Railroading

Railroading is a term used by stitchers to describe a specific stitching technique. When using this techniques, the floss is smoothed down with a laying tool or tapestry needles and floss strands lay side-by-side - like the rails of a railroad track. The twist of the floss in the stitch is evident if the strands are not flat against the fabric. The below link contains a visual tutorial. Maiden

http://crossstitch.about.com/od/learnhowtocrossstitch/ss/railroadingtech.htm