Cross stitch with whole stitches or backstitch

Cross stitch is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. Usually all the cross stitch kits available in shops have whole (or full) cross stitches and backstitch. Backstitch, also called outline stitch is a class of embroidery and sewing stitch in which individual stitches are made backward to the general direction of sewing. These stitches form lines and are most often used to outline shapes or to add fine detail to an embroidered picture.

However extensive backstitch in a project will sometimes make it look strange. It will depend whether or not you prefer stitching with whole stitches or adding backstitch as well. Backstitch can also slow you down. Normally you will need to add backstitch in your cross stitch project when you finish with all the whole stitches, then you add backstitch to outline the design.

A cross stitch pattern with whole stitches can also give great results. Especially if you are stitching a fine art painting with many colour threads. The more colours in an advanced cross stitch design, the more detail you will get. This will give you a magnificent piece of art to hang in your living room.

Many cross stitchers are afraid to stitch with only whole stitches but I can assure you that if you find a pattern with loads of thread colours and shades, you will not be disappointed by the end result.