Choose strands with a coverage sample

Compare coverage at the actual stitch length and fabric count. More strands add bulk as well as coverage and may enlarge holes.

Before you start

Prepare a small offcut of the intended ground with the intended needle and thread. Mark the practice area lightly and support the fabric without stretching its grain.

Try this example

Fill three adjacent 1 cm squares with one, two and three strands. Label them, release the hoop and choose by the relaxed result rather than tensioned appearance.

Check your result

• Release the frame and inspect front and reverse. The thread should lie as intended without distorting the ground; shorten a stitch or change the sample before pulling harder.
• Coverage and tension depend on the actual ground, thread and stitch length. A diagram shows the route, not a universal thread quantity or tension setting.

Sources

• rsnstitchbank.org: reference
• rsnstitchbank.org: running stitch

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