The whipped back stitch is a variation of the back stitch that creates a very smooth line. You can use two colors for a fun, twisted look, or use one color for a smooth, solid line. This stitch is great for stems, letters, and decorative lines.
How to do a whipped back stitch:
- Back stitch your line first. A tutorial for the back stitch can be found here.
- Here, you have a couple of options to complete the second part of the stitch. You can choose to use the same thread, or start with a new thread. Just make sure you have a long enough thread to complete your entire line! Bring your needle up at one end of the line. Thread your needle through each stitch. You will not bring your needle back down through your fabric yet.
- Make sure to thread each stitch in the same direction for each stitch. This will produce its twisted appearance. I like to work from the top side of the stitch to the bottom. Gently pull your thread to tighten the twist.
- Once you get to the end of your line, bring your needle back down at the same ending stitch.
Tips:
- Make easy candy canes with red and white flosses.
- The tighter you pull the thread used to ‘whip’, the smoother the line will appear. You can also choose to leave it a bit loose for a more relaxed twist.
- I like to use the whipped back stitch for stems and lettering for it’s smooth appearance. It’s a great stitch for very curvy lines!
