Ann Logan

Before washing your cross-stitch project, just check the fibers for colorfastness to prevent dyes from running. It is simple: dampen a piece of white cloth with water and gently rub it over each different color in your piece. If there is any color transfer to the white cloth don’t wash your piece if you want prevent your work from discoloration and fading.

To embroider properly use a special cross stitch needle. Such needles do not have a point and are larger because the thread is also thicker.
In the average pack of needles, you will find different sizes.
There are also specific needlework needles that allow you to do a certain stitch better, such as a French knot.