Q&A for How to Backstitch

Backstitching helps reinforce your stitches and makes them less likely to come undone. This technique is especially important for reinforcing the ends of seams.

The back side is the side through which you initially insert the needle. In back, the stitches will have a less tidy, more obviously overlapped appearance.

No, but it’s a helpful technique when you need to reinforce your stitches and prevent them from coming undone. For example, back stitches are good for creating a stronger seam.

Look for the eye of the needle (the hole). Then put the thread through this hole, making sure that there are two sides to the thread. Pull the thread until the two sides are hanging either side of the eye of the needle, matching up in length. Tie a knot with the two ends. See further How to Thread a Needle.

Any! Just make sure it's not too big, or it will make a visible hole in your fabric.

However many your design needs. If you want it to be more noticeable, add more stitches, but if it's just a simple stitch, do fewer.

There is no need really. Just tie whatever knot you can that will hold the end of the thread in place.

It depends upon what you are going to use it with. Use thick ones for decorating, and use thin ones if you're just needing plain stitches.

Yes, as the long as the string isn’t too warped.

Unless you want a braided look on one side of your leather, I wouldn't recommend the backstitch, as it would add extra bulk. One of the most common stitches for hand sewing leather is the saddle stitch. It's essentially a double running stitch. You use two needles, one on either end of your thread. With your thread centered in the first hole, make a running stitch with the needle on the back side. Once the stitch is made, pull the thread through and then back towards the previous hole to make room. Next, pass your other needle though the same hole, taking care not to pierce the first stitch, and then pull both stitches tight at the same time. Repeat, starting each pair with the back needle.

No, they are different. Back stitch is more complex and stronger than running stitch.

No. Back stitch is more complex and stronger than running stitch.

Backstitching and tacking (or basting) look vaguely similar, but tacking stitches are made to be unpicked, while back stitches are permanent ones. So no, back stitching does not involve tacking.