1. Contents of the kit
   
   A counted cross-stitch kit contains:
    
   *  an ample piece of embroidery
       fabric,
   *  sufficient yarn,
   *  a large-square charted design,
   *  a thread card (exept for
       miniature kits),
   *  working instructions in English,
   *  a suitable needle,
   *  a guarantee slip,
   *  a large colour picture.
   
    

2. Sort out the yarn
   
   Before you begin embroidering, compare the yarn colours with those indicated on the chart.  Place the thread on your thread card and add the colour sign.  Split the 6 threads.  Embroider the cross stitches with 2 threads and the backstitches with 1 thread.  Each square on the chart represents one cross stitch.  The lines round certain symbols on the chart, are to be embroidered in backstitch. 
   
         
    

3. Oversewing the ends of the fabric.
   
   Begin by oversewing the ends of the fabric to prevent fraying.  To determine the centre  of the fabric fold in both directions.  Run a thread through the two folds in order to facilitate counting the stitches.  This intersection determines the centre of the fabric.  Begin embroidering (see arrows an the chart) preferably with a larger colour area.  This facilitates the tucking in of the threads of smaller patterns.
   
    
   
    

4. Embroider
   
   To ensure you have sufficient thread, it is important that, in a certain colour, you first make the half crosses, for instance, upwards down and only then make the cross stitch across it, from downwards up.  Work stitches of the same shade, that appear close together, at the same time.  Do not move to areas that are a great distance away.  Also avoid trailing strands at the back of the work, as the thread may show through the fabric.  Make sure that all upper threads of the crosses run in the same direction.  Never begin or end with a knot.
   
   
    

5. Hint
   
   Use an embroidery hoop when embroidering this needlework.
   
   Iron the embroidery on the reverse side, using a damp cloth.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    

6. The Vervaco warranty
   
   If you follow the instructions carefully, you will have sufficient material to finish the canvas.  Should you run out of threads anyway, please return our guarantee slip duly filled in, together with a sample of the thread you need.  We can then send you the thread you require.

VERVACO wishes you great success!