Stitchers in Europe - question!

babo4ka

Dear European stitchers! Those of you who like to use linen to cross stitch, embroider, etc. - I have a question.


Here in USA, we say, Linen 28 count, 30 count, 32 count, 36 count, 40 count, 46 count.

In Europe, they say, 12-ply, 13-ply, 15-ply... What does that mean?


Add post (2025-3-10 15:44):
Moderators, can you please move this Thread to Linen- skills section? Might be useful for others. Thanks!

BluBrd

Hello,
I would need confirmation as I'm not 100% positive about that, but I would say this has to do with measuring units.
In Europe cm is more widespread while US only uses inches. Which totally mixes up the numbers.

6.4 Pts Aïda means you will stitch 6.4 stitches per centimeter. Which is a 16-count in USA measurement.
I don't know if that helps...

celiamerula

In Europe we use counts as well for cross stitch fabric.  I've only ever seen ply used for strands of floss to use (or yarn weight in knitting).  What is the project?

BluBrd

celiamerula replied at 2025-3-6 17:18
In Europe we use counts as well for cross stitch fabric.  I've only ever seen ply used for strands o ...

That's right.

I simply assumed the OP was talking about "count" when they said "ply", but I may be wrong.

babo4ka

Yes, I am talking about the count of fabric. I need to buy linen online, it is located in Europe. Linen of good quality for stitching, made in Italy. They have it in different count, 12-ply, 13-ply and 15-ply. I need to know how it corresponds to the count as we in US measure it. I need to know it before I made a purchase.



Thanks for your answers, but my question is not being clarified so far.

Solnce

Hi babo4ka,

in order to find out how many ply are in a given "count" linen fabric you might apply the formula:

(number of counts) x 10 : 25

For instance a 28 count fabric corresponds to 11.2 ply
32 count = 12.8 ply
36 count = 14.4ply

and so on.

A 13 ply fabric may be used for a pattern stitched on 32 count linen.

I hope this helps :)

stitchyman

I live in the UK and have only ever bought fabrics in counts.  It might be helpful if you could show a link to the Italian shop you are buying from, it might be something to do with the translation.

babo4ka

Ok people, I am back with the report. The linen I purchased from Europe finally arrived. I put the photos here: https://www.pindiy.com/thread-656456-1-1.html
I checked and measured every piece, and here's the result: 12 ply = 30 count, 13 ply = 32 count, 15 ply = 40 count.
So the user named @Solnce was correct. Thank you!

diystuff

Will you stitch over one or two on these fabrics?