Back Stitch and Variations

Back Stitch is worked from right to left and is great for creating solid lines. It helps to shorten the stitch length when using this stitch (and other linear stitches) to outline curved lines. It's also a great stitch for lettering.

Start a stitch length away from the beginning of your line. Come up at A, then down at B, the start of your line. Then up a stitch length away at C, and back down at A. Up again at D and then down at C. Continue in a line, being sure to go up and down through the same holes so there is no gap between your back stitches.

Back stitch fill. Fill a shape with back stitch using rows (left) or try outlining the shape first to make a crisp edge and then spiraling in towards the center (right). Stagger the back stitches so they look like bricks (shown) or choose to line up your stitches to create a different fill look. When filling a shape with rows of back stitch create the center line first to establish a consistent stitch direction.

Whipped Back Stitch. To whip your back stitch come up at A, the beginning of your line. Then weave under and over EVERY stitch until you reach the end of the line. Bring your needle down at B and anchor.