Backstitch

How It's Sewn

1. Each hoop gives you a fixed pattern on the front — the stitches are already decided. What isn't decided is the order you sew them in.
2. Tap the stitches in the order you'd like to sew them. The needle has to travel between stitches that don't touch — that travel doesn't show on the front. It shows on the back.
3. Wander too far off order and the thread has to be cut and knotted, or two travels cross and tangle. Sew with a plan, and the back stays honest.
4. When every stitch is placed, flip the hoop. The back is graded: Clean, Honest, or Bird's Nest.

There's no fixing the front — it's already beautiful. The whole game is what you leave behind it.

Tap the stitches, in the order you'll sew them.

Fourteen hoops, done.

Here's what the back of each one said.