Mono canvas v . . .

Jeepers, except that you stitch on both, they're very different. Mono canvas is stiff and not usually used for xs. It's a plain weave, so no little boxes, and it comes in more limited counts and colors. BUt there are lots of fabulous charts for it, and since the hole are big, it's easy to work on. Check out Laura Perin's patterns on NN, for beautiful examples. Also Northern Pine Designs, Jean Hilton, and many others. I suspect

Sara

The holes for needlepoint on mono canvas are not always big. Sometimes for petit point they're very tiny, e.g. 18 to the inch.

Lucille

Mono canvas is an open weave of single threads creating large holes used for needlepoint. The canvas is completely covered by stitches. You can use it for xs patterns, but you would work the background as well as the figurative subject of the embroidery. Needlepoint is also usually worked in wools unless you're a vegan, which makes it very durable, and can be used for chair seats, cushions, rugs, etc.

Aida is much more closely woven and uses two sets of threads > OK - I think I know the answer, but can someone tell me - what is the

But I consider 18 ct. to be big. Should have put a caveat with that I guess. I've done petit point on Belfast (32 ct) and silk gauze (40 ct)., so everything's relative.

Sara

Have you put your name down for a guide dog yet?

Pat P

When you are using perle, though, does it make much difference whether you use mono canvas or Aida?

I'm asking all this because I've fallen in love with several Laura Perin designs - most of which call for 18 count mono canvas. It's more expensive and difficult to get (although I've ordered a piece from Nordic Needle for one project) and I was wondering if I could substitute.

You might want to look at converting the perle to floss - that's if you are doing it cross stitch. Methinks the perle would be too heavy for anything but tent stitch for 18 count. Cross stitch adds a block-ier quality to the design than tent.

But, like Brenda says you would have to experiment to see what you like.

Dora

lewmew wrote:

OK, now I see where you're going with this. The holes on 18 ct mono canvas are much bigger than on 18 ct Aida. And the Laura Perin designs use some pretty chunky fibers, besides #5 pearl. My personal opinion is to spring for the canvas. But find a place who'll custom cut a piece for you, not NN which will only cut off the bolt. That will bring the cost down considerably. And you'll need stretcher bars to, but those are cheap and available at places like Michael's. Thumbtacks (not push pins) work fine to attach the canvas to the stretcher bars. Which Laura Perin do you have?

Sara

I did spring for the mono (ordred from Nordic Needle) for my first piece (North Woods Collage, which my dh also loves) and I have Sapphire Star coming this week. I'm also looking to get the Bluebonnet Collage

- but want to do at least one before I get any more!

Thanks for all your help!

Linda

Hi Linda,

I went to Nordic Needle first for canvas because I didn't know anywhere else to get it...and they only sell by the inch...only after did I discover that my one of my online "LNS"s not only carries different counts of canvas, but sells them in quarters or eighths AND serge/tape the edges for you!

Check them out if you have a chance. They also carry stretcher bars and other accessories for many types of needlework > >