What is Back Stitching in Cross Stitch?

Back stitching is a type of stitch used in cross stitching for specific designs and methods. It provides a different look than a regular stitch and has many variations itself. Continue reading below for more information on the backstitch within cross stitching and steps to take to learn how to do it.

What is Back Stitching in Cross Stitch?

Back stitch has many other names including stem stitch, outline stitch and split stitch. The stitches are made in a backward motion rather than a forward motion when typically cross stitching. Most often, back stitching forms lines and details.

Find a great picture step-by-step tutorial from Better Cross Stitch Patterns here.

Back stitching can be used on a variety of fabric types, though it is most commonly utilized on fabric with an even thread count. Back stitch is done right to left rather than left to right as typical stitches are completed. You move to the left twice, then back to the right once.

You continue practicing this motion until you reach the end of what you are doing on a line. Sometimes this stitch is completed to join two pieces of cloth together if you are doing a multi-level cross stitch. It is a beautiful stitch to use when cross stitching.

Back stitching is fairly easy to complete. It is the stepping stone utilized in cross stitch to eventually work with more complex patterns, outlines and designs. A line is completed in one motion with the steps aforementioned.

As mentioned, there are various varieties of the back stitch. A basic stitch is utilized to create basic lines. A stem stitch was utilized in Peru and split stitch was utilized in England for intricate designing.

There are many ways to utilize the back stitch. These will be discussed further below. The back stitch can truly make cross stitch extremely beautiful and appealing to the eyes.

What is it Used for?

As previously mentioned, back stitch has been and is currently used for outlining, basic lines and intricate detailing. Many cross stitching pattern instructions actually have back stitching listed. It is important to understand why it is utilized when reading these instructions.

Outlining and developing lines through outlining is the first method that is completed with back stitching. Given an object an outline allows for definition to the object in question, whether it is subtle or bold. This allows for the object to stand out from the background or for the colors associated with the object to stand out in the background.

Outlining also allows for all parts of the object in the cross stitch to be clear to the eye. From a distance, anyone would clearly be able to see the object that is outlined. It gives a wonderful effect to the cross stitch pattern.

Back stitching is also utilized to give cross stitch designs intricate detailing. The back stitch allows for small details to be given such as an eyebrow or a mouth. You can even outline smaller details such as ears to make the object feel more clear.

It is important to note that back stitching is completely up to one’s own preferences. Some individuals do not even want to back stitch because they do not want the intricate details or do not want their designs to stand out. Be sure to only do what works for you in your cross stitching patterns.

How Do You Do it?

Back stitching is a relatively simple process, but it does require some steps that need following. As mentioned, a back stitch is not necessary, but it does give a special effect to any project you are interested in completing. Some cross stitching patterns do encourage the use of the back stitch however.

There are certain tools that are required in back stitching as well. It is important to have your embroidery fabric, embroidery floss and embroidery hoop. You also need a needle and scissors.

You must prepare your fabric in order to begin back stitching as well. It is important to find the center of the fabric to place it in the hoop. You should also cut two strands that are about a foot long of embroidery floss, and have the strands threaded through the needle.

Finally, it is time to begin back stitching. Create a waste knot toward the edge of the work space. Bring the threaded needle through the square that is two tot he left of the center.

Put the needle in the hole in the square to the left of the first thread. Continue going back across from the location of your last needle placement. All of these steps combined will complete the first stitch.

You can go ahead and pull the needle through the back to the front in the next hole to the right as you have completed two to the left. It is important to pull at the right tension to ensure the most effective results. Move the needle back over to a hole to the left to complete the second stitch.

Back stitching should only be done after your main design has been completed. Remember, it is for designing and outlining. You will have no designs to place the backstitch to or outline if you do not wait.

Back stitch adds beautiful dimension to your cross stitch pattern. It will make the pattern and image more clear once you are able to perfect the stitch. It will also make the imagery look more real and distinct.

Final Thoughts

Back stitching is an essential method to utilize when cross stitching for an intricate and detailed design. Though it is not required by all cross stitch patterns, it will give your design a great display. Back stitching is fairly easy to complete and requires some simple steps to complete.

Back stitching is utilized to give your design a distinct outline or intricate detailing. It is important to do it overtop of an already implemented design to determine the best results. There are many benefits to back stitching including adding dimension and filling in your project.