Backstitch in cross stitch: how to stitch neat outlines
Backstitch is a line of straight stitches that run along the grid lines or across a square's diagonal. In cross stitch it's used for outlines, small details — eyelashes, stems, a cat's whiskers — and lettering. Without backstitch many charts look blurry; with it the picture becomes crisp.
How backstitch looks on a chart
On a chart backstitch is drawn as lines over the squares: along their edges or across their diagonals. The line colour and thread number are listed separately in the key, often under "Backstitch". Sometimes the same thread is used for crosses and outlines; sometimes the outline gets its own, usually darker, colour.
Order of work
Backstitch goes in after the crosses. If you outline first, the crosses will cover the line and it will look broken.
How to make the stitch
- Bring the needle up one square along from the start of the line.
- Go back and take the needle down at the start of the line — that's the first stitch.
- On the back, move two steps forward and bring the needle up again.
- Go back down into the end of the previous stitch. Repeat.
The stitches sit end to end with no gaps, giving a smooth line on the front.
Tips
- One strand. Backstitch is most often done with one strand, even when the crosses use two. That keeps the outline fine. Check what the chart key says.
- Short stitches. A stitch one square long lies more evenly. Longer stitches over several squares work on straight lines, but on curves they make corners.
- Don't pull. Backstitch pulled too tight puckers the fabric and sinks between the crosses.
- Dark over light. If a dark thread shows through on the back, don't carry it far under light areas — finish it and start again.
- Securing the thread — see "How to start and finish a thread without a knot".
Where the app fits
In Crossette you mark backstitch on the chart just like crosses — along with half and three-quarter stitches, French knots, beads and long stitches. For how the key and symbols work, see "How to read a chart".
About the author
This article was written by the Crossette team. We're building Crossette, a cross stitch tracker for iPhone and iPad. It's in development; to join the beta, see the Beta page.