HINTS & TIPS Always remove your work from your embroidery hoop when you have finished working for the day. This prevents the hoop leaving marks on your fabric which are sometimes impossible to get out Never start or finish your thread with a knot. It will show on the front of your work when it is stretched and framed. Wash your work after you have finished it. Use luke warm water with some Fairy liquid; rinse well with warm water, then roll it on a towel to dry. DO NOT WRING. Reverse the fabric onto a towel and stretch before ironing to dry. Try using different colour fabrics ? not just white or cream. There are many different colours available and this may give you new inspiration. Why not tie a ribbon through the handle of your scissors so that they do not loose themselves down the side of your chair. Always measure TWICE and cut ONCE Make sure you read through instructions of your project before starting. Have you got all you need and know how you are going to proceed. Why not keep a master card of the numbers of all your threads from previous projects. It may save you having to buy a thread you are short of. Keep it Neat - All of the stitches should be in the same direction Always complete cross stitch before doing your back stitch For better results, always separate threads before starting to stitch When using metallic threads, always use short lengths to stop fraying and splitting. KNITTERS: when buying your knitting wool, always check your Dye Lot numbers.