Once your embroidery is finished, it's usually nice to finish the back. You can do this very elaborately or very simply; it's up to you. In this article, I'll share two simple ways to finish the back of your embroidery.
Method 1 (free embroidery)
I primarily use this first method for freehand embroidery, as the fabric lends itself well to it. Once your embroidery is finished, you start by trimming around the fabric, leaving a border. This border can be so large that there's hardly any space left, or so small that you only see a small edge. I usually base this on the amount of fabric I have left over, which in this case wasn't much.
Now take a large piece of thread (split it in two), I always use roughly twice the size of the hoop. Pull this through the fabric so it emerges from the front of your embroidery. Are you working with scrap threads and running out? This technique works perfectly well by tying two threads together.
Now, work simple basting stitches along the fabric, close to the outer edge. Don't make your stitches too large, but certainly not too small either, so you can baste the fabric neatly later.
Once you've finished all the way around with your stitches, pull the thread taut, which will pull the fabric in nicely. Tie a tight knot in the ends, and voilà! You can choose to stop finishing at this point, but I always like to add a little something extra.
Cut a piece of felt the size of your embroidery hoop. This extra backing prevents your fabric from showing through and creates a nice effect. Be careful, though, not to choose a felt color that will overly affect the color of your embroidery in the light or that will show through.
I simply tuck this piece into the finished embroidery. You can secure it with a drop of glue if you like, but this way it stays nicely in place. Want to go all out and really enjoy finishing the back? You can also attach the felt piece to the basted edge with a simple stitch so that only that part is visible on the back.
Method 2 (cross stitch)
I use this method primarily for finishing cross-stitch, as the fabric with holes lends itself well to it. The basting method is certainly an option, but this is also a nice and easy way. Start by cutting around the edges again, making sure the border isn't too large, but just slightly overlaps the edge of your embroidery hoop.
Now cut another piece of felt the size of the ring and place it inside the ring. You can also use a piece of fabric, stretch it inside the ring, and trim it along the edge. This method also applies: make it as simple or as elaborate as you like.
Next, cut your embroidery fabric into small strips, all the way to the edge of your embroidery hoop.
Glue these strips inward with good glue. They'll hold the felt piece neatly in place. Done!
I personally prefer simple finishing because I find embroidery much more enjoyable. With these two simple methods, I still get a neat back without it taking up too much time. The nice thing about embroidery is that you can do so many different things with it. For example, some people deliberately leave the back bare to show off the "hoop butt," while others create truly beautiful works of art with the finishing: it's all fun!
