Backstitching

There are several possible techniques for reembroidering your cross-stitch projects.
I've used three of them in my life as an embroiderer.

Backstitch

The first, the classic backstitch, consists in making 1 backstitch per cross-stitch. If you have a straight line 10 stitches long to highlight, you make ten backstitches...
It's a tedious technique, and in the end, it doesn't produce the finesse you'd expect, given the time spent on it.
The result is a 'staircase' look that leaves an impression of poor finish.
That said, my opinion is my own, of course!

The long stitch

There's also the technique I call the long stitch. In fact, you'll find it on virtually all our models that require backstitches.
The technique is the same as that of the backstitch, but instead of working small stitch by small stitch, we make a single, long stitch, right up to the change of direction of the line. If I take my example of a 10-stitch long line, it will be highlighted by a single, 10-stitch long stitch...
This makes it a more thread-intensive solution, but I think it's worth the effort.
First advantage: it's much quicker to make, since you only need to prick the needle when changing direction!
Second advantage : no more staircase "curves".
By choosing the right anchor points, you'll get a much more satisfying result, especially when you use 1 thread. This is what you can see in the photos for the black backstitches...
On the other hand, both the long stitch and the classic backstitch don't stand up well to multi-threading. Tension is always hazardous and the result is imprecise. The best solution, if you need to have backstitches of different thicknesses, is to use a thicker thread.
With Aurifil threads, we're lucky enough to have the same range of colors in 3 or even 4 different thicknesses: perfect for this technique.
However, this is not always possible.

The couchure stitch or Boulogne stitch

I then use a couchure stitch. I'm particularly fond of this technique, as it allows a lot of freedom and produces smooth curves.
You can see how it looks in the photo above, the white line.
Granted, it's more technical and takes longer....
But what a result!
You can combine materials, thicknesses and colors....
The principle is to lay a thick thread (or several thin threads) on the fabric using a thin thread. This keeps the line in relief, and the curves are not broken by changes in direction. On our designs, you can place the couchure stitches at the direction changes, as with the long stitch, and you're done.

Playing with all these techniques, depending on the effect you want to achieve, is a great way to finish off your favorite embroideries.

Happy stitching