I use a double running stitch...after all is stitched...usually. :)

I do all my backstitching at the end, just so I don't accidently catch and pull any of the threads. I do all my finishing items for the same area at the same time - backstitch, French knots etc.

Do as I go.

I backstitch as I go as well because I find it tedious too. Looks great when all done though.

I was taught - stitching first then back stitching and any other specialty stitches after. But when I stitched "The Magical Forest" it had tons of back stitching in it so I asked fellow stitchers on this chat would the world come to an end if I stitched each panel and then completed the back stitches as I went. The answer was a resounding NO!! so now I tend to back stitch as I go. The only thing I leave to the end is any french knots or beading that might be in the pattern.

I backstitch after I'm done with the cross-stitching BUT on the other hand, there aren't any cross-stitching police to send you to prison for backstitching as you go along. :)

I save it for the end! The 5-year-old who is caught in my old brain, likes to see the figures get outlined.

I backstitch as I go.

I backstitch after I've done all of the cross stitching. Just habit! I also tend to do more backstitching then the pattern shows. I think it makes all of the colors "pop". It also reminds me of the stain glass work in churches.
djrb7213

The reason that I backstitch as I go is because 90% of what I do are gifts that are off and away as soon as I finish them. By doing the back stitching as I go, when I can, I get to have a preview of how it's going to look.