Keeping the backs neat...

[babyblueeyes]

I don't know if this is a stupid question or not but do you guys have any tips for helping keep the back of the stitches neater. I find that if I am not paying attention and don't do my stitches the same way that the back of the aida cloth can get quite messy. I'm not sure I'm describing this properly either It's just that when I finally do go to press my finished item it is sometimes very bumpy and doesn't frame too well. Hope thsi makes sense. It doesn't happen all the time but I find the more details the project the more this tends to happen!

[Angel]

I always start with the loop method (Less excess thread on the back).
I try to do all the stitches of a same colour at once, I then stich each block of colour in rows, doing a whole row of one arm, then going back and finishing the whole row. This gives a nice |||||| effect on the back. Sometimes |||/||||\||||X||| but it really does look far neater than working each stitch individually.
I don't trail thread across the back, when moving to another block of colour for example, if I can help it.
And lastly, when Ifinish a thread, I run the remaining thread under only 3 or 4 stitches.

My backs are pretty neat, but they always get messier the more complicated the project is.

[babyblueeyes]

Ah, those are really great tips Angel! Exactly what I was looking for. I try to stick to doing the blocks in rows as well but I find some of the more details things only cal for a stitch here and there. I have never done the thread behind 3 or 4 stitches though so I think that in itself would stop all the loose threads from getting entwined with my other stitches. I'm gonna try those techniques out tonight...thanks!

[Angel]

You're most welcome. I hope they help you ^_^

[kerbear879]

I do mine exactly like Angel's and the only time my backs get super messy is when there is a lot of color changes but for the most part it's fairly neat if you do it the way she described

[babyblueeyes]

Oh thanks guys. I'm actually excited to try some of those things tonight! lol
Mine aren't crazy messy, but it sure has been bugging me lately that they need a bit of tidying up. Thanks again.

[coffee_freak]

ok..i start by starting my stitching using the loop method.
as seen in my video tutorial here:
http://good-times.webshots.com/video/30 ... 6639ibojLq" target="_blank

then as I stitch..I go all the way from left to right ////// then back \\\\ to finish the x.
I then go under about 5 stitches or so to finish the thread off and clip very close to the last stitch i went under ( on the back)
I try not to carry over at all or leave long tails when I finish off the stitch.

[nikecam]

when i work a solidly stitched piece, i don't skip around. i work in horizontal rows, from left to right. i use the parking method and only carry my colors about 10 stitches or so. i use the loop starting method and the ends just natural are "contained" within the advancing stitching. now that being said, on my non-continuous pieces, my backs are disasters and i hope no one will ever see and i don't bother to take pictures!

here is an example of my solidly stitched back. i'm VERY proud of it. i have said before, i think it looks like monet painted a renoir.

back: front:

[Angel]

Now that's one neat back!

*wonders what ever became of her show your backsides thread*

[Busy_B]

Now that's one neat back!

*wonders what ever became of her show your backsides thread*

It's still lurking around here in the deeper areas of the threads.

[Lessa54]

I'm the same as Angel. I'm a bit obsessive about saving thread so I always plan my stitching route and as a result I do end up with a bit of a mix of | | | and /|/|/| but I start with loop if possible and finish under 3 to 4 stitches of the same or a similar colour if possible too. I also never travel more than 2 stitches with a thread. What makes my last two messy isn't the cross stitch but the back stitch, particularly when it's going round bends in the design!

For the truly obsessive about neat backs, there is a double or reverse cross stitch method where you end up stitching the back as crosses as well - couldn't find an online diagram, but I have an explanation in a book at home which can put up if anyone's interested.

[Angel]

There was a thread on this forum ages back where the front and back looked identical. Lemme try and find it...and my backside thread. Would be nice to see everyone behinds again ^_^

[Angel]

Found the thread with double sided works in it, if you want an inferiority complex

http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... f=3&t=1609" target="_blank" target="_blank

So here's a feel good thread. Post your worst back and see that compared to some others out there, it's not that bad

http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... f=4&t=2656" target="_blank

[~threadbear~]

Angel!
I cannot believe you resurrected that thread!
My backs haven't improved in the slightest.

[Angel]

what are you talking about? It was my greatest thread idea ever I loved seeing everyones backsides!

[agi]

My backside has improved a LOT!!!!

No, seriously, in both senses

[Angel]

YAY! Someone got my inuendo

[Serinde]

I do basically what the other do, although I cross the stitches as I go along. I find it easier to follow patches of colour in a design, and it also helps me keep my place in a complicated piece.

I have seen a nifty little tool which helps you pull the tail of thread through stitches on the back, but can't remember where... I'll have a look, because I've often thought "If only I had a teeny tiny crochet hook..."

And, Angel, at least my stitching backsides are neat...