What Is Back Stitch Used For? [Purpose Of Back Stitch]

Grandma taught me how to back stitch the other day very clearly. But I don’t want to stop there.

Umm! That is a lot! Can you define it more clearly?

Of course. Tag alone.

What Is A Back Stitch?

A backstitch is a strong sewing stitch method you sew one step backward on the front and 2 steps forward on the back.

This makes a strong line of stitching on both sides of the fabric. And the back of a back stitch looks like a loop that goes back on itself.

How Does Back Stitch Work?

Backstitch is a simple yet powerful hand-sewing technique used for creating strong, durable seams. Here’s how it works

1.  Knot the end of your thread to secure it.
2. Push your needle through the fabric from the back to the front at the starting point and pull the thread all the way through.
3. Move the needle forward by a small stitch length 1/4 inch, then push it through the fabric from front to back and pull the thread tight.
4. Bring your needle back up from the back to the front, a stitch length ahead of where you started.
5. Insert the needle back into the end of the first stitch (where the thread first came out) and pull the thread tight. This completes one backstitch.
6. Continue this process, always bringing the needle up a stitch length ahead of your previous stitch and then going back to the end of the previous stitch.

The result is a line of small, tightly packed stitches that look neat and hold the fabric securely.

What Is Back Stitch Used For?

Back stitch used for 5 purposes.

1. Seam Stitching Hand
2. Repairing Fabric By Hand
3. Embroidery On Clothes
4. Decorative Stitch Work On Fabric
5. Securing fabric with backstitch

Let’s talk in detail about the uses of back stitch.

A backstitch helps in making seam stitching by creating a very strong and durable line of stitches. That’s what even back stitch in cross stitch is also used for. This is because the stitch overlaps slightly, reinforcing the seam and making it less likely to come apart.

That is why the backstitch is called the strongest stitch by hand. The backstitch is particularly useful for areas that will experience a lot of stress or movement, ensuring the fabric stays securely sewn together. It is even used to sew something together.

Can’t I do other stitches for seam stitching? 🤔

Yes there are other stitches for seam stitching such as:

1. Running stitch
2. Blanket stitch
3. Chevron stitch
4. Overcast stitch
5. Backstitch 

The backstitch is a handy hand-sewing technique perfect for repairs. It creates a strong, continuous seam that holds two pieces of fabric together securely. Its small, back-and-forth stitches make it the strongest basic stitch, ideal for fixing tears, securing hems, and mending seams. Which makes it perfect to sew something back together.

Each stitch overlaps slightly with the last one, creating a tight, continuous line that can handle much stress. This makes the repaired seam as strong, if not stronger than it was originally.  You can even do a half back stitch if you wanna add something unique.

I was wondering how to backstitch to repair fabric.

Well, To backstitch for fabric repair, thread your needle and knot the end. Start before the tear, pushing the needle through from the backside. Pull the thread through, then push the needle back through the fabric about 1 stitch length away. Bring the needle up one stitch length ahead and repeat. Keep doing that until your fabric damaged part is fully covered.

Backstitch in embroidery does all sorts of things. As in:

1. Outlining 
2. Lettering
3. Filling
4. Hair
5. The base for other stitches
6. Joining fabric

Outlining is the most frequent back stitch uses. So yes, the back stitch is the perfect outline stitch. It is perfect for creating lines around shapes and adding fine details to pictures. All thought back stitch length depends on you. But the rule of thumb is-

And 

It’s also great for sharp corners when a back stitch pattern changes direction quickly. You can use back stitch in embroidery for embroidering letters, too. Need to fill a larger area? The backstitch works as a filler stitch. It’s even handy for embroidering hair.

But that’s not all—

Backstitch can be a base for other stitches like the Pekinese stitch, laced backstitch, and whipped backstitch. Now you must be thinking about how to do all of that right? 

Keep following your pattern line, but bring your needle up a little ahead of where you are, and then bring it back down into the same hole at the end of the last stitch you made.

And that’s it! If you keep repeating the process then you will end up with a stunning embroidery stitch. 🤩 That makes the back stitch look perfect.

So what are you waiting for? Find out how many threads for the back stitch and start your embroidery work the right way.

The back stitch is a great go-to for Decorative stitch work on fabric. Here are a couple of fun ways to decorate a backstitch:

1. Split Back Stitch
2. Contrasting Thread
3. Threaded Back Stitch

1. Split Back Stitch: This one’s perfect if you want to add some width and make it good for filling in areas. Start with a regular straight stitch. Then, come back up through the fabric on the stitch line, leaving a little gap. Split the previous stitch as you go back down. Repeat this process—coming up with a gap and splitting through the earlier stitch. It’s a cool way to add some texture.
2. Contrasting Thread: Grab a blunt needle and some contrasting thread for this technique. Starting on the left, bring your needle up, then slide it under the adjacent stitch, looping it back around and under the first stitch. Keep repeating this along the line. For a more decorative look, make your loops a bit bigger. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color and some flair to your stitching.
3. Threaded Back Stitch: This is a fantastic way to add some extra flair to your backstitch. Start by doing a regular back stitch. Once that’s done, grab a blunt needle and a contrasting thread.

Bring the needle up through the fabric and then weave it under the first back stitch. Continue weaving the needle in and out of each stitch along the line. Make sure not to pierce the fabric—just go under the stitches. This creates a cool threaded effect that makes your design stand out. It’s a super easy way to add some texture and color to your project.

To make a secure fabric with a backstitch, start by making a stitch on the wrong side of the fabric and pulling the thread through until you have a small loop. Then, insert your needle through that loop and pull the thread through again until you have another small loop. This is kinda like whipped back stitch.

Next, insert your needle through the second loop and pull tight to secure both loops. And keep doing that until the end.

Is Backstitch the only way to secure fabric? 

Of course, there are stitches like Zigzag stitch, Whip stitch, Basting stitch, and Catch stitch for securing fabric.

Is Back Stitch Uses In Embroidery

Backstitch may sound like it is meant to secure an edge but there are a few types of backstitch which can be used as embroidery. Here is the pattern you can try on-

4. Joining Fabric: Although mainly decorative in embroidery, the back stitch is also strong enough for joining fabric pieces, especially in hand-sewn seams.
5. Creating Texture: Variations, like the laced or double back stitch, add texture and depth, making designs stand out with extra dimension.

Back Stitch Uses Pdf

That’s the use of backstitch. But is it hard to memorize it? Then download this pdf

Is Back Stitching Necessary?

Yes. back stitching is necessary for some cases but not all the time.  but its necessity depends on the task. It’s super strong and durable, ideal for frequently used items like clothes and bags. If you need precise, detailed stitching, backstitching is your go-to, especially for embroidery or decorative work.

Its versatility allows you to use it alone or with other stitches for different effects. Plus, it offers excellent control for curves and intricate designs, giving a neat, professional finish. While other stitches might work for some projects, having backstitching in your toolkit is definitely a good idea.

Is Backstitch Good For Clothes?

Yes, backstitching is great for clothes because it’s strong, permanent, and versatile. It’s perfect for creating strong seams by hand, with its small back-and-forth stitches mimicking a sewing machine’s straight stitch. Each stitch is almost like a knot, making it very sturdy. 

But wait wait! Just because it is good for you doesn’t mean it is good for every type of clothing. 🤔Here is a quick look:

Stretchy fabrics such as jersey knit and spandex cloths aren’t for backstitch. Cause their fabric type can’t hold on to backstitch that well.

Not just that. There is more. 😒

Heavyweight fabrics like thick denim might be too tough to sew by hand with backstitching. Fabrics with heavy embroidery can make it hard to sew even stitches.

And let’s not forget-

Not because those aren’t strong but because you can’t do backstitch in those fabrics perfectly.

So next time you sit to do backstitch keep those clothes away.

Embroidery on clothes adds a beautiful, personalized touch to any garment, transforming plain pieces into unique works of art. From subtle monograms to intricate floral patterns or bold designs, embroidery can make clothes feel special and one-of-a-kind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thought

Ok, now I know what is back stitch used for. So I won’t use it here and there where is isn’t needed. Rather than i will use it at the right place and at the right time. Have more questions? Then comment on sewinginspo.