First make sure you have right size fabric. Most kits come with fabric in them so that part is done for you. But if you bought just a pattern and supplies separate you want to measure your fabric. Now, most patterns will tell you what size fabric you need .... important thing to remember are that your design will be different sizes on different counts of fabric. Also if you stitching on linen or even weave your design size will change if you are going over one thread or over two threads of fabric. You may need to use a fabric calculator. There are several gadgets you can buy at your local needlework shop or you can use an online version (easily found by doing a search for "fabric calculator" or "cross stitch fabric calculator" in your favorite search engine.)

Remember before cutting that is always better to measure multiple times than it is to cut wrong size and bigger is better than smaller. You will want to leave 2 or 3 inches on all sides for finishing/framing your work when you're done as well so don't forget to add that extra space.

How does a project become a UFP? Well, usually it's something that was too time consuming. However there are many other reasons as well. It could have been more difficult than it first appeared and you needed to learn more before continuing it. It may have been larger than your eyes perceived. Perhaps pattern is difficult to read. Maybe directions aren't as concise as you would like them to be and it leaves you wondering.

We've all done it and we've all had them. Now question is what do we do with them?

I had a UFP for about 2 years, then one day as luck would have it my curious toddler lost some of floss and a page of instructions for me ~ and first thought in my mind was GREAT, I can Finally throw it out! Which is exactly what I did with it, threw it out. This is our first option for your dreaded UFP ~ throw it out.

Now you may think this is harsh but if it's been hanging around long enough to down right annoy you its time to part with it. If your stitching (or any other craft) for relaxation and you dread even looking at project that is hiding in bottom of project bin then it is defeating its purpose. We want to enjoy our crafts, relax and relieve daily stress.