There is no backstitching in any of the Mystic Stitch or similar type patterns. You will get that 'blurry' look with all of them. The larger you go, the more obvious it will be, so sometimes working on a smaller count fabric improves the look if that is an option for you.

Thank you so much for your quick response. That saves me a lot of time looking and trying to see an outline. Still love your site for supplies, but may need to see patterns in person before buying.
Have a great Sunday.
Linda

I have done Mystic Stitch patterns and have never had any outlines, but they still turned out beautiful. I have found that not all projects need outlining. I have done some that though they showed outlining I didn't add it because it really didn't need it. Mainly it is up to the stitcher what they do.

Thanks for your reply also. maybe I just chose the wrong project. It's "best of friends" by Artecy. I will finish it ,but it just isn't the look I was hoping for. Maybe I would have better luck with Mystic Stich patterns. Thanks again.

Artecy patterns are quite popular. Not using the outline makes it look more like a pattern. It is all personal preference. I find these large patterns too tedious. I admire the perseverance that others that do stitch these masterpieces.

I am seeing that's it's a personal preference. Wish there were a way of knowing which patterns used outlining in the descriptions. Who knows, I may be a convert before this project is over!
I love to have something in my lap of an evening to keep my hands moving away from food in front
of the television. Cross stitching is perfect.

I meant to say that not outlining makes the finished look like more like a painting!

illi, why don't you contact Artecy and ask. They are super nice and customer oriented. I am confident that they would gladly tell you.
I am much like you Nancye. I lack the dedication and patience for such a huge project. My problem is that I want to see the finished product immediately. Or at least where I can see it take shape.

Texas Stitcher, I will just go ahead and finish this project and maybe I will like the finished project
better. It's just odd that in all my stitching years, over 40, my patterns have had backstitching to pop the details. It's a lot of extra work and most of my patterns take a good year for me to complete as I only work an hour or two in the evenings usually.
I do appreciate all your suggestions and will certainly keep an open mind on this. As I stated earlier, I
may become a non-outliner!
Thanks again.

illi, I personally like backstitching. It's the most relaxing part for me. I guess because I know that 99% of the work is behind me. I've done projects that didn't call for backstitching and they looked nice. I think that it all depends on the motif. Like syagel said it looks more like a painting without. Post a picture here when you are finished.
I have to become more disciplined again and stitch every night or I'll never get anything finished.