OK - how do you do a really neat, nice looking backstitch (surface work not XS)?
It seems to me I do my stitches consistently, but my backstitch still comes out looking great on some stitches a bit wonky/off on others. I much prefer stem and outline for this reason, but occasionally would rather do back.
linda
Other then using a ruler I don't know a useful answer. I have the very same problem. Most of my backstitches look good and I can eyeball the size, but then everything goes askew and the stitches are uneven.
Lucille
I was taught that as you do the back part of the stitch, you put the needle down through the thread already lying on the fabric.
The Chikan people of India were masters at this, and it's the way I teach it.
Don't do backstitch. Do stem stitch on the reverse side and you get a perfect backstitch on the right side.
That being said, you will have to do the *right* type of stem stitch, since people do this stitch more than a single method. Here's a link:
And how do you follow a line from the wrong side? Does that mean tracing it onto the back?
L
On many fabrics, you can see the "lines" through to the back of the piece. If not, then you can make a running stitch. Or, I often hold the fabric up to the light and trace on the wrong side with a water soluble blue pen.
Dianne
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