The back of the project...

[whysewserious]

I've just started cross stitching and so I'm only slightly sure of what I'm doing. I don't know anyone who cross stitches so I've no one to ask. So, my question is: how do you guys handle the back of your projects to keep the thread from becomming a mess? Also once a project is finished what are some techniques for finishing? Thanks.

[nintandrew]

Here is a previous thread showing some projects' backs:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1477&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=jump

For me, I just try to keep the back of the stitches vertical and when finishing a length of floss, I leave it to be covered by the next length if possible. Otherwise, I will tuck it in the stitches made with it, but only as a last resort. (I hate doing that.)

[whysewserious]

Haha Thanks! Yeah I'm terrible at keeping the backs neat and i tend to jump 'cause I'm lazy.

[Holder of Anime]

my first few i did were so bad im never gonna let people see them!!

altho my newest project looks very neat an tidy for now at least

[whysewserious]

Haha I'm currently working on my very first project. On my next one, I'm going to try very hard to be neat.

[WhoDatIs]

It is impossible to be neat if you have to change colors a lot IMO

[kuja.girl]

A few things I do to keep the back and loose threads neat:
- Try to stitch in rows or columns and avoid "jumping" as much as possible.
- Limit "jumping" from point to point to a max distance of about 1". If the distance is more than that, finish and cut the thread and start a new one.
- Loop the end of thread underneath other stitches (at least 3-4) then cut the end of thread close to the stitches.
- When starting a new thread, stitch 1/2-1" over the end you are tacking down.
- Try to stitch over loose thread from past "jumps" whenever possible.

If you want visuals, look in a used bookstore for older embroidery books (not necessarily cross stitch) there is a lot of material from the 60's-70's when embroidery was really "hot." There is also a technique called "waste knot" that beginners might find useful.

[Asinine]

There is also a technique called "waste knot" that beginners might find useful.

I may be a little slow here, but that link's info made absolutely no sense to me.
I typically just end "standalone" threads (ones that I won't be working near to tie them down with) by tying a small knot in a nearby -- yet very secure -- thread. I make sure to leave a generous amount (anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 inch -- 5-10mm) of thread behind to tug on, should it decide to loosen, or to stitch down if I end up coming back to that area.

Spoiler

A previous work and the current WIP

photo.jpg (167.63 KiB) Viewed 4332 times

[whysewserious]

Oh wow thanks so much for the help guys! lol I'm getting better I'm glad to say.