Orenco Originals for the Artful Needleworker !
Back Stitching Instructions
BACKSTITCHING
Backstitching is a personal choice depending upon the finished look you want. Usually backstitching is done to outline an area of a design and to add a more fluid appearance to the design. First you must decide if the floss color you want to use is the same color as the cross-stitch area you want to highlight, or possibly use a darker shade or a contrasting color of the cross stitch area you want to highlight. Grey will provide a shading effect and black will create a decisive statement in a backstitch. We recommend using a single strand of floss unless you desire a heavy outline.
There are several methods of backstitching. Here are the 2 we use the most.
Individual Backstitches
Working in and out of the fabric holes, bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, and continue to highlight the areas you want to.
Running Backstitches
Working in and out of the fabric holes, bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3 down at 4, up at 5 down at 6, up at 7 down at 8, up at 9 down at 10, up at 11 down at 12. Continue until highlight the areas you is outlined. When backstitching be sure not to split the floss strands of the already placed cross stitches. I find that a sharp needle helps when backstitching.
Other Enhancements for your project
FRENCH KNOT
The French knot is a decorative stitch used to create one or more small knots or dots on a piece of material. The stitch is made by bringing the thread through the material at the spot where the knot is required. The thread is then held down firmly with the left thumb and first finger. The needle is twisted two or three times around the held thread and then the twists are gently pulled around the needle while the thread is still held firmly in the left hand. The point of the needle is then turned by 180° and inserted at the ‘back’ of the intended knot close to where the thread first emerged. The needle and thread are then pulled through the twists to the back of the material.
DEPTH OF STITCHES
Alter the number of strands of floss you stitch with in specific areas of your project. Consider increasing or decreasing the strands of floss you use to stitch an area. For example if there is an object you wish to highlight stitch that object with 3 strands of thread instead of 2. This will make it stand out, giving that area more importance.
• Is there an area of your project that has many changes of thread colors? Consider using a single variegated thread in the same color changes.
• If there is an area that you want to make pop or dazzle, consider using a sparkling or metallic thread
ADD A DECORATIVE STITCH
Stitch with an embroidery stitch in a specific area of your project. This will add interest and texture. For example, if you have a slim area such as a plant stem consider using a chain stitch instead of a cross stitch creating a fluid effect.
DECORATIVE STITCHES
STEM STICH
Uses: Outlining, straight and curved lines, stems for plants, filling if rows are stitched closely together. Creates a rope like appearance.
- Work from left to right.
- Bring needle up at 1 and down at 2.
- Bring needle back up halfway between 1 and 2 at 3, just slightly above the first stitch.
- Be sure to keep thread below the needle.
- Continue stitching
Tip:- Make smaller stitches for curved lines to maintain a rounded smooth look.
CHAIN STITCH
Uses: Outlining, straight and curved lines, filling if rows are stitched closely together.
- Work from top to bottom.
- Bring needle up at 1 and then reinsert needle in same hole, forming a loop.
- Bring needle up at 2 and pull thread to tighten loop until desired shape is achieved.
- Repeat multiple stitches to create a chain.
- To end the row make a small stitch over the last loop to hold it in place to secure thread on back.
Tip: - It is important to keep your thread tension even to create a consistent looking chain.
