The canvas is the map for your whole project. Learning to read it takes about a minute, and makes everything that follows smoother.
The grid and the symbols
The printed canvas is divided into a fine grid of squares. Each square carries a small symbol — a letter, number or shape. Every symbol stands for one diamond colour.
The legend
Somewhere on the canvas, or on a separate sheet, is the legend (or colour chart). It lists each symbol beside its colour code and the matching bag or wheel of diamonds. Keep it to hand; it is the key to the whole design.
Colour codes
Diamonds are labelled with codes — usually DMC numbers, an international thread-colour system. Match the code on the bag to the code on the legend, not by eye; similar shades are easy to confuse.
Working methodically
Most people work one symbol at a time, completing all of one colour within a section before moving on. Tick colours off the legend as you finish them. See keeping organised for more.