Sprite Stitch Board!

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.

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.)

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

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

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

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

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.

kuja.girl wrote: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.

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