--------------------
  Backstitching
--------------------


Any backstitching should be done after all the cross stitches in the area are
complete.  The number of strands is usually given in the chart instructions,
with a single strand being by far the most common.

To turn a corner without leaving a diagonal on the back side (up on the odd
numbers and down on the even):

                        o 7
                        |
                        |
                        |
                        o 6 8
                        |
                        |
                        |
            o-----o-----o
            2     1     3
                  4     5

Some people prefer a double running stitch to a backstitch.  This is
especially true if the backstitch will leave them stranded in the middle of
nowhere.  To do a double running stitch, go forward doing every other stitch
(up on the odd numbers and down on the even):

            o-----o     o-----o     o-----o
            1     2     3     4     5     6

Then come back, filling in the gaps:

            o-----o-----o-----o-----o-----o
            11    10    9     8     7

To keep the line from looking staggered, be consistent on the return trip.
Always come up on one side of the stitch that is already there, and go down on
the other side.  For example, come up above on stitch 7 and down below on
stitch 8.