How to Do the Back Stitch in Embroidery

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Choose a wide needle and knot your thread

Start with a wide embroidery needle, which is a little bit easier to work with. Thread it, then tie a knot in the end of your thread. That knot is how every back stitch line starts.

Step 2 — Make your first stitch

Come up through the back of your fabric and make any stitch you like, then pull the needle and thread down through the fabric. The length is up to you, but remember it, because you'll match it with every stitch after this one.

Step 3 — Come up ahead, then go back into the existing hole

Come up through the fabric about an equal distance ahead, the same distance you used for your first stitch. Now move backwards and put your needle into the existing hole from the previous stitch, then pull your thread through. Moving backwards into that hole is why it's called a back stitch.

Step 4 — Repeat along your line

Come up through the fabric again, move backwards, and put the needle into the existing hole from the previous stitch, then pull it through. Keep going the same way: up through the fabric ahead, then back into the hole from the stitch before it. This makes a continuous line, which is really good for outlining and for following along with letters.

Step 5 — Tie off and check both sides

When you finish your line, tie off the thread at the back so your stitching doesn't come apart, then trim the thread. Turn the fabric over to see what the back of a back stitch looks like, and compare it with the front.

Frequently asked questions

What is the back stitch in embroidery, and why is it called that?
The back stitch is a simple line stitch that makes a continuous line. It's called a back stitch because after coming up through the fabric ahead of your last stitch, you move backwards and put the needle into the existing hole from the previous stitch.

How do I work the back stitch?
Knot your thread, come up through the back of the fabric, make a first stitch of any length, and pull the thread down through the fabric. Come up again about the same distance ahead, then move backwards and put the needle into the existing hole from the previous stitch. Pull the thread through and repeat along your line.

What is the back stitch good for?
The back stitch makes a continuous line, so it's really good for outlining and for following along with letters.

What do I need to get started with the back stitch?
You will need embroidery floss, a wide embroidery needle (which is a little easier to work with), cotton or linen fabric, and small scissors. An embroidery hoop is optional.

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