Carrying thread across the back

by Sue W
(Englewood, FL)

I am beginner and wonder if it is possible/good practice to carry the yarn behind your work if there are small gaps between two areas to be worked with the same color. If it is appropriate to do this, what limits should be applied, e.g. never carry more than 4 squares in any direction.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Don't take the thread across empty areas
by: Anonymous

I also like to keep the distance below half an inch, when carrying threads across the back of my work. If other stitches will be worked over the loose thread then I may stretch a little further.

However, if the area where the thread would be carried will be left unstitched then I don't like to carry it across, as the thread may show through on the right side of the work, especially if I am working on an open weave linen fabric.
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by: Valerie Kalyani

It is really a matter of personal choice how far you go, but it is more a question of measurement, not how many squares.

Whether it is needlepoint or cross-stitch, the number of squares will be different depending on what count size you are working on. I usually limit my carried thread or yarn to about 3/4" to 1".

But I sometimes will turn my work over and work the thread under the back of my stitches to move to another place on the work. I have a 'rule of thumb' on how far I 'travel' on the back to do this. If the distance I move to is about the same amount of thread it would take to end it off and restart in the new spot, I will do it. If it would be more than that, then I just end it and begin again.

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