Backstitch is usually used to outline items in a piece of needlework, although it can be recommended for things like stems of flowers, etc. It's called backstitch because one literally makes small, straight stitches backwards from what one would normally do. The following diagram shows you what I mean.

9 ___ 10 7 ___ 8 5 ___6 3 ___ 4 1___2

Using backstitch creates a much smoother outline around an item than would doing forward (straight) stitches because all the backstitches go in the same direction.

Backstitch can also be done on diagonals / or \, and you can turn corners with it. On the back of the fabric, you'll have what is called stem stitch--a stitch often used to simulate flower stems.

One of the problems when turning a corner in which there is no other stitching is that the way backstitch is done, the thread on the underside can show through the fabric. Something that helps me avoid this is to turn the fabric over when I'm ready to turn the corner. I weave my floss once through the final stitch on the backside once. Then, I can turn the corner without having the floss on the back show through.

Another way to outline is to use double running stitch. In this stitch, You'll be doing each _, \, or / in a forward direction. Of necessity, you'll have to skip a stitch to go on to the next one. When you've finished the forward stitches, make a return trip to fill in the unlined portions. Double running stitch is often seen in Blackwork.

The thing stitchers seem to enjoy least about backstitch is not its complexity, but rather that most charts will tell you to do all the backstitch at the very end of the project. This is NOT necessary. You can backstitch a section of your needlwork at a time, provided all cross stitches on either side of any backstitching have been completed. I've discovered it's wise to wait until a portion is done before backstitching. If I don't do so, the backstitches will either vanish or become partially covered by cross stitches done beside them.

There were some other questions about backstitch during this portion of the chat. One member asked whether there is an easier way to backstitch when using waste canvas. Another member responded that she does her backstitching after she removes the waste canvas. Host MC indicated that one does not necessarily have to do this.

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