How many strands do I have to use for backstitching?

Chellypie

I havent done back stitching before. The pattern asked for 2 strands on full cross stitch and half stitch and 1 strand for backstitch but I used 3 strands on cross stitching as well as on half stitching. Do I have to make the backstitches 2 strands or 1 strand is okay?

Your reply is highly appreciated.

Spooky-Nurse

I always just use one strand - I think it is neater and quite sufficient for outlines etc - it makes such a difference to defining your design.

Have fun!

lovestitches

I think its usually 1 strand though I have seen patterns asking for 2 but those patterns are stitch on 11ct or lower.

Chellypie

lovestitches replied at 2013-9-23 16:04

                               
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I think its usually 1 strand though I have seen patterns asking for 2 but those patterns are stitch ...

I am using 14ct aida cloth. So, I can use 2 strands, right?

Thank you so much for the tip. It is of much help. I am a novice on cross stitching and I am enjoying it so far. ^_^

langstep

It depends on how strong you want your back stitching to look.  
You could stitch an area with one strand and an area with two strands and see which you prefer.  After all you can alway unpick it if it is not to your liking.
In the end it is your preference and how you want your finished project to look.

medillon61

I have used both one or two strands I go by the amount of the thickness of what I am stitching and what I am stitching in.  Example right now I am backstitching in lighteffects.  So it all depends what I am doing.  Backstitch does define the work and make it neater.  If you used three strands to do your stitching try backstitching a few stitches in 1 strand and see what happens if you do not like it use two strands :)

Jazzi

As you can see, it all comes down to preference. When I use 3 strands to cross stitch, I use 2 for backstitching. Since the stitches tend to look a bit fuller from the 3 strands for the cross stitch, I like the look of a bit thicker backstitching.

Using a laying tool is helpful especially when using more than one strand for back stitches. It will help the strands stay down nicely and look more uniform.

Chellypie

langstep replied at 2013-9-23 16:48

                               
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It depends on how strong you want your back stitching to look.  
You could stitch an area with one s ...

Thank you. I will take note of your tip. :D

Chellypie

medillon61 replied at 2013-9-23 20:05

                               
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I have used both one or two strands I go by the amount of the thickness of what I am stitching and w ...

Thank you. Your tip is of great help. :D

Chellypie

Jazzi replied at 2013-9-24 05:57

                               
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As you can see, it all comes down to preference. When I use 3 strands to cross stitch, I use 2 for b ...

Thank you for the tip. I might use 2 strands for the backstitch. I like it also if my project looks fuller.

Have a nice day! ^_^