Working with the Thread

1. It is easier to work with shorter lengths of Floss, so when you are ready to start stitching cut the Floss into 18-inch lengths.

2. Separate the six-strand length of Floss you'll be working with by holding one end between two fingers and pulling out one strand at a time. Pull out the required number of strands (indicated on your Design Chart Key) and lay them together.

3. If the Floss becomes twisted while you are stitching, hold the fabric up and let the needle drop, it will untwist.

Working with the Fabric

1. Use an optional embroidery hoop to keep the fabric stretched tight. However, remove the hoop when you are not stitching to prevent the fabric from getting "hoop marks".

2. Before starting, trim the edges of the fabric slightly with zigzag scissors to prevent fraying.

Preparing the Needle

1. To thread the needle, hold the two strands of Floss and moisten the tip into a stiff, flat point. Then glide the Floss through the eye of the needle.

Using the Design Chart

1. Squares - The squares on the Design Chart correspond to the squares on the fabric. Every square on the Design Chart that requires a stitch will contain a symbol.

2. Floss Color & Symbol Key - The Key on your Design Chart contains symbols for the stitches you will be using, and the color of Floss you will use for each stitch. Each type of stitch and color of Floss is represented by a different symbol.

3. Reading the Design Chart - The most common stitch is the cross stitch. When the square on your Design Chart contains a large symbol taking up the full square, a full cross stitch is required. The second most common stitch is the backstitch. Backstitches are generally used as outlining or lettering. When a square contains a straight line or dotted lines that join two corners, a backstitch is required. When there is a symbol over a square, and the symbol is the same on both sides of the backstitch symbol, make a cross stitch in that square, then add the backstitch last.

Less common stitches are the 1/4 and 3/4 cross stitches. Where a small symbol appears in the corner of the square on the chart and is divided by a backstitch line, create a 1/4 stitch in that square. Where a small symbol appears in the corner of a square and has a fine line on the chart, work a 3/4 stitch in that square. Where two small symbols appear in one square on the chart, with no dividing backstitch line, work a 1/4 stitch in one color and a 3/4 stitch in the other color. Design Chart Color Key