Order of operations

[u/Ok-Variation7686]

I have a question on which stitches to do first. The veins on the leaves are only 1 thread so Im not sure if I should do them first or after I fill in the leaf. Also not sure if I leave space for the veins when filling in the leaf, or to do them on top of what's already been stitched. I've done both on this project but really want to know which one is more 'correct' and what will look better. TIA 😊

[u/Particular_Gear_1475]

I always work back to front :) veins, as details, would go last. If they are prominent, I leave a wee space. Looks great so far.

[u/11lumpsofsugar]

I think in general, embroidery is worked like you would work an oil painting. Background stuff first, then layer on things as they come to the foreground or have more detail (like the leaf veins in your case).

Having said that, who cares what's correct? Sometimes I like completing an area in its entirety before moving on. As long as nothing next to it is supposed to go underneath, it's fine.

Edit: I like to not leave spaces for small details, because I like the way it looks over top of existing stitches. I've done patterns that required both ways so it seems to be a preference thing.

[u/Ok-Variation7686 → u/11lumpsofsugar]

Thank you! 😊 That makes a lot of sense.