Backstitching--how do you do it?

[Toiya55]

Hey guys! I just had a question for anyone on how you go about doing a long line of backstitching? I have a project that has a couple long lines of backstitching, one of which being about 25 or so squares straight across on 14 ct aida. I have heard one friend tell me they do a stitch about every 3 squares or so, one just covers the entire distance in one stitch, and one does each individual square all the way across no matter how long or short the line is. Is there one particular way that is correct that I am missing? Some of the detailing on the project is grass, so it has diagonal lines of approximately 3-4 in random directions that I would just do in one stitch. Any opinions or ideas? Thanks!

[rosey175]

I personally like the look of backstitching each square in straight sections, no matter how long the section is. It also eliminates that tension issue I seem to have.
On a diagonal, well, it depends, haha. I'd do the grass you mentioned in one stitch because grass is kinda wriggly anyway~

[kuja.girl]

If it's a very detailed and intricate pattern I'll do every square. Otherwise I'll do every 2-4. It also depends on what the end product is - if it's going to be used in a way where it can snag (clothing, coin purse etc) then doing every square makes more sense since shorter threads are harder to snag! hope that helps ;)

[ristvak]

It also depends on what the end product is - if it's going to be used in a way where it can snag (clothing, coin purse etc) then doing every square makes more sense since shorter threads are harder to snag! hope that helps

this ^

Also if it's just something for me I'll do whatever my laziness level of the day will allow me to do lol. Even at my laziest I try to do at least every third square though. But if it's a present to someone or something that's going to get tugged and rubbed I'll do every square. I've found that doing too long of a line will either make the fabric pucker because I've pulled the thread too tight or the thread will eventually wear out and sag on it's own. Sometimes it just looks nicer to have every stitch done, but sometimes the backstitching will kind of "sink" into the surrounding stitches so I'll do two squares at a time to try and keep it on top.

As far as diagonals go, I try to do the shortest lines possible. Usually the longest I'll go is 4 vertical 3 horizontal if I can.

[Toiya55]

Thanks for the tips guys! I finished the project and did what you suggested going over two squares at a time for the long lines. It looks great and I know it will be loved on Christmas . Good luck to everyone on their stitching deadlines as well! Thirteen more days...