The half cross line on the back of the work really does save on thread.
I also like working on a big block of a color area vertically rather than from left to right. Ive found for me that my stitches get a more even tension.
On things like my Mirabilias I can get a very neat looking back of my work for not much effort, however on my HAEDs forget it. A 40 color change per 100 stitches, I dont care what my back looks like, as long as my front is even tension, and I havent created bulges on the back for framing my piece.
I break this neat back (almost no thread showing) rule though if Im stitching a block of dark thread on a light canvas ground, and I need full coverage with no little white bits of fabric peeking though. I deliberately use a full cross over of my thread on my back, to add a layer of dark behind. I also do this If Im stitching say the filling in ground of a tapestry cushion. I use a continental or even basketweave tent stitch, to put a layer of thread on the back to help bolster the cushion stitches against wear and tear.
chekccard