Magic of Backstitch: How to Add Volume & Style to Pattern

Backstitching is often the most frustrating thing about cross stitching for many people. Surprisingly this final part that polishes everything up is considered to be challenging. But once you know some secrets of backstitch and understand the importance of those stitches, you will love to do this final 'gloss' part of your work!

When I create a pattern, I usually prefer black colour backstitch in 1 and 2 strands. This gives the design some extra volume, helps to make the dark parts even darker. I never design something without backstitch - simply because I myself will never stitch something like this. I love the way backstitch gives real life to cross stitches!

But when speaking about 'real life', things don't usually have some black contour) That's why sometimes I come to using other colours for backstitch. I wish to make my pattern more live-like or romantic and gentle, or want to distinguish the background. With coloured backstitch, objects don't attract so much attention, and thus objects with black backstitch seem to be closer to us, on the foreground. Have a look at the pattern below. With pink backstitch on the background flower, you understand this is not the main object, it is really behind everything else.

If you want your pattern to look like a hand-drawn sketch or painting, you can imitate different pen pressure by using black backstitch in 1, 2 and even 3 strands. This little secret really gives style to the work and makes it much more sipid. The paper airplane looks stylish because of backstitch. Besides, backstitch helps to show the movement!

I used coloured backstitch in 1 and 2 strands on my 'Love post' free cross stitch pattern to make it so sweet and delicate. You will find the chart at the bottom of this article ;)

Summing up, what is the purpose of backstitch?

1) Helps to make objects more distinguishable, even if the pattern size is quite small

2) Adds sweet details that make the design special

3) Adds volume and enhances contrast

4) Helps to style the design: makes it sketch-like or gentle or like 'real life'

5) Helps to distinguish foreground and background

If you create a new pattern, don't be afraid to throw in some experiments with backstitch: try different colours, number of strands... Be an artist!

And here goes something for the stitchers:

1) Keep in mind backstitching means you will see the finished piece soon! This will cheer you up

2) When doing backstitch, try to fasten a tiny piece of previous backstitch, so the line of backstitches won't have holes

3) If you do a white backstitch, try couching instead of backstitch - this will help the work to look more pretty and accurate

4) Sometimes the backstitch goes in the center of the chart square (so it can be called 'fractional backstitch'). If you see this on your chart, better pick up evenweave fabric. And don't be afraid of such stitches! Most often it really matters, and your work will look marvelous

5) Look at the chart carefully and mark the places where you intend to stick the needle, so it will be easier to follow the chart

Try the tips on this freebie:

#backstitch #free #cross #stitch #embroidery #bird