I have always backstitched at the end of the project. This is sometimes hard for me because I have to do so much stitch counting. When you do it as you go, does it distort the backstitching as you go along with the hoop?

Cory, I have never used a hoop. I use q-snaps or an old plastic frame (stretcher bars?) I bought years ago.

I like to do back stitch as I finish the sections. I won't do straight stitch until the end because I worry about the hoop distorting it. I don't worry about the back stitch.

OK. Thanks!

I have one project that had traditional backstitch, where it was outlining a picture, and I did it all at the end, then found out I don't really like doing that much backstitch because I didn't feel like I was cross stitching. I like the idea you had of doing it as you go along. The only time when backstitch doesn't make me feel like I'm missing out on stitching is when the pattern is like the one in my picture, when it's spelling out words.
I start in the middle of the pattern because it's a guarantee that I don't mess up. I tried from the top left corner and the design was all kinds of in the wrong place. LOL. I've started in the center since then, and everything has fit perfectly.

I always work from center, but have two big desIgns that will undoubtedly begin at the left top. I do backstitches at the end.
Being a cock-eyed optomist, I just enjoy seeing the whole design appear sharper and more defined.

I must be the only weird who likes back-stitching. I don't know, it is relaxing to me, not really having to look at the chart, unless to change the color of the back-stitch thread, and it really makes the project pop. I enjoy back-stitching. I will admit if you wait till the end of the project, it can be really frustrating to not be done yet, and have to go through the whole project. I find if I do it per section though, the back-stitches can sometimes get buried or be not as defining with the next section overlapping them a little bit.

Oh and I usually stitch from the middle, out to right, down, then might count up to meet the middle, depends on the size of the project (this is the whole project not the back-stitch part. Back-stitch part, would probably start at left corner).

I prefer to wait till the end of my projects. I do all the x stitches, then beads, if any, then the backstitching. I call this detailing, & love seeing everything get defined, & pop out. Knowing that I'm close to the finish line, always makes it worth it, and I do enjoy it!

When I grid my fabric I begin stitching at the top, from left to right. When I don't grid my fabric, then I will start in the middle. I also find backstitching relaxing, but its something I like to do at the end.

I generally do my back stitching at the end but am doing a Kats by Kelly picture (no.19) at the moment and I am doing the back stitching as I complete a section. I do try not to do it until the section has been completely stitched as then I don't back stitch before the cross stitch has been done (if you understand me).