Graffiti xstitch.com

Although it may only be you or the picture framer who sees the reverse of your work it does need to be tidy. After all the time and effort taken to complete a design there is nothing worse than being able to see a loose end through the work or it appears uneven once displayed.

When stitching your design it is important that you endeavor to keep your work as tidy as possible on the reverse. The following reasons will explain how the reverse can effect the correct side of the stitching.

Anchoring Thread

Whether commencing the design or changing colour it is important not to use knots. If you are working with one strand of thread and you need to anchor the thread whilst you stitch over the tail, make sure the knot is cut off.

Knots left at the reverse when it is time to display the work can make the stitching uneven.

Loose Ends

When changing colour or your thread needs changing make sure there is enough thread to weave through three or four stitches on the reverse to anchor the thread. Once the thread has been woven through cut the remainder off with a pair of sharp embroidery scissors.

These loose ends can show through to the stitched side of the project especially when working with white fabric and it can detract from the work.

Trailing Thread

Avoid trailing thread from one end of the design to the other. Not only is this a waste of thread but it is adding bulk on the reverse of the work which when completed could look uneven.

If you have finished a block of colour and the next block of the same colour is three or four holes away and those holes will not have stitches it is not advisable to trail the thread across as it will show through when completed.

Remembering these simple rules will enhance your stitching.

Jean Leeming is a keen cross stitch enthusiast. She writes articles on all aspects of Cross Stitch and also runs a website: Needlework Magic where she sells a wide range of Cross Stitch Kits which are very competitively priced.