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Learn How to Back Stitch

From Connie G. Thomas,
Your Guide to Cross-Stitch.
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Six Back Stitch Lessons for Beginners

Learn to stitch back stitch as you follow these step-by-step photo tutorials. The project will result in a small back stitch design. The fourth lesson introduces outline stitch (also known by many other names including double running stitch), a back stitch variation. Links to practice patterns are also provided.

Back Stitch a Line

Photo © 2007 Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Gather your supplies - needle, floss, fabric, scissors, and a hoop (if you like) and start out these lessons by learning to stitch a line of back stitch.

It may be helpful to use a waste knot when starting the stitches.

Back Stitch a Square

Photo © 2007 Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
After learning to stitch a back stitch line, build the single line into a square by adding three more lines to the motif. Learn how to turn a corner.

Keeping stitch tension even is important with back stitch and this lesson will give plenty of practice.

Back Stitch a Small Motif

Photo © 2007 Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Move beyond lines and add a small motif surrounding the back stitch design.

Remember to allow the needle and floss to dangle after every few stitches to avoid knots and tangling.

Stitch a Double Running Stitch Rectangle

Photo © 2007 Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Move beyond basic back stitch and learn to stitch the most common back stitch variation - double running stitch (also known as outline stitch).

Use your needle to adjust the stitches to keep them straight.

This stitch is commonly used when creating Blackwork Embroidery.

Back Stitch Around Cross Stitch - Lesson One

Photo © 2007 Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Back stitch is often used in conjunction with cross stitch to give definition and detail to designs.

Add rows and columns of cross stitch to the motif, then follow the tips and hints in the lesson to successfully back stitch around cross stitch.

Back Stitch Around Cross Stitch - Lesson Two

Photo © 2007 Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © Connie G. Thomas, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Complete the Simple Back Stitch Motif. This lesson includes more tips about avoiding back stitch errors. After the motif is complete, repeat the motif to continue practicing.

The motif would make a great addition to a Easy Aida Bookmark.

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