Learn Backstitch: Complete Guide for Cross Stitch
In short: Backstitch (also known as stem stitch) are the fine contour lines you place over your finished cross stitches — for eyes, facial details, letters, and sharp outlines. You work with only 1 strand of embroidery floss, always from point to point, stitching backward into the previous hole. This creates continuous clean lines without gaps.
What is backstitch?
Backstitch is a straight stitch where the needle stitches back into the end of the previous stitch each time. The result: a continuous line without gaps — perfect for fine details that cross-stitch alone cannot depict.
When do you use backstitch?
- Outline lines around motifs (petals, animals).
- Eyes, whiskers in animal portraits.
- Letters and lettering.
- Architectural details in monumental motifs.
- Delicate lines that cross-stitch cannot represent.
Backstitch step by step
- Thread 1 strand of embroidery floss into the needle (in rare cases, 2 strands for thicker lines).
- Bring the needle up at point A of the pattern.
- Go down one square length back (point B).
- Come up one square length ahead of the first stitch again (point C).
- Go back into the previous stitch (point A).
- Repeat: one forward, one back. This creates a continuous line.
Tips for clean backstitches
- Always use 1 strand on 14ct–16ct — otherwise lines become heavier than the stitches underneath.
- Keep embroidery floss tension loose. Too tight = fabric puckers.
- Diagonal backstitches always from corner to corner, not through the middle.
- Letters: start at the nearest beginning, work in one direction.
Backstitch vs. Stem Stitch vs. Holbein Stitch
- Backstitch: simple line, back has double threads.
- Stem stitch: slightly offset, curved line — for organic contours.
- Holbein stitch: double backstitch — back is as neat as the front. For embroidered pictures that are visible on both sides.
Common backstitch mistakes
- 2 strands on fine fabric — line becomes too thick.
- Pulled too tight — fabric distorts.
- Backstitch done before cross stitch — always backstitch last.
- Wrong length — Always consult the pattern chart; backstitch lines are drawn in.
Embroidery kit with backstitch?
Many of our designs use backstitch for fine details. All yarn is included in the kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is backstitch in cross-stitch?
A straight stitch line where the needle stitches back into the end of the previous stitch — for outlines and details.
How many threads do you use for backstitch?
Usually 1 thread on 14ct–16ct, 2 threads for particularly strong lines.
When do you do backstitch — before or after the cross stitches?
Always after the cross stitches, as the last step.
Backstitch or stem stitch — what's the difference?
Backstitch is a pure line. Stem stitch is slightly offset and curved, for organic contours.
How do I read backstitch lines in the pattern?
Backstitch is usually drawn as a thick line on the pattern chart, often with its own color number.
Summary
Backstitch is the fine last layer that gives your cross-stitch personality — outlines, eyes, letters, details. Work with 1 thread, always back into the previous hole, pulled loosely. Do backstitch after the cross stitches, not before.