Working on evenweave fabric
Because of the nature of evenweave fabric, the stitches are usually worked over two threads of fabric. If you stitch over one thread, your floss can slip through the fabric threads.	front back
It's easy to mis-count on evenweave fabric and start a stitch 5 threads away from your last stitch when you meant to start it 6 threads away. Notice that evenweave fabric alternates between vertical threads over horizontal threads ('vertical crosses') and horizontal threads over vertical threads ('horizontal crosses'). If you always start your stitch over the horizontal crosses, you can use this to double-check your count and reduce the number of mistakes you make (or eliminate them entirely). Starting on 'vertical crosses' is perfectly fine, too! Just be consistent.
There are many 'right' ways to cross-stitch. Here we present two methods: The Stitch-by-Stitch method The Row-by-Row method Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Stitch-by-Stitch
Come up from the fabric at point A and go down at point B. Come up at point C and complete the stitch by going down at point D. Start the next stitch by coming up at point C. (This is your new 'A' point.) Finish the next stitch in the same manner.
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Advantages: * less chance of fabric being pulled into visible horizontal rows of stitches If your stitching tends to be tight, use the Stitch-by-Stitch method so the horizontal and vertical fabric threads are pulled uniformly tightly. Ideally, try not to use excessive force when pulling your floss through the fabric. Disadvantages: * uses more thread than the Row-by-Row method
Row-by-Row
Come up from the fabric at point A and go down at point B. Come up at point A' and make another half-stitch by going down at point B'. Continue making half-stitches until you reach the end of the row. Then return along the line of half-stitches and complete them. Come up at point C and go down at point D. Come up at point C' and go down at point D'. Continue until all stitches are completed.
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Advantages: * uses less thread than the Stitch-by-Stitch method Disadvantages: * more chance of fabric being pulled into visible horizontal rows of stitches You can use this 'horizontal row' to great effect, though. Accentuate the straight lines in vegetable gardens, house siding, etc. with this method.