What Is The Strongest Stitch By Hand? Strongest Stitch Pattern By Hand

After doing all types of sewing stitches one question keeps popping in my mind. Which is what is the strongest stitch by hand?

But why back stitch is better than another stitch? Excited to know? Then let’s dig into the article.

What Is The Strongest Stitch By Hand And Why?

There is a lot of debate about the strongest stitch. And to be honest most of the stitches are strongest. For example:

Stitch Type	Strengths	What Makes it Strong
Backstitch	Very strong and durable.	Overlapping stitches create a continuous, tight stronger seam that holds fabric together securely.
Whipstitch	Good for joining two pieces of fabric at the edge.	A continuous loop around the fabric edges helps prevent fraying and holds the pieces together.
Blanket Stitch	Adds strength to the fabric edge.	Looping straight stitch helps to prevent fraying and can reinforce the edge of the fabric.
Overcast Stitch	Great for finishing raw edges and keeping edges from fraying.	Continuous looping helps to prevent fraying and can provide some reinforcement.
Cross Stitch	Decorative and creates a grid pattern.	The intersecting stitches provide some reinforcement, especially in multiple layers.
Ladder Stitch	Good for hidden sewing seams and repairs.	The Zigzag pattern provides a secure hold while being hidden within the layers of fabric.

So, what do you understand from it? 😊

Why Back Stitch Is The Strongest Stitch?

The backstitch is considered the strongest hand stitch because of its structure. That’s why back stitch is used to secure things for any sewing project. Each current stitch overlaps with the previous one, creating a continuous line that doesn’t easily come undone. This overlap spreads the tension evenly, reducing strain on any single point. 

Wait! There is more-

Backstitches can also be made tight and close together, making a strong seam that holds fabric securely. And you can make back stitch long as as you want. By looping back on itself, the backstitch adds extra reinforcement. These features make the backstitch ideal for stitch for seams that need to be strong and durable.

All of those criteria make backstitch strong hand stitch.

To make a more durable backstitch, use a strong, high-quality polyester thread that suits your fabric type and your sewing machines, stitching pattern. And make sure to take right amount of thread for back stitch. Keep your row of stitches even and tight, pulling the thread taut without puckering the fabric.

Consider doubling the thread or using a thicker thread for added strength. Also, make sure to backstitch over the initial and final stitches to secure the seam’s ends, preventing unraveling.

Strongest Stitch By Hand

The back stitch is the strongest by hand, but that doesn’t mean the other stitch is good for nothing. Other basic stitches also pretty strongly hold fabric or embroidery stitches. Such as:

Let’s say cross stitch. There is a huge difference cross stitch vs back stitch. People tend to think cross stitch is the more durable cause of its looks. But is it true? 🤔

See,

The cross stitch is highly durable creating a tight, interlocking stitch on both sides of the fabric that resists unraveling for decorative stitches. Why?

But yes you can sometimes do back stitch in cross stitch to make embroidery stand out.

And then

The blanket stitch, with its flexibility, offers strength and is ideal for seams that need to stretch and move. 

On the other hand,

The saddle stitch provides strength by wrapping the fabric’s edge in thread, preventing fraying and ensuring durability.

So, yes the strongest hand sewing stitch is back stitch.

The moral of the story is-

1. Cross stitch offers 10% strength to the fabric.😊
2. Blanket stitch offers 20% strength to hold 2 fabrics together. 😎
3. Saddle stitch gives 30% strength to joint 2 leather together. 😁
4. Back stitch offers 40% strength to any kind of fabric/ embroidery work.💪

So, it’s safe to say-

How To Do A Strong Stitch By Hand?

Now you know Backstitch is the strongest of all.

So to do a back stitch, begin by threading a sewing needle and simply knot the end of the thread. Insert the embroidery needle from the back of the fabric pieces to the front. Move the needle about a ¼  inch forward, then push it back through the fabric.

Bring the needle up a quarter inch ahead of the last loss stitch. Then push it back down to the end of the previous common stitch, creating a continuous line of overlapping stitches. 

Repeat this process to form a durable, secure seam that resists unraveling. And then end it with a tie of back stitch then cut the extra loops of thread with sharp scissors.

Just because the back stitch is the strongest that doesn’t mean its only work is to secure that. 😏It is also helpful to create beautiful back stitch patterns. Here is a few of my work:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Warp Up

Now you strongest stitch by hand right? If you are clear now then start doing it where it is most needed. And if you are still unsure then comment down below on sewing inspo.