Ann Logan|Cross Stitch Patterns to Download|Aliens

Set up your main stitching station so that you are comfortable and avoid injury. If you don't have the luxury of a specific place to stitch, chose your perch carefully. Don't sit in an awkward position. Your seating should allow you to work freely, with your arms in a natural stitching position.

In cross-stitching correct tension is important. Having too strong or too loose of a tension can totally destroy the impression of your project. The threads should be flat against the fabric you are using, but not too tight, so that they are actually pulling the fabric in any way.

You can cross stitch on different kinds of evenweave fabric. It may be evenweave linen, Aida cloth, waste canvas etc. It is largely a matter of your personal preference.
Just remember: the number of stitches per inch (or per cm) can drastically change the look of your ready project.
Fabric with a higher stitch will produce smaller and finer designs.

If you are a beginner stitcher prefer to use Aida cloth. Its weave forms clearly distinctive squares in the fabric, which eases the placing of stitches.
Another option is using waste canvas. It forms a grid for stitching which can be easily removed later.

Most designs supposed to be done using two strands of embroidery floss. But the floss is usually sold in six strand packaging.
So before threading your needle, you should separate all the 6 strands.
To do it just cut somewhat about 15”-18” (35 - 45 cm) of the thread. Hold it near the top with one hand allowing the bottom to untwist. Now pull each ply upward with the other hand. Carefully - one at a time.
Combine the necessary number of strands (typically two) and save the remaining for the next usage.