Penelope Canvas is double-mesh which is woven with two horizontal and two vertical threads forming each mesh.  Each pair of threads is called one mesh. 

Mono Canvas is single-mesh which is a very stable canvas on which the threads will stay securely in place as you work.  Single-mesh canvas, which is more widely used, is a little easier on the eyes because the spaces are slightly larger. 

Don't forget to work 2-5 extra rows all around your design to make sure you have enough for the "finisher!"

Always work Half-Cross Stitch from the left to the right, then turn the canvas around and work the return row, still stitching from the left to the right.  Bring the needle to the front of the canvas at a point that will be the bottom of the first stitch.  The needle is in a vertical position when making the stitch. Keep the stitches loose for minimum distortion and good coverage.  This stitch must be worked on a double-mesh canvas (Penelope).

Start this design at the upper right-hand corner and work from right to left.  the needle is slanted and always brought out a mesh ahead.  The resulting stitch is actually a Half-Cross Stitch on top and a slanting stitch on the back.  When the row is finished, turn the canvas around and work the return row, still stitching from right to left.

Start in the upper right-hand corner of the area with four continental Stitches, two worked horizontally across the top and two placed directly below the first stitch.  Then work diagonal rows, the first slanting up and across the canvas from right to left and the next down and across from left to right.  Each new row is one stitch longer.  As you go down the canvas (left to right), the needle is held in a vertical position; as you move in the opposite direction, the needle is horizontal.  The rows should interlock, creating a basket-weave pattern on the reverse.  If this is not done properly a faint ridge will show where the pattern was interrupted.  Always stop working in the middle of a row, rather than at the end, so that you will know in which direction you were working.