back stitching

[AmandaNC]

Ok, I have my little birds done and it is time to do the back stitching and I am skeert to start cause I dont know WHERE to start. HAHAHA! I know that sounds awful funny coming from a grown woman but there it is.
Any advice for my first try?
Amanda

[Angel]

I start in a different place every project. For my cat I started on the facial details before working the outline.
On lickle ted I started on the ribbon and did the facial details last.

Just have a look at the design you have and think where would you like to begin? What would be the easiest?

[sammy_v]

I usually start in a place that has the most kind of stright line if u will. I think the larger bits of the back stitching is the easiest to start with.

[Rose]

You can start your backstitching anywhere you like, it really doesn't matter that much. You will have to decide for yourself. Sorry no help at all, I am sure .

[charmagne_capalad]

Hi, Amanda...I usually start at the top left of the design and work my way onwards to the right and down. Since there's no rule to follow ...just let your heart dictate where to start... Happy back stitching!

[mags]

In an effort to conserve floss, I usually start somewhere where I can continue for as long as possible without having to finish off or jump from one place to another, if you get my meaning. But, on the other hand, I sometimes just start anywhere

[coffee_freak]

yes i usually do the same..start at a place where it continues for a long time so i don't have to cut or jump to another spot..and i usually always do the face first!

[Serinde]

I guess I tend to start from the top and work down! Not very helpful... As you have probably gathered by now, there isn't a hard and fast useful 'rule'.

Perhaps the best advice for back stitching is to begin in a place that is either going to be difficult to stop before you are finished with the section, or a place that is going to spur you on to complete the backstitch. (It isn't the most exciting stitch, but what a difference it makes to designs.)

[Becca]

I usually start from the top and go down as well, it helps to make sure i don't miss bits.

[~threadbear~]

Like Mags, I tend to go from the bit that I think I'm going to be able to carry on with as long as possible.
I look it over first and try to work out the 'route' I'm going to take, as sometimes you need to go in two different directions from the same place. So I like to get it all worked out in my mind and get the best continuity as possible.
(Not always possible at all though, ).

[Genevieve]

I agree with Threadbear. I tend to choose a fairly straight part and try to follow a route.

[AmandaNC]

I am working on it now. I hope that I can post a pic of my little project once I get finished.
Thanks to all of you!
Amanda

[AmandaNC]

I am shocked now that I have done it that it wasnt as hard as I thought it was gonna be. LOL! I guess the unknown is always different when you actually do it.
Thanks for all the advice.
Amanda

[~threadbear~]

Aww, i know just how you feel.
The first time I did it I felt really daunted at the prospect, there seemed to be loads!!
Once I got going on it though, it wasn't such a chore after all and to be honest, I don't really mind backstitch now.
Glad it all went great for you.

[Serinde]

Seeing the difference that backstitch makes to a design also spurs you on.

[vixky99chapman]

Its not a tip on how to backstitch, but a couple months ago, I was browsing around the local £1 shop, and came accross a large selection of cotton reels (around 100 colours) for a pound. The cotton is very thin, but I double it over, and use it to do my backstitch. It saves using all my floss, and I have a great selection of colours! Occasionally, if there are just a couple of stitches needed for a section of my design, I make cut 3 lengths of the cotton and use it to do the stitches. Not really good for large areas, but for a couple of stitches here and there, its fantastic!

[Serinde]

Any port in a storm, I say. We modern stitchers are very lucky to have our thread made by reliable companies. It wasn't always so. You're showing real initiative, there!

[Mabel Figworthy]

or even reel initiative ?

[Serinde]

[Jilly]