How to Sew the Backstitch: Create Strong and Durable Seams

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. Start by threading your needle with a suitable thread and knot the end, making sure to leave a short tail of tread after the knot – this prevents the knot from coming undone.

The type of thread you use will depend on the project you are working on. For example, if you are sewing a delicate fabric, you will want to use a fine thread. If you are sewing a heavier fabric, you will want to use a thicker thread.

Step 2. Prepare your fabric for sewing. You can use sewing pins to temporarily keep two pieces of fabric together while stitching them. You can also mark your fabric with a pencil or tailors sewing chalk, or draw a guideline with them for sewing the thread.

Step 3. Start the stitch in between the two layers of fabric (if stitching two pieces of fabric together) – this will neatly hide the knot in between the pieces of fabric after sewing. Bring the needle up through the fabric from the backside, where you want to begin your stitch. Make sure to leave a long tail of thread at the end of the needle so that you can secure the stitch later.

Next, you want to anchor or secure the thread on to the fabric before you continue stitching – this will prevent the thread from unravelling. To do this, take the needle back down through both pieces of fabric – close to where you came up, and pull it through the other side. Then, take the needle back through the fabric again – close to where you came out. Once done, the thread will be anchored to the fabric

Step 4. Bring the needle up through the fabric, a short distance away from the starting point.

Step 5. Now, take a small stitch backward, and bring the needle back down through the fabric.

Step 6. Take the needle forward and up through the fabric a short distance ahead of the first stitch. Tip: You can use the thread tail as a guide for even spacing between each stitch.

Step 7. Then, do a backward stitch by bringing the needle back down through the fabric, inserting it right at the end of the first stitch.

Step 8. Continue the process by taking a small stitch backward, always inserting the needle right at the end of the previous stitch.

Step 9. Repeat the sequence, alternating between a backward stitch and a forward stitch, maintaining even spacing between each stitch.

Step 10. As you progress, you’ll notice the neat and strong line of stitches forming along the fabric.

Step 11. To secure the stitch, create a small backstitch or make a knot at the end of your stitching line. To do this, take the needle through the fabric, close to your last stitch, and pull it through to the other side Then, take a small stitch at the top layer of the fabric (not going through to the other side) and slowly pull the needle through until you see a small loop at the end of the thread. – do not pull the thread all the way through.

Gently take the needle through the small loop, and pull some of the thread through. Take the needle through the loop again, and pull the thread all the way through until the knot is secure. Finally, run the needle behind a couple of the stitches, in between the two layers of fabric, and pull it out at the end of the second stitch. Once done, you can cut the thread as close to the fabric as possible – this will leave a neatly hidden small tail at the end of the knot to prevent it from becoming undone.