An alternative to stamped cross stitch is counted cross stitch where the design is attained by counting the spaces in the fabric as opposed to having the design imprinted on the fabric.
When stitching either cross stitch or counted cross stitch make sure that your top threads are going the same direction. So as a rule of thumb, start your first stitch in the bottom left and go to top right. when you are crossing back you will go from bottom right to top left. This way all of your top threads are all going the same direction. You will really be much happier with the end result.