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How to work Back Stitch

How to work Back Stitch

Back stitch sampleBack stitch is often used along side cross stitch to define a clean neat line in a design. It is classified as a linear stitch because you can create lines with it! Back stitch is an old adaptable stitch which can be used as a delicate outline or as a foundation in composite stitches, such as Pekinese stitch. It is also a great stitch to whip or thread with a heavier yarn. You can add beads to it too!

Back stitch sample using hand dyed threadIf you want to work blackwork patterns using hand dyed or variegated threads use back stitch. Many blackwork patterns can be very effective worked this way and the changing coloursΒ Β add a contemporary touch to a traditional style of hand embroidery.

Back stitch sample on contemporary hand embroideryThis is a stitch that is considered a basic stitch as it isΒ always introduced to beginners, but I feel Β people underestimate Β its versatility which ensures its timeless appeal to generations of stitchers. For instance in thisΒ sample (click to see a larger version)Β Β I have used back stitch to define the lines of the sand. Set against the highly textured embroideryΒ the simple ‘basic’ stitch creates the contrast I wanted.

Back stitch step by step tutorialIf needed, mark your line with a quilters pencil or solubleΒ pen or pencil.Β Bring the thread up from the back of the fabric on the line that you want to create. Make a small backward stitch through the fabric.

Bring the needle through the fabric a little in front of the first stitch and still on the line. Pull the thread through the fabric.

Make the second stitch backward,inserting the needle down into the hole made by the first stitch and bringing the needle out a little in front of the second stitch but still on the line. Repeat this movement and continue sewing in such a manner along the line.

Back stitch is also known as point de sable.

 

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My book for creative stitchers

Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery book coverIf you enjoy my site you will get real value from my book Β Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery: Visual Guide to 120 Essential Stitches for Stunning Designs

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned embroiderer, Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery gives you techniques to encourage and develop a fresh and creative embroidery style. Discover play points in your embroidery. Explore variations in height and width, stacking stitches, or using repetitions of the same stitch to create areas of texture and shape. All these techniques and more will give you creative variations. I have included numerous demonstrations of small tweaks that create big effects. To send you down your own creative path, the book is richly illustrated with plenty of eye candy.

18 Comments

  1. I can hardly believe the beauty and intricacies of your stitching. I am always drawn in immediately when I see your work/ play; its always so completely compelling and inspiring.
    It’s good to have you back. You give fuel to my imagination, with all your luscious / glorious, stitching and embellishments – it moves me away from the ‘have to do’s’ and into that space I call meditation .
    Mind you if you need a sabbatical to write a book or 10 I won’t complain.. I’m looking forward to the end result.. Best wishes Julia

    Julia
  2. I might be one of the only readers who did not know how to do a back stitch. Thank you so much for sharing this. Your work is exquisite with such attention to details. Thank you for the site.

    Lori
  3. I think I caught up on reading your recent posts. I am so excited for you and the progress on your book! πŸ™‚ Your ability to work with clusters of beads and stitches, as you did in your sandy scene, blows me away. Love the reminder that back stitch is good for more than outlining.

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