Backstitch 101

This is how I stitch.  

I have been asked a gazillion times since I started blogging to share (or show) how I stitch.  Now embroidery and stitching seems to be the latest trend around the globe I find the question getting asked more and more often.  Today I will show you my favorite stitch - it's quick and simple and outlines my drawings just they way I like and it is the basic stitch for many of my designs. 

Welcome to backstitch.

Grab your needle and thread and have a play - especially if you have never tried embroidery before.  Once you get the hang of the basic stitches in embroidery there will be no stopping you....trust me, it's addictive & relaxing on the mind - especially after a busy day.

I have used two strands of COSMO floss to demonstrate, seperate the strands one by one. Sound crazy hey, believe me - it removes the twist in the thread and helps your stitches sit smoothly on the fabric surface.  Place two strands back together again and thread your needle. 

Follow Birdie in each picture, she will show you the steps ok?

Easy peasy.

This is the way I backstitch all my designs - the stitch style is often referred to as a 'stab stitching' technique and is much easier to sew if you have your work in a stitching frame or hoop.

So there you have it, a short course in backstitch.

Off you go and practice.

Till then,

Natalie

Comments

[Sreekala]

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial! Looking forward to learning more stitches from you. I don't know if it is my eyes or the comp screen, but I found it a little difficult to follow the white lettered directions in the pics. Would black show up better against the light fabric?

[Fifi's Fabricology]

I enjoy the tutorials you share on your website Natalie. They are fun and easy to understand by your use of images. Good way to backstitch!

[Lynnelle Miller]

Hey thanks for the tutorial. Do have a question like one of the others, do you prefer to use interfacing, pellon etc when dpoing embroidery, or not? If so what do you prefer?

[becky]

oh my goodness - there is a name for it? stab stitching? i love it!!! thanks for letting me know i wasn't the only one who loves the pop it makes when the needle goes up and down. lol

[sue]

loving your tutorials, maybe I have missed it but I need to ask...what needles do you prefer?

[Heather]

For Julie and her link,

That's wonderful!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[Cherre Ireland]

Thanks so much,nice to see that iam doing it right.Using a hoop keeps the stitches neater ive found.Happy stitching.x

[Florence SCHNEIDER]

Thank you !!! I feel better since I know I'm doing just like you... :))
Florence

[Rosane Mortensen]

Hello Natalie, thank you very much for this tutorial. I love all your patterns . Hugs from Denmark.

[Sew Create It - Jane]

Thanks for the tutorial...dare I ask a question tho'?
Do you line you fabric with any interfacing or wadding before you stitch?

[karen wilson]

you have such beautiful stitches. I definitely need to practice more!

[Stephanie]

Super tutorial! It reassured me that I was doing it right although yours looks so neat and BeAuTiFuL!!

Have a great week.

[Jane]

Your stitching always looks so neat, perhaps is because you use a hoop. I don't and my stitching always looks odd. What type of hoop do you use and and particular size? Maybe I need to give one a go.

[Julie]

I back stitch the same way but I start my thread like this to avoid using a knot.

http://narioka.blogspot.com/2009/09/mini-tutorial-fastening-thread-when.html

[Denise Barrett]

Hi Natalie,
Thats how I do my backstitch as well. Can you tell me how you do your blanket stitch on your embroidery such as in Truly Scrumptious? Do you do the proper blanket stitch or do you do backstitch then add the other stitch going down? Hope that makes sense. I have done the proper blanket stitch but it never seems to sit nice and neat like yours does. Thanks