Cross stitching is such a fun needlecraft and is a relatively simple activity. Below you will find some tips and hints that will help you to really enjoy each and every project.

Tip 1: Always work the first half of all full cross stitches in the same direction. this ensures that all top stitches will lie in the same direction, giving an even appearance and uniform sheen to the work. It does not matter whether your bottom stitch goes from bottom left to top right, or from bottom right to top left, as long as you are consistent. Be careful of turning work in your hand to work the side of a border, for example - a large cross stitch worked in the corner of your fabric will serve as an instant reference.

Tip 2: Check frequently that your counting is correct. Unpicking stitches is no one's idea of fun, so in order to help avoid this, you should count your stitches carefully as you work, continuing to recheck your work frequently as it progresses. The few minutes it takes are well worth it and could possibly save hours of time and effort unpicking later. never be tempted to use a stitch ripper as this will pull and distort neighbouring stitches. to make the task easier, you should obtain a pair of unpicking scissors. The tiny hook at the end of the bottom blade allows the incorrectly placed stitch to be lifted for cutting and removal. Tweezers can also help you to remove the threads and sticky tape can help to remove traces of any fluff left behind. Unpicking dark thread from a lightly coloured fabric is rarely successful as tiny fibres often remain in the holes and leave a dark shadow.

Tip 3: Plan how you will be stitching your cross stitch very carefully. Always try to run the thread away from a hole at an angle which forms a neat cross. Sometimes it may appear that there is more thread used on the back of the work, but it is false economy to sacrifice the appearance of your work for a few inches of thread.

Tip 4: Sometimes it is necessary to iron your finished work. Using a thick, fluffy, white terry towelling cloth allows the stitches to sink into the pile so that they are not flattened while the back of the work is pressed. Ironing stitches on a hard surface risks running them, making them flat and lifeless.

These cross stitching tips are provided to help you to produce beautiful and professional results.