Back Stitch Embroidery

The simple Back Stitch Embroidery is one of the most flexible stitches in the armory of an embroiderer since it can either be used like and outline stitch on even-weave fabrics or plain fabrics or as a base for other types of embroidery stitches like Pekinese Stitch. Back Stitch Embroidery is also used in other works including Assisi work, black-work and cross stitch.

Back Stitch Embroidery bears a resemblance to machine stitch, when done along using straight thorough stitches. But, you can add other elements to the Back Stitch Embroidery in order to turn it into an attractive stitch with unique characteristics of its own. These can be threaded, double threaded or whipped back stitches.

Back stitch is mostly used in order to outline the area of a particular design. Each of the stitch is done along a single side of a square or it is worked diagonally across the square for a specific design. With even-weave fabric, Back Stitch Embroidery is done on 2 threads from the fabric, while in Aida fabric it is done across a single block. While back stitch is used for a design, it is generally worked out last and that too using a fine thread. For instance, when 2 strands of thread are used in order to work a cross stitch pattern, a single thread is used for working with back stitch.

Back stitch is one of the most useful needlework particularly in crochet seams and other works. It is primarily used as at places that require a strong needlework. As the name of the stitch advocates the work goes back over the area that has been already covered by the stitch. This gives additional strength to the work.

It is especially useful in areas that do not require much extension, like for shoulder seams. However, if it is not worked close to the rim of the area, you can get a lumpy seam; therefore a little care is necessary while working with Back Stitch Embroidery.

Here you will find a simple tutorial on how to work Back Stitch Embroidery. The needle is threaded with the thread or yarn that you want to work your seam with. The seam is worked from right to left. The project pieces are pinned together and the yarn is woven at the seam’s edge in left to right direction. A stitch is then taken around the edge’s both layers in order to secure it. Take care not to begin with a loop, since it often slips through the work making it look less professional.

The needle is then pushed front to back at the extreme right corner of the work. Then the needle is pushed back towards the front for around a quarter of an inch. The needle along with the yarn is pulled towards the front. Then the needful is taken to the same spot from where it was pushed first front to back. Now the push is made a half inch behind the work and the needle is taken from back to front pulling the yarn. Then move the needle to the last stitch’s end and push it a half inch behind the last work. This step is repeated to get the Back Stitch Embroidery working.

Related Tags:

back stitch embroidery, Broderie Anglaise, Braided Embroidery, Border Embroidery, Bokhara Couching