Let’s Do Running Back Stitch By Hand In Just 4 Steps| A Seam That Holds And Flows

I was reading about the difference between running and back stitch. That’s when Running Back Stitch caught my attention. I was like, what is that? Aren’t both quite different?🤔 I was too lazy to research on my own.

Creating strong seams is easy yet effective. Are you curious to know how? Let’s follow along.

What is Running Back Stitch?

A running backstitch is a mix/combination of 2 stitches: a running stitch and a backstitch. This isn’t the strongest hand sewing stitches, but still does the work.  It’s another variety, like the back chain stitch.

It is used when you need something stronger than a running stitch but not as strong as a full backstitch. But it still adds some extra strength. It blends the quickness of a running stitch with the strength of a backstitch, making a fairly strong seam.

Running back stitch is easy and mostly used when you need to stitch quickly. Here are a few examples of where I mostly used running back stitch:

1. Reinforcing Seams
2. Fixing Tears or Holes
3. Attaching Patches

I used a running backstitch here because it perfectly balances speed and strength. Backstitch by hand takes time to do it properly. But The stitch is quick to do but also reinforces the seam. It is durable enough to handle everyday wear. Plus, it adds a neat, tidy finish that looks great. ❤️

How To Do Running Back Stitch?

To do running back stitch 4 steps:

1. Draw A Line In Your Fabric
2. Dig Into The Fabric And Come Out With a Needle
3. Lock The Running Back Stitch
4. End Running Back Stitch

Drawing a line on your fabric is a handy trick to keep your stitches straight and precise. Start by picking a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk. Just use something that won’t leave a permanent mark.

Lay your fabric flat on a smooth surface, and if it’s wrinkled, give it a quick iron to ensure your line stays nice and straight. Next, use a ruler and gently draw the line on the fabric. 📏

Press lightly if you’re using chalk or a fabric marker to avoid any permanent marks.

Start by dipping the needle into the fabric. Then, come back out again, but only about 1/16th of an inch away, just a tiny bite. However, the distance of the bite varies on your stitch length. So, no need to obey the distance all the time.

You’ll want to make this little dip and rock motion about 3 or 4 times. It’s all about making small, controlled movements to keep your stitches neat and precise.

And 

To do this running back stitch motion smoothly, you need 7 size needle.

To lock the running back stitch, go back to the last stitch you made. Then, move your needle forward, about the width of the stitch away from where you ended.

This will help lock your stitches and keep stitch in place. Sometimes, you can do 2 stitches touching or overlapping the previous stitch a bit. This is kinda like doing whipped backstitch. This will enhance the look and secure your stitch. It’s like killing 2 birds in one shot. 😉

Then, continue doing the stitch with the same rhythm until the end. 

To finish your running backstitch, ensure you’ve stitched to the end of your seam. Once you’re there, flip the fabric over and secure the thread. You can do this by bringing the needle up through the last stitch and then back down through the same spot to create a small loop.

Pull the thread through this loop to make a knot and secure it. You might want to make a couple of small knots to ensure it’s locked in tight. Finally, trim any excess thread close to the fabric.

And that’s it! You have a beautiful running back stitch.

Running Back Stitch Embroidery

Running backstitch embroidery combines the utility of a strong seam with the beauty of decorative stitching. It isn’t only to secure seams. It can also make beautiful embroidery, just like back stitch embroidery patterns.

You can do it by layering backstitches over a running stitch base. You can create intricate patterns and designs that stand out while still durable.

These basic embroidery stitches are perfect for outlining shapes, adding detail, or creating continuous lines with a bit of texture.

Here are a few of the embroidery works I did use running back stitch:

Running Back Stitch Knitting

If you prefer knitting to sewing, you can also do running back stitches. These awesome stitches in knitting are often used to add detail, reinforce edges, or join pieces of knitted fabric together.

Similar to the sewing version,

It combines running stitches with backstitches, but it’s done on knitted fabric. This method is typically used when seaming garments, attaching patches, or adding decorative elements.

It’s beneficial for making solid and invisible seams or creating a neat edge on your knitting projects. This creates beautiful continuous stitch lines. This stitch helps keep everything in place while adding a bit of extra durability to the areas that need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

Now It’s Your Time To Running Stitch

I followed Hasan’s instructions to do a running stitch project, and it turned out to be amazing 😍😍 

So don’t waste time anymore. Start your sewing projects.

And share it with sewinginpso.