Netherlands

Try to buy all your threads for a specific cross-stitch project at once. Why? Because the embroidery thread is dyed in different dye lots. Hence even if you think that you get a specific color from a specific manufacturer, it can sometimes have a slightly different hue. Most times it is not that noticeable, but to be on the safe side, buy it all at once.

Dutch Windmill
138 x 138 stitches 29 colors

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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.

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It is well known that cross-stitch is very addictive. Especially when you feel that you have enough time to be alone with the thread and needle. Do not give in! Take a break from time to time, putting off the thread and needle while resting your eyes and hands.
If you are too keen on your craft, use the alarm clock. When the alarm goes off, it’s time to put aside the fabric and other cross-stitch accessories and get some rest.

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.

If you want to iron your cross-stitch project, set your iron to its lowest "Warm" setting. While ironing place your cross-stitch project on top of two or three smooth towels right side down.
You can use another flat towel to put over the back of the fabric ,to safely iron your cross-stitch design.

You can find fabric for cross stitching in different sizes, colors and types.

Aida, linen and evenweave are the most common types of cross-stitch fabric. The standard Aida fabric is a good fabric for beginners because the holes are large and easy to see.
Note - it is the number of holes per inch that determines the size of your stitches.