Backstitch makes a solid line of stitches on the front, like a sewing machine, with overlapping stitches on the back. It is the strongest hand stitch and the one to use for repairs and seams that take strain.
| Strength | High |
|---|---|
| Visible on the right side | Yes (a solid line on top) |
| Stitch length | ⅛ in (3 mm) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Good for | Strong hand seams, repairing split seams, zips and embroidery outlines. |
How to sew backstitch
- Bring the needle up at A, one stitch length from the start of the line.
- Go back down at the start of the line, one stitch length behind A.
- Bring the needle up one stitch length ahead of A.
- Go back down at A, so each stitch meets the end of the last one.
- Repeat: always come up a stitch ahead and go down into the end of the previous stitch.
Tips
- Keep stitches short for strength: about ⅛ in (3 mm).
- On the back, the stitches overlap and look twice as long; that is correct.