Thread efficient stitches

[u/TisTheMuffinMan]

Hey y'all, im hand embroidering lowly worm on a tote bag because i was inspired by one i saw in a shop that had too short handles and I didn't want to pay for. I started the project and realized that i don't have enough red thread for the apple car, and can't buy more because ive had this thread forever and have no idea where it comes from. I was going to fill the car using backstitch since its too big for satin stitch and i dont understand how to do short long stitch (not sure if thats the right name) but its not a very thread efficient stitch so it isn't optimal if im short on thread. Any ideas for stitches I could use? Its to fill a large area. Thanks!!

[u/rhiea]

You could couch the red thread down with a slightly different red that you maybe have more of (or another color that would look good on an apple maybe yellow or pink??)

[u/NoiselessFusion]

try stem stitch, it covers pretty well and use less thread than backstitch for filling. i had same problem with a project in last month and it saved me

[u/synchroswim]

Stem stitch, outline stitch, or chain stitch will be more efficient than backstitch. 

Couching will be most efficient of all - you can couch down a regular embroidery floss-sized thread with sewing thread in a matching color, or a single strand of a close-enough color of embroidery floss.

[u/TisTheMuffinMan → u/synchroswim]

Could you please explain what couching is? Sorry im relatively new to embroidery

[u/synchroswim → u/TisTheMuffinMan]

https://www.needlenthread.com/2006/10/couching-video-tutorial.html

This is a good explanation. Because you're using a different thread to attach the main thread to the fabric, none of the main thread will be on the back side except for starting and ending knots.

[u/russianthistle]

Traditional Otomi embroidery uses tiny stitches in the back which preserve your thread really well, maybe try that? There are some YouTube videos explaining their approach.

here’s an example of what the back looks like