Updated 12 October 2026 · XStitchPattern original tutorial
Backstitch is a simple outline stitch that can bring definition to small cross stitch details: whiskers, lettering, flower stems and the edges of geometric shapes. It is not a second full cross stitch. Instead, a fine line travels between chart points, often after the crosses are complete.
What is backstitch in cross stitch?
A full cross stitch covers one grid square with two diagonal legs. A backstitch creates a continuous-looking line by bringing the needle up ahead on the desired path and taking it back into the end of the previous stitch. It is especially effective for a clean edge between two similarly coloured blocks.
How to backstitch: 7 practical steps
- Finish the underlying crosses first, unless the designer explicitly says otherwise. A flat surface makes it easier to see the intended outline.
- Choose the floss colour specified by the chart and cut a manageable length. If no colour is given, choose one that stands out clearly against neighbouring stitches.
- Bring the needle up at point B, one grid square ahead on the line.
- Insert the needle down at point A, the start of the line.
- Bring it up at point C, one more grid square ahead.
- Go down again at B, touching the previous segment. Continue: up at D, down at C, and so forth.
- At the back, secure the tail under a few existing stitches without making a bulky knot.
Practice diagram: a four-square line
Think of these letters as points on a straight horizontal line, not four fabric squares:
A---B---C---D---E
Start at B and take the needle back to A; next come up at C and back down to B; then D to C; then E to D. Every finished segment occupies one square. This practice sequence forms a connected line instead of widely spaced running stitches.
How many strands should you use for backstitch?
One strand often works for delicate facial detail and letters, while two can make a stronger decorative contour. A line drawn with two strands will look heavier, especially on 18-count fabric. Test on a spare corner before outlining an entire piece. Our floss coverage guide explains how fabric count and strand numbers affect visual weight.
Handling corners and diagonal lines
At a sharp right-angle corner, end one segment at the shared hole and start the new line from the same point. Do not stretch a single thread tightly around a corner and expect it to lie flat. For a diagonal backstitch, follow the path in the chart: some designs use diagonals spanning a single grid square; others divide the line into shorter segments. In either case, avoid overly long uncovered spans that snag.
When backstitch looks uneven: troubleshooting
The line is sinking between cross stitches
Try shorter segments and slightly less tension. Check whether your needle has skipped a grid point. A longer diagonal may need to be split at an intermediate hole if the chart allows it.
The border makes the design look harsh
Consider reducing from two strands to one when the pattern allows changes, or using a dark shade of the design colour instead of pure black. Always preserve the original artist’s intended contrasts if following a commercial chart.
The outline doesn’t match the shapes
Verify that the chart’s marked squares align with the completed stitches. Miscounted underlying crosses are easier to correct before you continue outlining the shape.
Backstitch versus running stitch
Running stitch travels in and out along the line, often leaving evenly spaced gaps after one pass. Backstitch doubles back into the preceding needle hole so it forms a continuous-looking path from the front. In some decorative stitching, a second pass can fill running-stitch gaps, but this is not the same basic needle movement.
Do you need backstitch for every cross stitch pattern?
No. Many modern, minimalist designs intentionally rely on colour boundaries alone. Use it if the designer supplies a backstitch line or if you’re experimenting on your own test project. For guidance on reading symbols and line types in a designer’s chart, see our PDF chart reading guide.
Practice exercise: outline a tiny square
Make a 3 × 3 block of full crosses. With one strand in a contrasting shade, run backstitch along the outside edge, one Aida square at a time. At each corner, turn at the shared hole. Compare the result against an unoutlined 3 × 3 block and notice how the border affects the apparent shape and size.
Related cross stitch guides
Continue with our beginner tutorial, needle and fabric compatibility, and the design and fabric size guide. Find further educational materials from the Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank, a practical reference for embroidery stitch methods.
Editorial note: instructions and the small symbol charts on this page are original educational material prepared for XStitchPattern. Photographs or design illustrations are identified separately from actual stitched samples. Thread shade suggestions are illustrative; no exact manufacturer colour code is claimed without verified charting.
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