Backstitch Fabric| Let’s Find Out The Perfect Fabric For Backstitch

I have been doing backstitch for like 5 years. It seems so easy but finding the correct length or thread size of it is such a struggle. 😑

I know that a short answer isn’t enough to cut down your curiosity. But I won’t leave you hanging too.

What Is Backstitch Fabric?

Backstitch fabric isn’t a specific type of fabric. But refers to the fabric on which the backstitch technique is applied. The backstitch is a type of hand stitch that’s often used in sewing and embroidery.

This is the perfect Outline stitch. It’s not applied to any particular kind of fabric but can be used on various materials, depending on the project.

But if you dive in more then you can find the best pieces of fabric for backstitch.

Perfect Backstitch Fabric

The backstitch is one strongest stitches. It can be done in almost every fabric. But speaking from my experience there are few fabrics where backstitch works like butter.

Woven cotton is my absolute favorite fabric for backstitching. I love how the backstitch creates such a strong and durable seam that really holds up well. It even with regular use. 

This way, my stitches come out clean and secure, and the finished project looks fantastic. Woven cotton just makes backstitching so satisfying and effective!

Hapa fabric was the first fabric where I really fell in love with backstitching. Backstitch perfect outline stitch. It has a slightly rougher feel and a more pronounced texture compared to other fabrics. Which makes it perfect for this technique. Split back stitching especially works best on this fabric.

This is especially great when I’m creating decorative elements or reinforcing seams. I always use a size 18 needle and topstitching threads with Hapa fabric to match its texture.

Because Hapa fabric is a bit more rugged, the backstitch provides a strong, durable seam that works perfectly with its texture. Whether I’m making accessories, apparel, or home decor items.

Backstitching on Hapa fabric really enhances both the look and the durability of the project. The technique is kinda like doing backstitch on leather.

Wonder Ground fabric is such a fun and creative material, perfect for making unique, eye-catching items. I once did a backstitch on it, and I absolutely loved the result. The fabric is usually vibrant, with bold patterns or designs that really stand out.

The backstitch provided strong, clean lines that complemented the fabric’s design. It enhances its vibrant look even more.

Soflo refers to fabrics that are soft and flowy. It is often used in garments that require drape and comfort. Backstitching on Soflo fabric is a great idea! Soflo fabric is known for being soft and flexible. Which makes it comfortable and easy to backstitch on. 

To get the best results, 

Make sure your stitches aren’t too close together to avoid tight. And to keep the tension even to maintain a smooth finish.

Overall, backstitching can add durability and a nice touch to your Soflo projects. You can even try doing whip backstitch on it.

You can use whimsical fabrics for backstitching, and it’s a great fit! These fabrics often have playful patterns and bright, unique designs that stand out. 

Which brings out your inner child of you! 🥰 And the easy backstitch can make sewing time worth it. They’re designed to be lighthearted and humorous. But don’t let that fool you—these fabrics can also bring a unique twist to adult spaces. 😜

It keeps everything in place while enhancing the overall design. So, if you want to add a bit of creative flair to your project, backstitching on whimsical fabric is a good choice!

As you can tell by the graph,

Not Suitable Backstitch Fabric

The backstitch is suitable for almost every fabric. But still, there are some fabrics where you can’t do backstitch. Such as:

1. Vinyl Fabric
2. Sheer Voile Fabric
3. Organza Fabric

Doing backstitch on vinyl fabric is a big no! 🚫  Because every Vinyl doesn’t self-heal like woven fabrics, any needle holes you make will be permanent. If the stitches are too close together or if you make a mistake, the fabric can weaken and even tear along the stitch line.

Vinyl has little to no stretch. This means a backstitch could put a lot of strain on the material. It happens especially if it’s used in areas that experience tension or movement. This could cause the vinyl to rip or the stitches to pull out.

Backstitching on sheer voile fabric isn’t recommended.  I tried it once, and it didn’t go well. The fabric is so delicate and lightweight that the back original stitch ended up being too strong. The backstitch won’t be any help if it is torn out and you want to sew it back together.

The stitches were way too visible and just didn’t blend with the fabric’s delicate look. After that experience, I realized a finer, more subtle basic stitches are much better for working with sheer voile. It can’t handle complex embroidery stitches.

Organza fabric is another no for backstitch. Organza is a delicate, sheer fabric that’s prone to fraying and tearing from nearby stitches.

The backstitch, which creates multiple holes close together, can stress the fabric and cause it to rip or distort.

Along with that,

All 3 fabrics aren’t made for backstitch. If you attempt to do so then you would only ruin the fabric nothing else. However, if you ask me which one is worse then I would say,

Sheer voile fabric is most unsuitable for backstitch.

How To Do A Back Stitch?

To do a backstitch, sew one stitch forward, then bring the needle back to the end of the previous stitch, repeating this process to create a continuous, strong line.

If you wanna learn backstitch in detail then read out our backstitch step-by-step guide.

I have told you the perfect fabric to backstitch. So, you must be curious to know how to backstitch on fabrics right? OK, let’s cut down your this curiosity too about sewing stitch.

Fabric Name	Backstitch Technique	Notes
Woven Cotton	To backstitch on woven cotton, make a small forward stitch. Then come back through the previous row of stitches to create a strong, continuous line.	Maintain 2-3mm spacing between stitches to avoid puckering.
Hapa Fabric	Use a size 18 needle with topstitching thread. Leave a bit of space between stitches.	Be mindful of the fabric’s texture to avoid snagging or uneven stitches.
Wonder Ground Fabric	Use a needle and thread that match the thickness. Backstitch around bold patterns.	Choose a needle and thread that suit the fabric’s thickness.
Soflo Fabric	Use a size 10 needle and strong linen thread. Keep stitches spaced and tension even.	Maintain even tension to keep the seam smooth and avoid distortion.
Whimsical Fabrics	Use a suitable needle and thread. Backstitch to bring out playful patterns.	Ensure your stitches are even and clean to complement the fabric’s playful nature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thought

That’s what I have found about backstitch fabric. But learning about backstitching is a never ending process trust me! You will find new things each day while sewing. 
So, do you have anything new to add? If yes then comment down sewinginspo i would love to hear from you too.