You used pencil? A regular pencil?

What did you use to make the grid with?

I used a mechanical pencil. Help.

I used a mechanical pencil. Help.

Was the mechanical pencil you used to mark the grid lines on the fabric, was it the ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ lead?

Also, try soaking the fabric for a day or two in a large bowl with cool water and a mild liquid soap such as ‘Ivory liquid’ and occasionally whirling and squeezing (NO WRINGING!) The soapy water through the fabric.
If ABOVE doesn’t work, there is a counted cross stitch fabric that you can purchase that cleans heirloom cross stitch fabrics but I can’t remember the name of it, but I believe “The Silver Needle” may carry it on their website.

#2 pencil. Thanks for your suggestions. Can you suggest what type of pencil to use next time. ?

I would strongly suggest you use grid ‘line’ which is basically like fishing line. I do not ‘grid’ my fabric but there are some stitchers on this ‘chat’ that do and can assist you better than I can. Hang in there, someone will be on the chat that has gridding experience. And if you are new to the ECS ‘chat-board’, WELCOME. There are a lot of ladies and gents that frequent this ‘chat-board’ with lots of cross stitching experience. We have fun with discussing different subjects, some with what is going on in our lives.
So stick around if you have a mind to...😃

NOT LEAD!!!!!!!! :)

Thanks ever so much. Live on island in Pacific Ocean. Will try and get “fish “ line. Ha ha but need something that will help me.

Are you done stitching or haven't started?