I do't think so. If it was they would had said so.

You don't have to backstitch if you don't want to. There are some stitchers on this chat that don't like to do it, others like myself like to do. I think it makes the colors of the pattern stand out, like stained glass. It's your choice, your project. Do what makes you happy.

Most of the time when I do backstitching, I'll use black (DMC 310). A couple of times I've use black/brown (DMC 3371) instead.

Diana

Hello,

Everything in this design is backstitched, besides any borders. But as djrb7213 stated, you can choose not to backstitch them and just backstitch what you want or nothing at all. It will be completely up to you as the stitcher :)

~Kristi @ ECS

Back stitching isn't my favorite, but, I do it if the pattern/colors will "look" better. Most of the patterns I do are multi-colored and are gifts to family and friends. I "choose" what part of the pattern will be enhanced by back stitching. I "wait/view" the finished pattern before deciding on back stitching or not, being familiar with the pattern--usually do large ones, I "know" what the subject is, so will back stitching "help" the receiver "see" the subject" or is it easly recognizable with out back stitching? If push comes to shove I have my wife "view" the finished pattern, go with her recommendation--back stitch or not.

I don't backstitch, I do a "running" stitch....goes faster for me and the back is neater. :)

VCESS: I don't understand how a running stitch would work to make a solid line of stitching???

You "fill in"...either by going in the same direction (somehow it always works out that you just make a second round, filling in the spaces), or turn around, fill in going the opposite direction. It goes much faster FOR ME...and I love the difference it makes to the back. What can I say? Never been a fan of backstitching--except what it does for the design... love that! But the running stitch fools my brain into not minding it at all! Yeah, it's an easy task to fool my poor brain, but it works. :) I read this as a suggestion by a designer in one of the better magazines years and years ago. :)

I am kind of with Diana on this....I usually do backstitching if it recommended. Just makes things in the picture "pop" a little more. Also, I used to do all backstitching at the end. I no longer do that...I do segments and find that it seems like everything just moves faster that way. I also change the backstitch thread color depending on the design. Sometimes a "quieter" contrast is what I like more!!