Sewing Basics: The Back Stitch

The back stitch is a robust and versatile hand stitch prized for its durability and precision, making it a staple in both garment construction and decorative embroidery. It creates a strong, continuous line of stitching, ideal for seams that need extra reinforcement or for intricate designs that require a clean, solid line.

Its back-and-forth technique not only strengthens the fabric but also produces a clean, professional finish, making it a go-to choice for a variety of sewing projects.

As an added bonus, it mimics the straight stitch setting on all sewing machines. Personally, it’s my go-to hand sewing stitch since it’s so reliable and strong. You can also use the back stitch to sew seams in knit projects.

SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER

The back stitch serves a variety of purposes:

sewing hems
securing seams
detailed embroidery
mending

MATERIALS:

cotton/linen/wool fabric 3×6 inches (7.5×15.5 centimeters)
hand sewing needle
cotton/polyester all-purpose thread
fabric scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

For this example, I am using a scrap of linen and a contrasting polyester thread.

STEP ONE:

To sew a back stitch, start by threading your needle with a length of thread (typically your arm’s length) and knotting the end of the thread. Begin by inserting the needle from the back of the fabric to the front at your starting point.

STEP TWO:

Pull the thread through the back of the fabric until the knot is snug against the fabric. Next, insert the needle back into the fabric a short distance ahead of your starting point, and then bring it out a stitch length behind the starting point.

STEP THREE:

Continue this pattern, stitching forward and then backtracking to the previous stitch, creating a strong and consistent line.

NOTES:

You can adjust your stitches to be as small or as large as you like or need.
Experiment with different stitch lengths and tension to see which one works the best for your project.
Keep your stitches on grain and as even as possible so that they maintain the proper shape and look of your project.