like to use a very fine closely woven linen. I have found a 55 count linen but is this suitable because I'm sure I've read somewhere it should be an even number for hardanger and cut thread work! Also, what thread would be suitable?

I would just like to say I've taught myself with a lot of help from this brilliant website!! So thank you so much!

Kindest regards
Jane Hill

Comments for Fabric

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fine hardanger fabric
by: Carol

Hi Jane,

Thank you for asking about the fabric for hardanger tablecloths.

An even weave fabric has the same number of threads vertically and horizontally, so a 55 count fabric could well be classed in this category. However, it would be very difficult to work hardanger on a fabric so fine.

The finest I would go, would be a 36 count. Anything smaller and you would need a hugely powerful magnifying glass in order to see where to put your needle.

When using 36 count linen I would keep to a size 12 perle cotton throughout the design. Anything chunkier, such as an 8 or 5, would give much too heavy an appearance for my liking.

I would work with a size 26 tapestry needle, which should have a big enough eye to thread the perle 12 through, although you might need to use an aid, such as a needle threader or a slip of folded paper to do so.

Thank you for your lovely comments about my site. I am so glad you have found it useful. I like to think I am doing my bit to keep the traditional needlework skills alive. :0)

Kind regards,

Carol

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Hardanger embroidery questions.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. hardanger patterns on paper

    Aug 09, 18 12:53 PM

    I want to do hardanger on paper and will use stitches only, no cutting out. Should I use embroidery cotton and can I use a small hardanger pattern to put

    Read More

  2. outline details for cross stitch

    Jul 22, 18 02:48 PM

    I am stitching a counted cross stitch on plastic canvas. When completing outline details, do I do in and out of every hole or do I extend outline in longer

    Read More

  3. Blackwork for Beginners Book

    Jul 11, 18 10:35 AM

    Blackwork for Beginners - learn this fascinating needlework technique with Carol Leather's book

    Read More