Ann Logan

First and foremost, always make sure to have clean hands when stitching. Oils from your skin transfer easily to cross stitch fabric and over time create stains that are not easy to remove. The best way to avoid this is to avoid the problem in the first place. Train your family not to touch your projects unless they have freshly cleaned hands. Better yet, tell them to keep off the fabric and floss!

It can be tempting to leave your cross stitch project attached to the embroidery hoop, either overnight or when it's not in use - but don't! Those hoops are great tools for working, keeping your fabric tight and firm, making the stitch process easier, but they can damage the fabric if they're left inside for long periods of inactivity.
Our advice is to give your project a proper rest - loosen the tension and place your work-in-progress somewhere safe where it won't get damaged or creased.