Stitch Overview:
Backstitches are very useful in outlining stitched areas of canvas. These stitches can be worked in any direction on canvas, but should never be used to cover entire areas of needlepoint work.
Stitch Formation (Horizonal Backstitch):
Horizonatal backstitches can be worked to the right or left.
To create a horizontal backstitch, bring needle up at A. Pass over one horizontal thread and go down into B. If you will be continuing, pass needle under work and up through C and go back into D.
Remember, if you are working left to right, you can point your needle toward the right. Point your needle to the left if you are backstitching right to left.
Stitch Formation (Vertical Backstitch):
Vertical backstitches can be done in an upward or downward direction.
Bring needle up through canvas at A, cross over one vertical thread, take needle into B. To make next vertical backstitch, pass it under two vertical threads and come back out at C.
When backstitching vertically and going up, point your needle up, when working down, point your needle down.
Stitch Formation (Diagonal):
Diagonal backstitching can be worked in an upward or downward direction.
To make a diagonal backstitch, bring needle up through A. Pass over one vertical thread and go down through B. To make another backstitch, pass under two vertical threads and come up through C.
When backstitching diagonally and working down, point needle down, if working up, point needle up.
