backstitches

Backstitch, also called back stitch, is a hand-sewn stitch used to create a strong, continuous line. In garment construction it forms durable seams; in embroidery and needlework it serves to outline designs or to add fine detail with a solid line.

Technique: For hand backstitch, bring the needle up at the starting point, take a short forward stitch, then bring the needle up again a short distance ahead and insert it into the far end of the previous stitch. Pull through to complete the next stitch. Repeat, with each stitch lying just ahead of the last. The result is a row of stitches that appears as a single continuous line on the right side and sits neatly on the wrong side.

Uses: In seam sewing, backstitch is used at the beginning and end of a seam to lock it in place; it can be used for topstitching and for adding outlines in embroidery. It is favored when a strong, non-rippling line is required. In counted-thread embroidery such as cross-stitch, backstitch is commonly used after cross stitches to define features and details.

Machine backstitch: On sewing machines, backstitch is a function that stitches in reverse to secure the seam at the start and end. Some machines provide a separate backstitch length; otherwise, you can use a reverse stitch and follow with a forward stitch to lock the seam.