Crashnquilt that is so funny!!! Poor girl.

I think you should do some test stitches and decide which you like best. I prefer stem stitch when doing a larger project but for small stuff I like back stitch. I feel like it is easier to make a small design w/the back stitch. I have not tried perle cotton yet, so I generally use two strands of floss, but I ant to try the perle cotton soon. I think I would like not having to fiddle w/two strands. Currently I have only used my embroidery for wall hangings and one throw pillow, oh and some pillow cases.

Oh, I love hand embroidery! I like to use Sulky 12 weight cotton thread too. It is equal to two or three strands of regular floss, I don't remember which. It comes on a spool which is really handy and doesn't need separating. The backstitch is a good one.
Thanks for posting this. I need to get a new project started.

Stem stitch! That's what I learned as a girl! My grandma taught me...but she didn't call it a stem stitch, she called it...a 'running stitch'!!

Thanks for the funny story...I'll admit I was worried about being 'outside the box', but I'm glad there are no quilt police here! :)

I want to try the backstitch and see how that goes. I'm going to do just the small 'flower wreath' to start and in...PINK! :)

Thank for the encouragement. You are the best!

Thank you for that wonderful site - Needle n Thread! I'm going to try the Split Stitch for a curved little scroll today!

Yes you are on the right track. I am happy you are trying something "new" this year. I have goals to do three new to me quilting techniques and I am hoping to learn on the curve.

I have done many embroideries and posted them to the board. Also you might want to look at some of buddy'smom for her embroidered quilts. She has tons of lovely designs she has shown us.

My favorite one was calendar snowmen done with turquoise thread. It was set with fuchsia and purple fabrics.

Back stitch in sewing and back stitch in embroidery are not really the same thing.
Check out the graphics on this site: http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/s..._stitches.html

Jan in VA

My sis is the embroidery queen--she always uses a nice fabric for background and just cheap muslin on the back to help hide the thread ends. She almost always uses an embroidery backstitch to outline--her's are teeny-tiny---but the key is to be consistent and tight with stitching (but no puckers). I have to use a hoop, but she never does. She likes perle cotton for outlining as it's less hassle to thread, etc--but also has and uses tons of embroidery thread (2 strands for more detailed designs). Here is an example. [ATTACH=CONFIG]566368[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]566369[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]566370[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]566371[/ATTACH]

quiltingshorttimer: Your sister's quilts are marvelous! I see the detail and care put into the work. Such treasures! Thanks for the inspiration!

I use the backstitch, but as someone said try out a couple to find which one you like best. Do you use a hoop?