Whipped Backstitch

What you will learn

• Wrapping without piercing fabric
• Two-colour effects

Materials and tools

• Embroidery hoop, 5 or 6 in (13 or 15 cm)
• Plain cotton or linen practice fabric
• Embroidery (crewel) needle, size 5 to 7
• Six-strand embroidery floss
• Embroidery scissors
• Water-soluble or heat-erasable marking pen

Before you start

• Put the fabric in the hoop so it is drum-tight.
• Cut 18 in (45 cm) of floss, separate the strands you need, thread the needle and knot one end.

1. Work a line of backstitch with stitches about 1/4 in (6 mm) long. Slightly longer stitches are easier to whip.
2. Bring a second thread up at the start of the line, just beside the first backstitch.
3. Slide the needle under the first backstitch from top to bottom, without going into the fabric. Pull through gently.
4. Slide under the next stitch, again from top to bottom. The thread wraps over the line between stitches.
5. Continue to the end. Always pass under from the same side.
6. Go down at the end of the last stitch and finish on the back.

Tips for a neat result

• Use a blunt tapestry needle, or lead with the eye end, so you do not split the backstitches.
• Keep the wrapping tension even and relaxed.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The line looks like a smooth twisted cord with evenly spaced wraps.

Projects that use this