best way to keep back clean

[GreyWolf]

So I've started my cross stitch project, but the back looks horrible. I started it out by doing one color and then I'd skip over a little bit if the same thread color wasn't too far away. Now I'm regretting it a little bit. The back looks really messy.
I don't mind if it's a little messy, but it makes it a little more difficult to stitch.

What should I do instead?

[minij]

I think my backs are not great but not too bad either, if possible I always start with the loop method as I think this looks neater but then I do all the stitches in the one colour that are close together and don't usually skip more than about 2 or 3 stitches and then I fasten off and start with the next colour. I would only go more than 3 stitches if I could run the thread under the back of existing stitches in another colour without it showing on the front, hope that makes sense.

[Lessa54]

Hi,

Don't get too hung up on back messiness - yes there are some people out there who obsess about the back looking exactly the same as the front. There's even a double sided cross stitch that can be done if you're that patient and keen (I'm not ). A lot depends on what you want to do with your finished piece. If you're framing it, no-one's going to see the back anyway.

If you're worried about it though, there are a few tips that can help:
1) Don't start with knots - loop method or pinhead stitch is good
2) To finish, run your thread under 3-4 stitches of the same or a similar colour on the back (ends less noticeable then)
3) If you're jumping your thread, don't jump more than about 4 stitches - personally I only jump two max.
4) Never jump your thread if it's going to run behind part of the fabric which won't be stitched.

Finally, if you've got backstitch in your project then really don't worry - your back will never look immaculate with backstitch! Oh and there's a great thread around here somewhere that Angel set up where people showed their backs - take a look at that one if it's still a worry to you.

[GreyWolf]

I am paranoid about the thread coming loose so I usually tie it off when I finish. Does running the thread under a couple of stitches really hold it in place?

ughh I just looks like threads are sticking out everywhere at the back.

[Lessa54]

I am paranoid about the thread coming loose so I usually tie it off when I finish. Does running the thread under a couple of stitches really hold it in place?

ughh I just looks like threads are sticking out everywhere at the back.

Yes, provided you're not stitching with very loose tension, running under 3-4 stitches holds thread securely. I've never had a problem finishing like this on any of my projects.

Do you have lots of colour changes on your project? If so, that'll affect things too. My father in law is typically a neat stitcher with neat backs, but his current project changes colour every two to three stitches (with lots of blends too) and his back looks all furry! Nothing he can do about it, it's just the nature of the project.

[Busy_B]

I am paranoid about the thread coming loose so I usually tie it off when I finish. Does running the thread under a couple of stitches really hold it in place?

ughh I just looks like threads are sticking out everywhere at the back.

I always used to knot my threads, but I've switched over the last year, and it does work well. If you're worried about starting a thread (without the loop method) or ending it under other stitches, you can always go under a few stitches, go back under the last one and go through a couple more to kind of anchor it. Or, you can change direction.

[Kute Kitty]

I have a top that I stitched a little strawberry on, the threads on that are secured under other stitches and it's been machine washed several times! Trust me, securing it under 3 or 4 stitches will do just fine, so long as you keep a good tension on your stitches.

[GreyWolf]

I am paranoid about the thread coming loose so I usually tie it off when I finish. Does running the thread under a couple of stitches really hold it in place?

ughh I just looks like threads are sticking out everywhere at the back.

Yes, provided you're not stitching with very loose tension, running under 3-4 stitches holds thread securely. I've never had a problem finishing like this on any of my projects.

Do you have lots of colour changes on your project? If so, that'll affect things too. My father in law is typically a neat stitcher with neat backs, but his current project changes colour every two to three stitches (with lots of blends too) and his back looks all furry! Nothing he can do about it, it's just the nature of the project.

Yeah, I started at the middle and it has a lot of color blending. Mine looks furry too! lol

[nikecam]

i used to run my thread under lots of stitches and different directions. i have since learned through several bouts of frogging that the stitches are just fine when only run under a few stitches!

[Jilly]

Another thing is if you find it hard to thread under stitches, try a smaller size needle, it makes it sooooo much easier... I tend to use a 28 or 26