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I need some advice. I am going to stitch the disney dreams afgan for my brother and his wife that are due with their second daughter on my birthday . I have never stitched something where the back could be seen or that would be washed. Any and all tips are welcome.

The most ambitious way to do it would be to stitch it two-sided. Very ambitious, indeed, and an afghan for your first two-sided project would be quite an adventure.

That aside, pay particular attention to making the backs neat. Make sure you don't have floaters that will catch and pull the threads. I do a 'thread-under anchor' to anchor the tails to give it a little more security for going through the wash. If you're using an even number of threads, loop start the floss.

http://www.scarletquince.com/end_anchor.php" target="_blank

I also give the receiver washing instructions -- cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent (quilting soap is best), wash separately -- or at least not with anything that will catch and pull the threads.

I think the most important thing is to make sure you anchor your threads so that they do not come out. Do not let threads hang. If you need to travel a thread then be sure to secure it under previous stitches or make sure future stitches will cover the traveled thread.

What I have done in the past is back the afghan with a light weight piece of flannel so that small fingers do not pick at the threads and pull them out.

What I've been doing for my ABC afghan is that I'll be backing it after I'm done, but I'm keeping my back as neat as possible anyways.

I think it depends a bit on the fabric you are using. I have made many afghans. Almost all of my stitching until joining the forum. They are the only projects where I try very hard to keep the back as neat as possible. As Rose said, if you have to travel a thread weaving it under other threads works very well. I also try to stitch confetti type of areas first so that later stitching will cover any long strands. I have never put a backing to an afghan but that is a good idea, especially if the afghan is for a child. I have never had a problem with washing the afghan. Cold water, gentle cycle and I use my regular detergent. The afghans have been through a lot over the years. Some have been to soccer and baseball games. Gotten way too dirty and been tossed in the washing machine with other items and washed on the regular cycle. (though this isn't recommended it does attest to the afghan's endurance). I hope you'll be posting pics of your work. A Disney Dream afghan ought to be fantastic.

Carole