To keep fabric taut and easy to stitch, secure it in an embroidery hoop, making sure that the weave is not pulled askew. Cut yarn no longer than 18 inches to avoid fraying and knotting. To secure yarn at the start, hold the yam end on the wrong side and work stitches over 2 inches of it (A). To finish off yam, slide the needle under 2 inches of stitching on the wrong side; never make a knot (B).
For even stitch tension, use a stabbing motion when possible: push the needle straight down through the fabric, draw the yarn through to the other side, then bring the needle straight up.