cross stitch folk embroidery in hoop showing backstitches

How to use backstitch in cross stitch folk embroidery

July 1, 2025

Cross stitch folk embroidery often uses backstitches to outline shapes and motifs, as well as add intricate flourishes to a design. A backstitch is basically half of a cross stitch, but stitched vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. These little stitches add a wonderful element to folk embroidery and if you’ve never done them, here’s a step by step explanation of how they’re worked. When I stitch a design with backstitches, I always stitch all of the cross stitches first. This is so that the backstitches sit cleanly and crisply next to the cross stitches. I use 2 strands of DMC 6-strand embroidery floss for all backstitches, but if you prefer a lighter effect, use 1 strand. On cross stitch patterns that use backstitch, the backstitch is shown as a darker line. The design shown in these photos is the Kalamata Courtyard cross stitch hoop kit.

Here's a step-by-step look at how backstitches are used to outline a motif:

1. Bring your needle out and then make a stitch two threads over:

2. Bring your needle out at the end of the stitch you have just made (this helps save thread and makes for a neater back):

3. Make your next backstitch two threads over, outlining your cross stitched motif:

4. Again, bring your needle out at the end of the stitch you have just made:

5. Continue working in this manner as you use the backstitches to outline your cross stitched motif until your motif is completely outlined according to the pattern.

Most cross stitch folk embroidery designs that use backstitch to outline cross stitched motifs also feature decorative backstitch flourishes. Flourishes use backstitches that go in one of three directions--vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. A backstitch is the same stitch that you use to make a cross stitch, but instead of only going in a diagonal direction and then being "crossed" in the opposite diagonal direction, they can also be worked as a single vertical stitch or a single horizontal stitch. This allows for great intricacy and fluidity in the design.

Here's a step-by-step look at how those are stitched:

Learning how to add backstitches to your cross stitch folk embroidery will allow you to bring a whole new level of creativity and visual interest to your stitching! Here are some examples of my kits that feature backstitches:

Iris Paintbox cross stitch folk embroidery kit (also available as a BitKit)