Backstitch is the outline that makes a design pop: the whiskers on a cat, the edge of a leaf, the words on a sampler. French knots add tiny round dots for eyes, flower centers and snowflakes. This week you will learn both, and your stitching will suddenly look finished.
What backstitch is
Backstitch is a line of small straight stitches that follow the edges of the squares. On a chart it is drawn as a colored line, with its own backstitch key. It is almost always stitched after the cross stitches, on top of them, and usually with one strand so the line stays crisp.
What a French knot is
A French knot is a small raised dot made by wrapping the thread around the needle. On a chart it is shown as a dot or small circle, usually where grid lines cross. Most French knots use two strands.
Stitch Club members only
Keep reading: the rest of this lesson is for Stitch Club members
Still to come in this lesson:
- How to backstitch, step by step
- Neat backstitch tips
- How to make a French knot
- If your French knot goes wrong
- Outlines that look clean
- This week’s challenge, its badge and the practice pattern (PDF)
This week’s practice patternEvery lesson, challenge and practice pattern, the Stitch Tracker and 20% off patterns. Cancel anytime. Already a member? Log in