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Having fun with my new hobby, but I just wondered if there is a particular way/direction to stitch.

I have been chosing a section and then picking the colours and working with that colour in one go in that small section, then changing colour again, etc. When I have just a few random stitches left amongst a section, it can sometimes but a squeeze and thoses stitches appear smaller.

Is this correct, or should I be working in lines across the pattern, which may stop my problem?

There is really no right or wrong why its whatever suits you. Some do whats called cross country stitching where they just keep going for as long as the thread lasts, which seems to be what your doing. Some work in 10x10 blocks and park the threads in the next block ready to be picked up when working on that block (basic description)

Main thing to ensure is that all your top stitches go in the same direction which I think you are doing although my monitor isn't that clear.

I love the cows and can't wait to see more.

i agree with Emma, as long as all the stitches end in the same direction it is fine.
Great project! Looks fun

Great job with your project. I go \ then /, but you can do whatever you want just be consistent in the piece.

Yes, I am doing the stitches in the same direction, first \ and then / .

I do a row of \ and then go back over with /.

There were so many colour changes in the nose area, I would have so many hanging threads if I kept switching from colours to keep going in a row.

I suppose there's no right or wrong way of doing it then? All background colour is in red, I thought I would keep changing between cows and background so I don't get fed up with all the background in one go! Again, does it matter......should the main picture be done first and background last?

Theres no real definitive answer as to what should be done first. Generally, I do my darks first and leave whites until the end.. unless its something like this and the majority of it is white.

If I were working this pattern, I would do the black outlines first, then fill in with the other colors. Similar to what you are doing with the second cow. When I get bored with that.. fill in more of the background. Until I get bored with that and find another "cow part" to outline and fill in. I work in areas- to minimize the number of times I move my frame around.

But as others have said.. there is no absolute rule as to how to work through a pattern. Because every pattern is different. So the way you work this one may not be the way you work through your next one. As long as your top stitches are all in the same direction.. the way you use get there doesn't matter. As with many things regarding this craft.. we figure out the method that works best for us.

You are doing just fine. The way you make the journey to completion is not important as long as you are happy with it. Your work looks just fine!!!!!!!

What a great first project and you are doing a great job! I agree with all the others. The only "rule" is that you be consistent with the direction of the top stitch, the trail you take is up to you. And this will vary, as Maggie said, depending on the pattern. I think switching between background and the design itself to keep from getting bored is a great idea. Sometimes I save the background for stitching while watching tv shows that I know will take more visual attention (like Dancing with the Stars or a complex mystery or drama) so I don't have to worry as much about counting. The other "rule": Do what works for you!

Carole

Oh my gosh. I love this. Where is the pattern from I know the perfect couple who would love this as a gift.

Your work looks brilliant, I try and work one colour at once all the threads at the back hanging confuses me

No real advice from me since I'm still a newbie to cross stitch myself, but I had to comment that I adore that pattern!! It's so much fun!