Beading or backstitch: which to do first?

Candy Murphy

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Jul 2, 2002, 11:39:56 AM7/2/02

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Hello all -

I'd appreciate some input from you knowledgeable folks. I am currently
working on Mirabilia's Newborn Joy (Little Stitches series). All of the
cross stitch is complete - all that's left is the beading and backstitching.
I've never done a piece with this many beads - there are some small
clusters, and quite a few single beads.

Should I do the beads first, or the backstitching? I've been thinking
through the pros and cons, and I generally think that I should do the beads
first as if they were regular cross stitches - but I'm afraid that my
backstitching will push the beads out of alignment. (Also, this lets me
postpone the backstitching even longer. <g>) On the other hand, I don't
want the backstitching to be covered up by the beads.

Any thoughts?

Candy Murphy
ca...@candyland.net

Dannielle Beitzell

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Jul 2, 2002, 12:14:54 PM7/2/02

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When I requested help on this portion of one of my projects, I got many
answers that said to leave the beading until the very last. Do the
backstitching first, then bead. I did mine this way and was very pleased
with the results. It also gave me a little relaxation and sense of
accomplishment to do the beading, knowing that the backstitching part was
all done!

Can't wait to see pics of this piece!

--
Dannielle from NY
http://www.beitzell.com/dannielle/index.htm
WIP's: Dimensions: Rose Drama
Cross My Heart - I Thee Wed: Love Like Springtime
Daisy Kingdom: Raggedy Ann and Andy, Snowman with
Trees, Minnie Moose, Heaven & Nature Jumper,
Christmas Toile Tree Skirt, HoHoHo Vest.

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Anna

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Jul 2, 2002, 1:18:29 PM7/2/02

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Candy Murphy <ca...@candyland.net> wrote:

> Should I do the beads first, or the backstitching? I've been thinking
> through the pros and cons, and I generally think that I should do the beads
> first as if they were regular cross stitches - but I'm afraid that my
> backstitching will push the beads out of alignment. (Also, this lets me
> postpone the backstitching even longer. <g>) On the other hand, I don't
> want the backstitching to be covered up by the beads.
>
> Any thoughts?

Bite the bullet and do the back stitching first...

Okay, so doing backstitch can be yukky, but doing backstitch when the
thread constantly catches on/over/around the beads is even worse...

IMESHO, that is! :)

--
Anna

jadedmuch

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Jul 2, 2002, 12:33:57 PM7/2/02

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Hi Candy,

Backstitching isn't _that_ bad! : ) I prefer to finish all of the
stitching/backstitching and do the beading last. Less working thread to
snag completed beading and possibly knock it askew.

Just my two cents worth...

Kathy

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Pat Porter

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Jul 2, 2002, 1:37:02 PM7/2/02

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"jadedmuch" <jade...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
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>Backstitch, definitely - otherwise if the backstitch and beading get in
each other`s way, it makes it SO much harder to get the backstitching where
you want it!

Pat P.

Tom & Rita Liesch

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Jul 2, 2002, 2:22:40 PM7/2/02

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I always do the backstitching before beading. If I did the beading first,
it could get very difficult to see where to do the backstitching. It
doesn't matter if some of the beads overlap the backstitching, but would
look funny if some of the backstitching had to bump around beads.

JMO - Rita Liesch

Candy Murphy

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Jul 2, 2002, 2:28:53 PM7/2/02

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Thanks for your suggestions/input. Some of the things you mentioned I
hadn't considered.

It definitely sounds like "backstitch first" is the way to go... :)

Candy Murphy
ca...@candyland.net

Sarah Blaenau Ffestiniog

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Jul 2, 2002, 3:00:32 PM7/2/02

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I always backstitch first and then bead. Just my preference. There is no
wrong or right way, only a way that suits you.
--
Sarah. Blaenau Ffestiniog
www.geocities.com/craftschooluk/sas.html
www.picturetrail.com/blaenau

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Dawne Peterson

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Jul 2, 2002, 3:06:52 PM7/2/02

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Another consideration is the frame or hoop you are using-you don't want to
roll up a beaded area in order to do backstitch.
Dawne

Cynthia

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Jul 2, 2002, 4:20:45 PM7/2/02

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You might also want to check out Kathy's FAQs or do a Google search of this
group for beads. There were some good hints posted on exactly how to attach the
bead to keep it from being wobbly.

Kathy's site is http://www.dnai.com/~kdyer/index.html
The Google link for the newsgroup is
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&group=rec.crafts.textiles.needlework
(might have to cut and paste)

HTH,
Cynthia