How to Do Back Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Finished back stitch embroidery showing a neat, continuous outline made from small even stitches.
Back stitch makes a bold, neat line that is perfect for outlines and lettering.

Back stitch is one of the most useful hand embroidery stitches to learn. It creates a smooth looking line that works brilliantly for outlining shapes, stitching text and adding definition to your designs. Once you get into the rhythm, it is quick, reliable and easy to keep neat.

Back stitch step-by-step embroidery diagram showing how each new stitch goes back into the end of the previous stitch to form a continuous line.
Back stitch step-by-step illustration.

How to do back stitch (step-by-step)

  1. Bring your needle up through the fabric a stitch length ahead of where you want your line to start (1).
  2. Take the needle down at the start of the pattern line to make your first stitch (2).
  3. Bring the needle back up a stitch length ahead along the line.
  4. Push the needle back down into the end of the previous stitch, using the same hole where your first stitch finished. This creates a continuous line (3).
  5. Repeat this pattern: come up one stitch length ahead, then go back down into the end of the stitch before. Try to keep your stitches the same length for the neatest result.

More about back stitch

Back stitch is a go-to stitch for outlines because it gives you a solid line without gaps. It is ideal for outlining floral shapes, animals, borders and any design with clean edges. It is also one of the best stitches for embroidery lettering because you can follow curves neatly and keep the line crisp.

You can vary the look by changing your stitch length. Shorter stitches are great for tight curves and small details, while slightly longer stitches work well for straighter lines. Back stitch also pairs beautifully with other stitches. For example, you can add lazy daisy stitch petals along a back stitched stem, or finish outlines with small French knots for texture.

Want to use back stitch in a project?

If you would like to put your back stitch into practice, you can explore my range of beginner friendly embroidery kits and patterns. Many of them use back stitch for outlines, stems and lettering details.

Shop embroidery kits Browse patterns Get the free sampler

If your first few lines look a bit wobbly, do not worry. After a short practice run, your hands tend to settle into a steady stitch length and it becomes much easier to keep the line smooth.

Tips for back stitch

  • Use shorter stitches on curves so your line follows the shape neatly.
  • Try to keep your stitch length consistent for a smoother looking outline.
  • Do not pull the thread too tight, the stitches should sit flat on the fabric rather than puckering it.
  • If you are stitching lettering, work as if you are writing with your needle and shorten stitches around tight corners.
  • An embroidery hoop can help keep your fabric taut, especially on longer outlines.

More embroidery stitches to try next

Once you are comfortable with back stitch, you might like to try these stitches next:

Or browse the embroidery stitch library to see all stitches in one place, with clear step-by-step guides.

Next steps in your embroidery journey

If you would like some ideas for what to stitch next, you can explore my full range of modern embroidery kits and patterns below.