Many people are hesitant to begin counted cross stitch.  It may seem difficult or complicated to start, but it's actually one of the easiest embroidery crafts to learn.  If you would like to learn, there are only a few things to know.  The following suggestions will get you off to a great start and will help you create a beautiful piece of embroidery the first time!

I know it sounds obvious, but do start with an easy project.  Try Christmas ornaments, or 5" x 7" or smaller pictures.  The fewer colors involved, the easier it will be.  Save the big, elaborate pictures until you've finished some smaller ones.  The easier projects give you experience so the big ones are not so intimidating.  Believe me, some of the really detailed ones (anything by Wysocki comes to mind) can be very scary if started by a beginner.

Next, cut all the pieces of thread in half.  Try not to work with more than 12" of thread.  If you do, the thread may become tangled or twisted.  Drop the needle and let the thread hang free every six or eight stitches.  That will let the thread "unwind" and make it less likely to tangle.  It will also help keep the threads "loose" so you get full coverage of the fabric on each stitch, and the stitches are more uniform that way.  Be sure to separate the individual strands of floss.  Most floss is six-strand floss (there are six strands to each thread).  If the instructions call for two strands of floss, you pull two strands out of the six-strand piece to stitch with.  And yes, if the instructions say six strands, you'll use one floss thread, but do separate all six strands.  Trust me, it's annoying, but it will look better.

The next important part is to make sure all the stitches cross the same direction.  There are some very advanced works that have you crossing stitches in different directions, but most look best if all crosses are the same direction.  The light will hit the stitches differently, so the project will look "rough" and unprofessional if the stitches are not all crossed the same.  Also, be sure the stitches are snug, but not tight.  The backing fabric should not be pulled or distorted by the stitches.  That way, you get even coverage for all stitches, and no irregular patches. 

It's also better to start and end your threads by running them under other stitches.  If you use knots, your finished piece can look lumpy.  It's also harder to pull out a knotted stitch than one secured by running under other stitches.  If you should need to repair or replace some thread, it's also less likely to leave big holes in the backing fabric if you don't use knots.

In counted cross stitch, you work off a graph onto an unprinted piece of fabric (usually; embellished designs may have a print).  Most instructions suggest starting in the middle and show how.  I agree with the instructions because it leaves a centered piece, instead of finding out you should have started another inch and a half to the right.  I use a yellow hi-lighter to mark where I have worked on the graph.  That way, you have less chance of mis-counting  and throwing the design off.  Unless, of course, you finish the piece in one sitting, which is possible with the really small projects, you may not remember exactly where you left off when you come back to the project.  The hi-lighted areas help me remember, and may help you, too.

These tips will help you get started.  Come on, give it a try!  You may find counted cross stitch a wonderful hobby!