Ann Logan

It is tempting to stitch for hours at a time, especially when you can make the time and when you get in the "stitching zone." It is important to avoid this temptation, especially when you are a new stitcher. Taking breaks helps to prevent repetitive stress injuries and eyestrain.
Stop stitching, get up, stretch, rest your eyes and hands for a moment, and then start again if you like. If you have trouble with "getting in the zone" and forgetting to take breaks, use a timer. Use the TV schedule or musical selections. When the buzzer, show or CD stops, it is time for a break.

The best way to do cross stitch is to do the first half of each stitch in a row done first then go back and finish the next half. This way you get all the stitches slanting in the same direction. It is very important that the slant is in the same direction for the top thread and the bottom thread of the cross stitch for all the stitches.

But there are expert cross stitchers who do individual cross stitches ( titching the full cross stitch as you go) and do a very good job of it. So each to his/ her own.