NOTE: Click each diagram for an enlarged view.

1. Find center of fabric by folding it in half both ways; mark with thread or washable marker.

2. Using 18-inch (46 cm.) strands, separate plies. Place the required number of plies (2) side by side and thread needle.

3. Determine starting point by finding center of design (marked by side arrows on chart) and counting up and left from center to symbol at upper left corner.  Begin stitching at this point.

4. Place fabric in hoop. Pull floss through fabric leaving 1" extending on wrong side. Hold in place so that end is overcast by first stitches taken. Never knot thread.

5. Work all the stitches in an area of the same color at one time.

6. Work each stitch according to Figure 1, crossing each “X” in the same direction.

7. To end thread, weave through several stitches on the wrong side. Cut end close to work.

8. Work all cross-stitch first, then do backstitching (Figure 2).

If thread twists while stitching, let needle dangle so that thread unwinds.

Mark off sections of stitches on chart as you work.

Prevent threads shadowing through on the front of project by ending threads, rather than making long stitches on back of work.

Work from left to right, starting at the top. Avoid jumping from one area of design to another, as it is easy to miscount.