I used regular cross stitch..and did 10 by 10 grids one at a time so I would not get lost. Some times I did run out a long thread that joined another area and picked it back up when I began that grid square..however this in not easy to do unless you are very good. I am not so I wound up just finishing out one color of thread and clipping. I am a beginner so I am trying different ways looking for one that suits me. Hope this helped.