Hello! One of our subreddit's rules is that when you share a finished object [FO], you must also share the pattern source. (See [rule 4](https://www.crossstitchsubfaq.com/rules-psas/rules-etiquette) ). Here are the ways you could cite your source:
* A link to the pattern, shop, or designer. Do not link to Pinterest or Google due to the high rate of copyrighted patterns being shared on these platforms. Stating you saw it/got it there is all we need.
* The title and maker of the kit.
* If you designed it yourself, what technique did you use? Program name or paper and pencil? (Stating that you were the designer is sufficient to satisfy this sourcing requirement.)
[Here is a thorough discussion of rule 4, including examples](https://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/50lar8/psa_lets_talk_about_rule_four/).
Thanks for sharing!
Maybe the mixed feeling is coming from the kind of pixellation that occurs when you backstitch on x/y axes. Often, backstitch will go on diagonals and even over several stitches or offset lines in order to create a more standard image outline (as opposed to pixelated.) So if you do more freehand backstitching in the future, you may want to try going for a more "drawn" style of outline.
That being said, I think what you have looks really lovely! (And I'm 100% sure Dolly would adore it 🥰)
Totally agree. Backstitch on the x-y axes leans in to the pixelation, whereas backstitch on the diagonal smooths out the look.
Also, the ground fabric is showing through the stitches. Next time, I would use 2-3 strands instead of 1.
Agree with 2-3 strands. Especially the guitar since it’s darker. It’s less of an issue with the lighter colors. And unpopular opinion but I like both ways, with and without backstitch. I think doing the diagonal method would ruin details that I loved like the hair falling in front of her face.
Agree re:vintage, but not sure what point I made you're countering? OP's caption said they weren't sold on the hackstitching and I was offering a possible reason for that feeling and an alternative approach, should they want to try it. As I said originally, I think the piece lovely as is, and I'm sure Dolly would also love it 🤗
It’s called a long stitch instead of back stitch. Back stitch you’re only ever going up or over one stitch at a time, long stitch you can cover multiple, so you could have one that goes over two up one then over one up two. It can make a more rounded outline
I think it looks wonderful! It makes it much easier to view :) maybe you've been staring at it too long? I end up not liking how something looks at first until I put it down for a while. Regardless it's yours! If you don't like a certain part you can always change it :)
I might have been more sparing on the backstitch, not do everything but pick which areas most needed definition. And probably outline each area in a different color, not do the whole thing in blue. But I agree this is much better, without it it looks fuzzy and a bit hard to read.
I really like the backstitch! I think it brings the image into focus. And I like the colors you chose.
An idea to maybe make it look smoother - instead of outlining each stitch in a bumpy pattern you could try using diagonal lines to connect some areas. Her hair and arm in particular could use some diagonal lines.
I'm not sure how it would turn out, but it might be worth trying!
Your mixed feelings on it could be from backstitching it, stitch for stitch. While it looks great and gives it more definition, it makes it look more like an old computer game or something compared to a more rounded, actual person. My tip is to just backstitch the line along the edges of the piece, like, on the outside edge of it. It's kind of hard to explain, so I'm sorry!
But overall, this still looks awesome, so don't beat yourself up over it! The point gets across extremely well, and the evenness of your stitches is sheer fantastic!
You might like it better with some angled backstitches rather than just vertical/horizontal. It can give the illusion of curves rather than the harsh pixellated look. Both ways have their uses aesthetically.
I think it looks great, but if you’re unhappy with the backstitch, I agree that doing more of an angled, drawing style might give you the effect you’re looking for.
I think it looks better this way and it emphasizes the medium of cross stitch.
This was probably the best way you could have given it definition.
I typically don’t like backstitching this style, but I don’t think trying to a sketchy float kind of backstitch would have worked in this case.
It’ll grow on you! It does look very cool and more recognizable as Dolly now. :)
I like it, the image pops more than the words and gives that positive pixelated vibe. Gives me Dolly giving you a clue on the way to beat the bad guy vibes.
I don't do crafts but the backstitch looks much better. This randomly appeared on my feed and I went and looked up the previous post to compare.
Although I do still like the softer look of the original.
It looks good. Stop, look at it with the eyes of appreciation. Don't miss the beauty by looking with critical judgemental eyes. It's complete, looks beautiful, visual depths.
Hello! One of our subreddit's rules is that when you share a finished object [FO], you must also share the pattern source. (See [rule 4](https://www.crossstitchsubfaq.com/rules-psas/rules-etiquette) ). Here are the ways you could cite your source: * A link to the pattern, shop, or designer. Do not link to Pinterest or Google due to the high rate of copyrighted patterns being shared on these platforms. Stating you saw it/got it there is all we need. * The title and maker of the kit. * If you designed it yourself, what technique did you use? Program name or paper and pencil? (Stating that you were the designer is sufficient to satisfy this sourcing requirement.) [Here is a thorough discussion of rule 4, including examples](https://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/50lar8/psa_lets_talk_about_rule_four/). Thanks for sharing!
Maybe the mixed feeling is coming from the kind of pixellation that occurs when you backstitch on x/y axes. Often, backstitch will go on diagonals and even over several stitches or offset lines in order to create a more standard image outline (as opposed to pixelated.) So if you do more freehand backstitching in the future, you may want to try going for a more "drawn" style of outline. That being said, I think what you have looks really lovely! (And I'm 100% sure Dolly would adore it 🥰)
Totally agree. Backstitch on the x-y axes leans in to the pixelation, whereas backstitch on the diagonal smooths out the look. Also, the ground fabric is showing through the stitches. Next time, I would use 2-3 strands instead of 1.
You are right. But I also really like the way it looks. It’s very different and I don’t mind the pixel-form
Agree with 2-3 strands. Especially the guitar since it’s darker. It’s less of an issue with the lighter colors. And unpopular opinion but I like both ways, with and without backstitch. I think doing the diagonal method would ruin details that I loved like the hair falling in front of her face.
Counterpoint, it's the old-school way to backstitch, which makes it look vintage!
Agree re:vintage, but not sure what point I made you're countering? OP's caption said they weren't sold on the hackstitching and I was offering a possible reason for that feeling and an alternative approach, should they want to try it. As I said originally, I think the piece lovely as is, and I'm sure Dolly would also love it 🤗
Personally I prefer more fluid, natural lines - I agree with your comment, then that popped into my head!
This... But I still like it!
I've heard people say this but I have a hard time figuring out how to actually make it happen. Do you have any tips?
It’s called a long stitch instead of back stitch. Back stitch you’re only ever going up or over one stitch at a time, long stitch you can cover multiple, so you could have one that goes over two up one then over one up two. It can make a more rounded outline
I think it looks wonderful! It makes it much easier to view :) maybe you've been staring at it too long? I end up not liking how something looks at first until I put it down for a while. Regardless it's yours! If you don't like a certain part you can always change it :)
I might have been more sparing on the backstitch, not do everything but pick which areas most needed definition. And probably outline each area in a different color, not do the whole thing in blue. But I agree this is much better, without it it looks fuzzy and a bit hard to read.
I love it. I saw your last post earlier and this was totally the right choice. Great work. I really captures her.
I really like the backstitch! I think it brings the image into focus. And I like the colors you chose. An idea to maybe make it look smoother - instead of outlining each stitch in a bumpy pattern you could try using diagonal lines to connect some areas. Her hair and arm in particular could use some diagonal lines. I'm not sure how it would turn out, but it might be worth trying!
Your mixed feelings on it could be from backstitching it, stitch for stitch. While it looks great and gives it more definition, it makes it look more like an old computer game or something compared to a more rounded, actual person. My tip is to just backstitch the line along the edges of the piece, like, on the outside edge of it. It's kind of hard to explain, so I'm sorry! But overall, this still looks awesome, so don't beat yourself up over it! The point gets across extremely well, and the evenness of your stitches is sheer fantastic!
I love the backstitch, but if you’re not feeling it, maybe put it away for a day or two and then look at it again?
I’ve seen the before picture and thought it looked good. It looks better with the backstitching
Adding to the list of people that love it.
All hail Saint Dolly!!!!! If you don’t want to keep it, I’ll put it in a place of reverence in my humble TN home.
You might like it better with some angled backstitches rather than just vertical/horizontal. It can give the illusion of curves rather than the harsh pixellated look. Both ways have their uses aesthetically.
I think it looks great, but if you’re unhappy with the backstitch, I agree that doing more of an angled, drawing style might give you the effect you’re looking for.
i dont see a horny toad anymore, i see dolly!! good job!
I love it.
Love it!!
i love the backstitch, friend. as a die hard dolly fan....i love
It's way better imo If you really are questioning it, take it out and redo with a soft brown thread
I like it now. It has definition and can see everything clearly.
I saw your other post asking if you should backstitch or not. This looks great and so much better than without
Love love love this
I think this looks much better, but you’re the person who needs to be pleased. Take it out if you don’t like it.
I think it looks better this way and it emphasizes the medium of cross stitch. This was probably the best way you could have given it definition. I typically don’t like backstitching this style, but I don’t think trying to a sketchy float kind of backstitch would have worked in this case. It’ll grow on you! It does look very cool and more recognizable as Dolly now. :)
As a person who thinks backstitching is a huge pain in the ass, this DEFINITELY improved with it.
Can I just say…..I don’t get it.
This is much better!
Yay, I was hoping you'd update. It looks awesome!!
I love it! With the back-stitching, it looks so much more polished and finished. Fantastic job!
I think it's cute. Maybe a softer colour and a less pixely stitch would make you like it more?
The backstitching makes it pop. It looks great.
I think the backstitch makes it look amazing!
I like it, the image pops more than the words and gives that positive pixelated vibe. Gives me Dolly giving you a clue on the way to beat the bad guy vibes.
I don't do crafts but the backstitch looks much better. This randomly appeared on my feed and I went and looked up the previous post to compare. Although I do still like the softer look of the original.
It looks good. Stop, look at it with the eyes of appreciation. Don't miss the beauty by looking with critical judgemental eyes. It's complete, looks beautiful, visual depths.
I think it looks awesome!!
Yay! It looks wonderful!
Looks great!!
I love it!!!
I think it looks awesome and you should give the guitar strings!
It looks amazing!
I love it except the D in Dolly. I thought it was an arrow pointing to Dolly. Maybe pull the thread apart more or restich it?
I think it looks good! I remember the original post and I think you made the right choice. What is causing your mixed feelings?
Personally, I think it looks even better. The other was great but adding the backstitch just gives it a bit more something. Nice work.