Back stitches

[deweycat]

Hi,

Somewhat new to cross stitching so have a question about backstitching. So I know how to do the actual stitch but what I'm wondering is do I go in every square. Ok so for example I have to do detail around a window on the buildings in my crosstitch. The window probably covers at least 20 indvidual squares. So do go into every square or do I skip some squares ie. making a longer stitch that isn't "broken" by going into each square?

[flosaxby]

I think that's a personal preference thing. "Technically" you're "supposed" to go into every square but I often find that I do every 2 or 3 squares and it looks just as good. I'm also more likely to do this if the backstitching is going at odd angles to the stitches and there's no convenient holes along the line. (e.g. Tatty Teddy backstitching!)

You need to be consistent though. So if you choose to do every 3 squares make sure you do the same all around the windows.

Flo

[elenmirie]

Hi deweycat,

Technically you are supposed to go in every square, but as flo says it is a matter of personal preference. IMHO, it looks neater to do every square and you spare yourself worrying about whether you will end up with odd stitches at the end (that is, if you choose to go over 2 or 3 squares, you may find yourself with a short stitch somewhere).

Don't worry, it will go quickly!

[Rose]

As the ladies have said "technically" you are suppose to do each hole it is not always necessary.

When you are crossing over some areas at an angel you just can not hit every hole so it is easier to skip until you can hit a hole.

[deweycat]

ah thanks everybody for the replies it's greatly appreciated

[crosstitcher1]

Youngest daughter has my website ready and I am going this weekend to learn the ropes I will post pics. of my projects and I have made a pic. of doing BS'ing.
I do every square and this is how I do it. I'm using 10 stitches as a ex.

Start: 1 skip 3 skip 5 skip 7 skip 9 skip
On way back: 10 8 6 4 2

I put the needle on the right top corner of the stitch on the way back to make the stitch straight and true.
Use your own judgement on how you want to do it. Enjoy doing it as for me, BS'ing makes the projects pop.

[Fizzbw]

Cross stitcher 1 that sounds like Holbein stitch, not backstitch. I like doing that as well, it's what you do for blackwork.

There seems to be two types of backstitch, normal backstitch which goes into each square, or more if preferred. And sketchy backstitch like with Tatty Teddy and other similar more modern designs, like Gorjuss designs. These tend to be done over longer distances and at different angles and make a smoother shape around things rather than faithfully following each stitch like the other kind of backstitch.

Strangely, I really dislike sketchy backstitch and prefer normal backstitch!!

Niki xxx