Friday 22 May 2015

Backstitch

It's a while since I've done any cross stitch. If truth be known, it's because I'm not enjoying the part I'm doing at all.


I've now completed all the cross stitch and I'm working on the backstitch, I'm finding it tedious. Do all cross stitch patterns incorporate some backstitching?

You can see bits which I've completed in the photo but there's still lots to go. It doesn't help that I'm not that quick at it either.

Never mind, I'll get there in the end.

28 comments:

  1. Jo - you don't have to do the backstitch bits! It does pick things out and I think things like flowers need it. I have often left it off and it looks fine.

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    1. I think the bits I've done do look better with it, it's just such a bind.

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  2. I've just picked up some cross stitch to do after not doing any for months and yes backstitching around things is the worst bit, most designs have backstitch.Some things are OK without but most need an edging.

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    1. I can see how the backstitch defines things and I think it looks better this way but it's definitely the worst bit.

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  3. I used to love cross stitch, but I haven't done any at all recently. I think the need to use a pattern hit me in the end, that I couldn't do anything else at the same time!

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    1. I really have to concentrate when I'm cross stitching, I don't know if it will get easier the more I do but it's quite slow going at the moment.

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  4. I haven't done a lot of cross stitch and the little I had done didn't have any backstitching until the pieces that I did at the end of last year, it was then that I realised what a massive difference it made. The shapes really jumped off the canvas in a different - good! - way. So if you can bear to, keep with it because I promise it will be worth it. It looks really great, so I hope you share some more! Hope you have a great weekend! xx

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    1. I can see the difference already so I'll definitely keep going with it but it isn't something I'm enjoying. It's a shame really as I loved all the actual cross stitch. I'll share the finished project once I get it done.

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  5. I could manage the back stitch but every cross stitch that I have ever tried has gone pear shaped, perhaps I need to learn to count.

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    1. It's so easy to get in a muddle with the counting. I started a cross stitch many years ago, perhaps in my very early teens or even before then, but it never got finished. This is the first project I've attempted since.

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  6. Fortunately the Dark Sorceress cross stitch had very little back stitch and it looks like the Earth Goddess and Fairy Queen will be minimal too. It is tedious but you do get better results if you can persevere with it. Nice to see I've passed the cross stitching bug on as well as the books I read.

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    1. It definitely looks better with the backstitch than without. I've been fancying doing a cross stitch for a while, Mick bought me this one the Christmas before last, it just took me a while to start it.

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  7. It's looking good, I am not a fan of back stitch.

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    1. I was pleased with it before I started the backstitch, I just hope I can keep the momentum up and get it finished.

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  8. Despite your resistance, it all looks pretty neat and lovely to me!
    Happy weekend :-)
    xx

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    1. I hope it looks as good once it's all finished. Backstitch is hard going.

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  9. The back stitch does add definition, it's worth doing! Not all designs have back stitch on them. I've got one on the go that has only a very tiny amount of backstitch xx

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    1. It definitely does add definition, I can see that myself. It's worth doing but I shall look for a design which doesn't have so much backstitch next time.

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  10. It's years since I did any cross-stitch but I always enjoyed the back-stitching because that meant I was nearly finished! It does look lovely, Jo. :o)

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    1. I like your reasoning, however, you're a sewer and I bet you enjoy any sort of stitching. Backstitch to me is pure torment.

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  11. Well I think it's taking form nicely and I like the shade of pink ...

    If you have a little free time over the weekend maybe do some more?

    Hope you have a good Bank Holiday weekend

    All the best Jan

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    1. There really isn't that much left to do now, just the backstitch. It's been put on the back burner for now though as I'm knitting socks when I have chance.

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  12. cross stitch is something I have never had the patience for, well done for getting that far it looks lovely.

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    1. I find the actual cross stitch quite relaxing, it's just the backstitch which is quite tedious. I think I shall look for a design without a lot of it when I do another one.

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  13. Back stitch is a pain but it really makes the picture pop x

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    1. It does make a difference, I just wish I enjoyed doing it more.

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  14. I think it looks so neat, just like all the things you make, you take such care.
    Lisa x

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    1. I do try, though I must say that it's very hard to keep cross stitch really neat as I have such problems seeing that I'm stitching in the right place, I really do need a magnifier.

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