Ann Logan|Cross Stitch Patterns to Download|Sages-of-the-World

To find the center of your fabric, fold it in half one way and then fold it in half the other way. Pinch and crease the center point to mark it. You can place a pin in the center or make a small stitch to further mark the center point.

Consistent tension is crucial for creating proper stitches. They should be flat against the fabric, not too tight, not too loose. Experiment on scrap fabric until you learn how tightly you need to pull the floss to create a perfect stitch.

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.

Embroidery hoops and frames help to the fabric in right position and to keeping stitching tension even. If it is possible, choose a hoop that will be bigger than your design, this way you will be able to complete the x-stitch project without repositioning the frame over stitched work.
Don't forget to remove your embroidery hoop in between stitching sessions so that your aida fabric does not stretch.

Everyone has trouble seeing stitches when she/he stitches white on white. The trick is to put a piece of black material behind the canvas. This will provide contrast between canvas and the white thread.