When doing a pattern that has outlining, do you do the filler first or the outline first. I notice when I do the outline first, it tends to get covered when I do the cross stitching to fill in...so I've been doing the cross stitching first then the outlining. What is your preference?

I always do the outline last.

I always outline last.

Another "last" :)

me 4 last

UHGGG...I wish I had known that before I started the pattern....this is what I have so far...

I guess I'll fill it all in then go over with another strand of floss to make the outline pop...the pattern tells me to do the outlines first....uhggg

I outline last.

I also outline last.

I do the cross stitching first and then the outlining.

:thumbup:

cross stitch first then outline - I dread outlining - my most least favorite step! This is cute, can we see when finished?

Definitley last, Easier to me.

Sure, but the way I've been going with it, it'll be 2012 before I finish it...I started it six months ago and just picked it up again, lol.

I'm jumpin in on the bandwagon I also outline last.

Outlining is my FAVORITE part...it really makes the details stand out...

I fill first, outline last.

I always outline last.
Judy

I outline after all the stitching is done.

Do the cross stitching first. Then finish with the backstitch.

Haven't cross-stitched in years...but when I did, I always outlined last.

Some of the outlining is on top of the cross stitching, so any way you cut it, the outlining is done last. I don't do counted cross stitch anymore, but I do cross stitching and there is outlining within the cross stitches with that also. (I generally pick the color that I like the least and start with a color and work it until that color is done and then go on to another color (but then it is not counted cross stitch like you are doing.) Like it was said before - outlining makes it pop! Edie

me 2

Always outline last...

For the reasons mentioned, and (years ago) after doing a huge and tedious one "outline first" then having to re-outline every inch of it after doing the cross stitching......I always stitch first, then outline. Sometimes I think the directions are written by non-cross-stitchers!

I have always done the outline last.

Another one who does the outline last.

Most definitely do the cross stitch first, otherwise you have nothing to outline.

I can see how the pattern might be easier to follow if the outlining was stitched first, but I've always crosstitched first then outlined.

I always outline last.

I used to be a stitcher for Design by Gloria and Pat (Precious Moments, etc). I really learned alot from them. Always do your fill in and then your outline. Also, when you stitch, always make sure your stitches on the back-side are vertical. When you are finished with one color, run your thread vertically instead of horizontally and you won't need to worry about them showing through. Just a few tips I learned and didn't know before.

I save my outline when I watch Like 48hours or 20-20 it makes it go fast crosstitch is my favorit relaxing hobby.

I was taught to outline last. I love your progress. It looks cute.

I always cross stitch first, then outlining. Very last thing I do is french knots if needed.

ditto

Outline last.

Filler first, always, for the reason you mentioned.

I do the outline last too.

You need to do the outline last. That way it will come out bolder and solid

I always start any project from the center, and outline after aal is finished.