Expert Tips: 'How To Back Stitch Embroidery' Guide for You

What is backstitch? It is a strong, simple hand embroidery stitch. It makes a solid line. You can use it for outlines, letters, and fine details. Can I use backstitch for outlines? Yes, it is one of the best stitches for outlines in embroidery. It gives a crisp, clear edge to your designs. Backstitch is a core skill for any embroiderer, from new learners to experts. This guide will show you how to master this useful stitch.

How To Back Stitch Embroidery
Image Source: crewelghoul.com

The Tools You Need

Good tools make backstitching easier. You do not need many things. But having the right items helps a lot. Picking good tools is the first step to neat work.

Needles for Your Work

The right needle is key. Embroidery needles are also called “crewel” needles. They have a sharp point. They have a medium-sized eye. This eye lets floss pass easily.

Size Matters: Needles come in different sizes. A higher number means a thinner needle. For example, a size 7 needle is thinner than a size 5.
Fabric and Floss: Match your needle to your fabric and floss.
- Use a thinner needle for delicate fabrics.
- Use a thicker needle for dense fabrics.
- The needle eye must be big enough for your floss. It should not fray the floss.

Hoops to Keep Fabric Tight

An embroidery hoop keeps your fabric taut. Taut means tight and flat. This makes stitches even. It stops your fabric from puckering. Puckering means wrinkles or bumps.

Materials: Hoops can be wood or plastic. Wood hoops often hold fabric better.
Size: Pick a hoop that fits your design. But do not pick one that is too big. A 6-inch or 8-inch hoop works well for many projects.
How to Use: Place your fabric over the inner hoop. Then press the outer hoop over it. Make it snug. Tighten the screw at the top. Your fabric should feel like a drum.

Fabric Choices for Embroidery

The fabric you pick changes your backstitch. Some fabrics are easy to use. Others are harder. Choose fabric based on your project. Choose fabric based on your skill level.

Cotton: This is a top choice for beginners. It is easy to find. It comes in many weights. Quilting cotton is great. It holds stitches well. It is stable.
Linen: Linen has a nice texture. It looks natural. It is good for many designs. It can be a bit more costly. It can be a bit harder to keep straight.
Aida Cloth: This fabric is for cross-stitch. But you can use it for backstitch too. It has clear holes. These holes help you make even stitches. This makes it very good for new learners.
Even-weave fabrics: These fabrics have threads woven evenly. This means threads go up and down in the same way. This helps with stitch placement.
Other Fabrics: You can backstitch on felt, denim, or even silk. But start with cotton or linen. Get used to the stitch first.

Fabric Type	Good For	Pros	Cons	Beginner-Friendly?
Quilting Cotton	General projects, lettering	Stable, easy to find, many colors	Can fray at edges	Yes
Linen	Fine art, rustic designs	Natural look, good drape	Can be pricier, might need more tension	Yes, with care
Aida Cloth	Beginners, very even stitches	Clear holes, very easy stitch placement	Grid pattern is visible	Excellent
Even-weave	Detailed designs, precise work	Even thread count, good for counting	Can be more expensive, less common	Yes
Felt	Appliqué, simple shapes	No fraying, soft texture	Can be harder to pull needle through	Yes

Embroidery Floss Types

Embroidery floss is the thread you use. Many types exist. Each has its own look and feel. DMC is a very popular brand.

Stranded Cotton Floss: This is the most common type. It comes in 6 strands. You can separate these strands. This lets you change the thickness of your line.
- Thickness: For fine lines, use 1 or 2 strands. For bolder lines, use 3 or 4 strands. For very thick lines, use all 6 strands.
- Colors: It comes in hundreds of colors. This gives you lots of choices.
Pearl Cotton (Perle Cotton): This floss is not separable. It has a slight sheen. It comes in different sizes. Size 8 is thin. Size 3 is thick. It makes a smooth, rope-like line. It is great for outlines. It is great for bolder designs.
Silk Floss: This floss is shiny and luxurious. It is more expensive. It can be tricky to work with. But it gives a beautiful finish.
Metallic Floss: This floss adds sparkle. It can be harder to work with. It can fray easily. Use a thread conditioner to help.
Rayon Floss: This floss is very shiny. It is also slippery. It is best for experts.

Choose the floss that fits your project. Think about how thick you want your line. Think about how shiny you want it. For most backstitch work, stranded cotton floss is perfect.

Starting and Ending Stitches

Starting and ending your thread neatly is very important. It keeps your work clean. It also stops your stitches from coming undone. No knots should show on the front. No knots should show on the back.

How to Start Your Thread

You want a secure start. But you do not want a bulky knot. There are a few ways to start.

Waste Knot Method (For Stranded Floss):
1. Tie a small knot at the end of your thread. Make it a simple knot.
2. Bring your needle up from the front of the fabric. Bring it up a few inches from where your first stitch will be.
3. Make your first few backstitches. Make sure the knot is on the front side of the fabric.
4. Work over the tail of the thread on the back. This secures it.
5. Once your thread is secure, snip off the small knot on the front. This leaves no knot.
Knotless Start (For Single Strand or Pearl Cotton):
1. Thread your needle. Do not tie a knot.
2. Leave a tail of about 2 inches on the back of your fabric.
3. Make your first few stitches. Make sure to catch the tail with the back of your stitches. Weave the tail into your first few stitches.
4. This secures the thread. Then trim the tail close to the fabric.
Loop Method (For Even Number of Strands): This is very clean.
1. Cut a length of floss. Make sure it has an even number of strands (e.g., 2, 4, 6).
2. Separate one strand. Then fold it in half.
3. Thread the two loose ends through your needle eye. The loop is at the other end.
4. Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at your starting point.
5. Push the needle down a short distance away. Make your first stitch.
6. Flip your fabric over. Pass your needle through the loop on the back.
7. Pull tight. This locks the thread. This leaves no knot. This is very clean.

How to End Your Thread

Ending your thread well is just as key. It stops your stitches from coming loose.

Weaving Method: This is the most common way.
1. When you have about 2-3 inches of thread left, flip your fabric.
2. Slide your needle under a few nearby stitches on the back. Do not go through to the front.
3. Pull the thread through.
4. Repeat this 2-3 times. Weave under stitches in different directions if you can.
5. Snip the thread close to the fabric. Do not cut the actual stitches.
Running Stitch Method:
1. Make a few small running stitches on the back. Make them where they will be hidden.
2. Then weave under these stitches.
3. This adds extra security.

Backstitch for Beginners: Step-by-Step

The backstitch is simple once you learn the steps. Follow these clear steps to make your first backstitches. Practice makes it perfect.

Setting Up Your Fabric

Place Fabric in Hoop: Put your fabric in the embroidery hoop. Make it tight like a drum.
Mark Your Design: Lightly draw your design on the fabric. Use a water-soluble pen or a pencil. You can also use carbon paper.

The Basic Backstitch Steps

Start Your Thread: Use one of the starting methods you learned. Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at point A. This is your first stitch starting point.
Make First Stitch (Forward): Push your needle down at point B. Point B is a short distance forward from A. This makes your first stitch. This stitch is often called a “gap” stitch.
Bring Up Needle (Behind): Bring your needle up from the back at point C. Point C is the length of one stitch behind point B. It is usually the same distance from B as A is from B.
Go Down (Into Previous Hole): Push your needle down into point B. This point is the end of your last stitch. It is the start of your new stitch. This “going back” is why it is called backstitch.
Repeat: Bring your needle up from the back at point D. Point D is one stitch length behind point C. Push your needle down into point C.
Continue: Keep going. Each new stitch starts by coming up one stitch length away. Each new stitch ends by going down into the end of the previous stitch. This makes a solid line.

Visualizing the Stitch

Imagine you are walking.
* Step 1: Foot comes up (Point A).
* Step 2: Take a step forward, foot goes down (Point B). You now have a gap from A to B.
* Step 3: Lift your foot up from a point behind where you just landed (Point C).
* Step 4: Step back to where your last step landed (Point B).
* This makes a solid line.

Achieving Neat Backstitch

Neat backstitch makes your work look great. It is all about even stitches and tension. Tension means how tight or loose your thread is.

Tips for Even Stitches

Mark Your Path: Draw a clear line. Mark small dots along the line. Make these dots the same distance apart. This helps keep stitches even.
Consistent Stitch Length: Try to make each stitch the same length. Short stitches look neater. They also give more detail.
Use a Hoop: Always use an embroidery hoop. It keeps your fabric tight. This stops puckering. It helps you make even stitches.
Practice: The more you stitch, the better you get. Start with simple lines. Then move to curves.
Check the Back: Periodically check the back of your work. The back should look almost as neat as the front. No big loops or tangles.

Managing Thread Tension

Gentle Pull: Pull your thread gently. Do not pull it too tight. Too tight will pucker your fabric.
Not Too Loose: Do not leave your thread too loose. Too loose will make bulky, uneven stitches.
Smooth Motion: Pull the thread through slowly and smoothly. Do not yank it.
Consistent Pressure: Try to use the same pressure each time you pull the thread. This helps with even tension.
Adjust if Needed: If you see puckering, loosen your hoop slightly. If stitches are loose, try pulling a little more gently.

Backstitch Lettering Guide

Backstitch is perfect for letters. It makes crisp, clear words. You can add names, quotes, or dates to your projects.

How to Plan Your Letters

Choose a Font: Pick a simple font first. Script fonts can be harder. Block letters are easier.
Print or Draw: Print your letters the size you want. Or draw them directly on your fabric. A water-soluble pen is best.
Line Thickness: Decide how many strands of floss to use.
- 1 or 2 strands for delicate, thin letters.
- 3 or 4 strands for bolder letters.
- Think about the size of your letters. Smaller letters need fewer strands.

Stitching Letters with Backstitch

Short Stitches for Curves: Use very short stitches for curves. This makes the curve smooth. Longer stitches on curves will look jagged.
Follow the Lines: Stitch directly on your drawn lines. Try not to go off the line.
Corners: For sharp corners, bring your needle up at the corner point. Then go down for the next stitch. Do not let stitches overlap too much.
Start and End: For small letters, you might need to start and end your thread more often. This is fine. Just make sure your starts and ends are neat.
Practice Words: Start with short words. Try your name or a simple phrase.

Example: Stitching the Letter ‘A’

Draw an ‘A’: Lightly draw a capital ‘A’ on your fabric.
First Leg: Start at the bottom left. Backstitch up the left leg of the ‘A’. Use short stitches.
Second Leg: When you reach the top, turn. Go down the right leg. Keep stitches even.
Crossbar: Then, backstitch the crossbar. Do this last. Start on one side and stitch to the other.

Hand Embroidery Techniques: Combining Stitches

Backstitch is a basic stitch. But it works well with other hand embroidery techniques. It forms the base for many designs.

Backstitch as an Embroidery Outline Stitch

This is its most common use. Backstitch makes a strong, visible line. It defines shapes. It outlines details.

For Animals: Outline the shape of an animal. Then fill it with other stitches.
For Flowers: Outline petals and leaves. Then add French knots or satin stitch inside.
For Buildings: Outline windows, doors, and walls. It makes them sharp.

Using Backstitch with Filling Stitches

You can fill areas with color after outlining them.

Satin Stitch: Outline a shape with backstitch. Then fill it neatly with satin stitch. The backstitch gives a clean edge.
Long and Short Stitch: Outline the shape. Then fill it with long and short stitches. This gives a blended look. The backstitch makes the edges crisp.
Seed Stitch/Running Stitch: Use backstitch to outline. Then fill the area with random small stitches. This adds texture.

Combining Backstitch for Texture

You can make patterns with backstitch itself.

Doubled Backstitch: Stitch one line of backstitch. Then stitch a second line over it. This makes a thicker line.
Whipped Backstitch: Stitch a line of backstitch. Then, with a new thread, weave under each stitch without piercing the fabric. This makes a rope-like texture. It looks very neat.
Pekinese Stitch: This is a decorative backstitch. You make a line of backstitch. Then you loop another thread around each backstitch. It makes a beautiful raised pattern.

Variations of Backstitch

The basic backstitch has many fun variations. These change its look. They add texture.

The Petal Backstitch (or Split Backstitch)

This stitch is similar to split stitch. It gives a softer line.

Make First Stitch: Bring needle up at A, down at B.
Split the Stitch: Bring needle up at C. This is in the middle of the first stitch (A to B). You split the thread of the first stitch.
Go Down: Push needle down at D, one stitch length forward.
Repeat: Come up in the middle of the new stitch. Go down to complete the next.

The Stem Stitch

This is a common outline stitch. It makes a ropelike line. It is similar to backstitch but has a different angle.

Start: Bring needle up at A. Go down at B.
Up in Middle: Bring needle up at C, about halfway between A and B. Keep the working thread below the line.
Next Stitch: Go down at D. Then bring needle up at E, halfway between C and D. Keep the working thread below.

The Holbein Stitch (Double Running Stitch)

This stitch looks like two rows of running stitch. It is used in Blackwork embroidery. It looks the same on both sides of the fabric.

First Pass: Make a row of running stitches. Leave gaps between stitches. Make stitches and gaps the same length.
Second Pass: Go back over the same line. Fill in the gaps with new running stitches. You should end up with a solid line.

Outline Stitch

While backstitch is an embroidery outline stitch, the term “outline stitch” can also refer to a specific stitch similar to stem stitch but often with the thread held above the line. It makes a fine, textured line.

Start: Bring needle up at A. Go down at B.
Up in Middle: Bring needle up at C, halfway between A and B. Keep the working thread above the line.
Next Stitch: Go down at D. Then bring needle up at E, halfway between C and D. Keep the working thread above.

Troubleshooting Backstitch

Even experienced embroiderers face issues. Do not worry if your stitches are not perfect at first. Here are some common problems and fixes.

Problem 1: Fabric Puckering

Cause: Thread pulled too tight. Or your hoop is too loose.
Fix:
- Loosen your grip on the thread. Pull gently.
- Make sure your hoop is very tight. The fabric should feel like a drum.
- Use shorter thread lengths. Long threads can get tangled. This makes you pull harder.

Problem 2: Uneven Stitches

Cause: Inconsistent stitch length. Or not following a guide line.
Fix:
- Mark your fabric with a ruler and pen. Make small, even dots.
- Practice making stitches the same length. Use your drawn marks as guides.
- Work slowly. Do not rush.
- Take breaks if your eyes get tired.

Problem 3: Thread Twisting or Knotting

Cause: Thread is too long. Or you are spinning the needle as you stitch.
Fix:
- Use shorter lengths of thread. About 18-24 inches is good.
- Let your needle hang free often. This lets the thread untwist.
- If using stranded floss, separate the strands. Then combine them again. This aligns them.

Problem 4: Stitches Do Not Look Solid

Cause: Gaps between stitches. Or stitches are too long.
Fix:
- Ensure each new stitch ends exactly where the previous stitch started. No gaps.
- Use shorter stitch lengths. This makes a denser line.
- If still gappy, try using an extra strand of floss. For example, use 3 strands instead of 2.

Problem 5: Knots on the Back of the Work

Cause: Not managing thread tails. Or thread catching on itself.
Fix:
- Always weave in your starting and ending tails well.
- Keep the back of your fabric clear. Do not let loose ends hang.
- Check the back often as you stitch. Smooth out any loops forming.

Preserving Your Backstitch Masterpiece

Your hard work deserves to last. Proper care keeps your embroidery looking fresh.

Finishing Your Piece

Ironing: Always iron your finished piece. Place it face down on a soft towel. Use a low to medium heat. Use steam if needed. This flattens stitches and removes hoop marks.
Framing: Put your embroidery in a frame or a new hoop. Make sure it is stretched evenly.
Backing: For framed pieces, you might want to add a fabric backing. This protects the stitches on the back. It gives a clean finish.

Cleaning and Care

Spot Clean: For small marks, use a damp cloth. Dab gently. Do not rub hard.
Hand Wash: If needed, hand wash your piece. Use cool water and mild soap. Rinse well. Roll in a clean towel to soak up water. Lay flat to dry.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or strong cleaners. They can damage floss colors.
Store Properly: Store finished pieces away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors. Keep them in a clean, dry place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many strands of floss should I use for backstitch?
A: It depends on the look you want. Use 1 or 2 strands for fine lines and small details. Use 3 or 4 strands for a standard outline. Use 5 or 6 strands for thick, bold lines.

Q: Can I use backstitch for filling areas?
A: Backstitch is mainly for outlines and lines. But you can use rows of backstitch to fill a shape. This gives a striped or textured fill. For a solid fill, stitches like satin stitch or long and short stitch are better.

Q: Is backstitch stronger than running stitch?
A: Yes, backstitch is stronger. It creates a solid, unbroken line. Running stitch is made of small, separated stitches. This makes running stitch less sturdy for outlines.

Q: Why does my backstitch look uneven on curves?
A: You are likely making your stitches too long on curves. Use very short stitches when going around a bend. This helps the curve look smooth. The shorter the stitch, the smoother the curve will be.

Q: What is the best way to transfer a design for backstitch?
A: Many ways work. You can use a water-soluble pen or heat-erasable pen to draw directly. Light boxes work well for tracing. Iron-on transfer pens also work. Choose the method that best fits your fabric and design.

Q: Can I use backstitch on clothing?
A: Yes, you can use backstitch on clothing. It is strong enough for garments. Just make sure to use a sturdy fabric and good quality floss. Also, secure your starting and ending stitches very well. This helps it last through washes.

Conclusion

Backstitch is more than just a simple stitch. It is a building block for many embroidery projects. It is an embroidery outline stitch. It defines shapes. It makes clear letters. It is essential for beginners. Mastering backstitch opens up a world of creative possibilities. Practice these hand embroidery techniques. Use the tips for achieving neat backstitch. Soon, you will create beautiful, precise embroidery art. Enjoy your stitching journey!