Ann Logan

First and foremost, always make sure to have clean hands when stitching. Oils from your skin transfer easily to cross stitch fabric and over time create stains that are not easy to remove. The best way to avoid this is to avoid the problem in the first place. Train your family not to touch your projects unless they have freshly cleaned hands. Better yet, tell them to keep off the fabric and floss!

To prevent the floss from tangling, pull it gently but firmly. In case of knot insert tip of the needle downt though the tangle, and then pull it gently, it helps in most cases.