Hand Sewing Tutorial (RIGHT HANDED): Backstitching, by Sewn Company on YouTube. 5 min 31 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 31 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Thread your needle and tie a small knot at the end of the thread. Cut about 18 inches of thread so it does not tangle as you sew.
Push the needle up through the fabric from the back at the start of your seam line. Pull the thread through until the knot sits against the fabric.
Make one small forward stitch by pushing the needle down about 1/8 inch ahead and pulling it through to the back.
Bring the needle back up through the fabric one stitch length behind where you just came out. This is the back step that gives the stitch its name.
Push the needle down again through the same hole as the end of your first stitch. You have now made one complete backstitch.
Repeat the pattern: come up one stitch behind, go down one stitch ahead. Keep each stitch the same length for an even seam.
Finish the seam by taking the needle to the back of the fabric. Make two small stitches in the same spot to lock the thread, then trim.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep stitches short, around 1/8 inch, for the strongest seam on stress points.
Do not pull the thread too tight or the seam will pucker and the fabric will bunch.
Practice on scrap fabric first so your stitch length stays even before you sew a real seam.
Questions
Is backstitch stronger than running stitch?
Yes. The overlapping loops make a backstitch much stronger, which is why it suits armholes, shoulder seams and other stressed seams.
Can I use backstitch on stretchy fabric?
It works, but the seam will not stretch with the fabric. Use a slight zigzag or leave a little slack in the thread on knits.
How do I finish a backstitch seam?
Take the needle to the back, make two small stitches in the same spot to lock the thread, then trim the tail.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
