You can start with either color. I found it easier to start my backstitched lines that extend to edge of the hoop from the center of the hoop out. Insert your needle as close to the edge of the hoop as possible. Some of the printed line may show but that is fine. You can backstitch the spiky leaves the same way you back stitch a straight line but each stitch will start and stop at the corners. If a line is straight you can use one stitch but if there is a curve you will need to use multiple back stitches. Little lines in the leaves are seed stitch.
