Quick question (maybe this should go in tips and tricks instead? I can move it if so) - when doing backstitch, am I meant to be doing it one aida square at a time or as long-stitches? I'm currently doing the longstitch type (e.g. the top of the fishbowl is one long stitch), which is great for long straight bits but I wasn't sure
I usualoly don't go more then 2 squares at a time as I want it to stay in place. But sometimes on the diagonal you have to skip a bit more then just 2. Also on things like whiskers you need to do the long stitches.
If you are looking for some one to help change you, look in the mirror
I agree with Rose, usually you would keep a backstitch as short as you can going from hole to nearest hole in the line, but sometimes you want a "long" effect e.g. whiskers or ship's rigging and then you use longstitch. But it is really up to you -- if you like the look of the longstitch there's no reason why you shouldn't use it!
On backstitch, I do one stitch of backstitch for each cross stitch if the backstitch lines match the sections I have cross stitched. Where I have whiskers/rigging etc, then I'll do long stitch. As Mabel said though, it's up to you which you prefer.
This looks like it'll be fun to stitch. Good idea to do the backstitch as you go though. Keep getting that 'completed' feeling as you finish sections will be really motivating.
There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE! Forget love! I'd rather fall in CHOCOLATE!
Current With Faith
Dogs
Snow Leopard (Haed)
Big Cats
(Its very slow going...this piece is larger than I imagined! Though of course its tiny in comparison to some of the other pieces being stitched on here.)
I love it though I was away with a group of younger girls (aged 10 & 11) over New Year and some of them were fascinated by the picture and how tiny square stitches could make it appear - maybe I've encouraged some of them to start stitching!
This is coming along very nicely. Don't worry about how long it takes you to do the stitching but enjoy the ride. Some of these ladies are so quick it is amazing, but I am a much slower stitcher too and will end up having my project in my lap for an hour untouched as I am more interested with what's on the tube. But the point of a hobby is to do what you want and have fun doing it so if in that moment I decided that watching TV was better then progressing on my cross stitch, guess what, I made the right decision for myself at that time and I am content with it.
I guess because I haven't purchased any kits in quite a while I have lost touch with what's out there. I just looked at the website for the other cut thru's and they are all gorgeous.