Ann Logan

Use a sharp pair of small scissors to avoid frayed ends on your floss. There are many embroidery scissors or thread clippers to choose from. The most useful size of embroidery scissor for cross stitch is probably 3/12 inch or 4 inch. It is a convenient size for snipping ends of floss while you stitch. Clip the floss with a small tail or with no tail at all. It’s a matter of choice. Beware of ends showing through the fabric. We have many fancy designer scissors and several more plain scissors to choose from. Some of my favorites are by Gingher and they are truly collectors items. They come in a variety of colorful handles and there are new ones every season. Right now the newest one is called Tessa. Store your scissors in the sheath that they come with or in a scissor block if you collect scissors. A scissor block is similar to a knife block.

Make sure your stitches are not too tight. If you pull down the needle too tight, the stitches will look flat, and the Aida fabric may
be damaged.
Of course it is preferable to embroider in natural light: it puts less strain on your eyes, but it does not always work. So try to embroider closer to the lamp.
Try to plan the whole design in advance. Check that you have all the accessories. This is so annoying when the thread is over, when all the cross-stitch project is almost done.