So I’ve seen quite a bit of cross stitching WIPs, and I mean quite a bit. I sometimes spend my down time simply scouring the internet for different cross stitch designs and WIPs so that I can watch them evolve. Anywhoo, I sometimes see the crosses done first and other times I see the outlining/backstitching done first and I came to wonder: Does it make a difference which one is done first?
I usually do the crosses first and then the outlining but I do wonder if it makes a project look nicer when you outline first then cross stitch. Is it simply a personal preference thing or can you see the outcome in your work?
So that leaves me asking the question: Which do you do first??
A Stitcher's Stitchings 
Good question…I am learning that maybe there are rules to stitching, and believe me I am a rule follower. But more and more I am thinking that we need to please ourselves when we stitch. Do what we feel is right for our work. So, for me, I like to do my outlining when I am finished my design. If I don’t, I find that my edge stitch gets pushed into the ditch and not so noticeable. I am thinking about changing my rule a little and maybe outline a section when I am finished cross stitching instead of when the entire design is done.
I was able to wait until I finished the little girl completely and the horse stitches that were around her before I outlined her and then focused on the cross stitches of the horse and outlined it last. With this project that I’m doing though I have to scroll up so I find that when I’m done with the crosses I outline the part I’m working on and then scroll up so I’m able to complete it section by section. This way I don’t feel like once I get all the way to the top I have to scroll all the way back down again but doing the outlining this time.
I’m with you on the stitch being pushed in a bit and then it looks like it’s not really as prominent as the others. I’ve had to re-do stitches because of this. Lol.
I always begin in the centre and work my way out, leaving the backstitching until last. If you backstitch first, this tends to get covered up if you’re stitching afterwards.
I used to try and start in the center but then I find myself thinking “Well I have a little thread left. I can just do this part, and that part, and maybe this one too.” Lol. Pretty soon I have little random stitches all over my fabric. 😉
Haha, I do that too after a little while! On the other hand I love watching an unrecognisable blob spread from the centre and become something beautiful 🙂
That does sound nice. I’m going to have to try that. Not with my next work cause I’m gonna do “Footprints” for hubby and the corners are all that has pictures but maybe one after that. I’m excited now!! I’m already jumping ahead 3 projects. Lol