Back stitch trellis is a filling stitch that is ideal to use to cover large areas. The open geometric filling is made up of intersecting diagonal lines of back stitch. This geometric design can act as the foundation of other embellishments and stitches. You can let it be as is for a contemporary feel to your work. Or you can work the lines of back stitch further apart and larger to leave space so you can add beads and other stitches.
This stitch is a very easy quick stitch to work and is best worked on an even weave fabric such as linen or Aida. If you want to use non-even-weave fabric mark the rows with a dissolvable pen. If you work an irregular shape use partial back stitches to fill the shape to the edge.
How to stitch Back Stitch Trellis
You need to know how to do Back stitch. If you need a refresher on this you will find a tutorial for Back stitch here. Back stitch trellis is worked in 2 layers.
Keeping your stitches an even length, work a series of diagonal parallel rows of backstitch. The larger you work your back stitches the larger the squares of the grid will be.
Work the next layer of stitches in the opposite direction placing each stitch is at right angles to the previous row.
For neatness make sure to work stitches into the holes made by the previous row
I hope you enjoy Back Stitch Trellis!
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I’ve never thought of a Backstitched filling stitch. It is so beautifully done on the bias. Wouldn’t it be good as a real trellis with stitched flowers?
Hi Queenie yes I have seen it used that way ie as a trellis with flowers – the lady used bullion roses. I think many stitches worked on the diagonal would have a fresh look.