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How to Make a Back Stitch in Sewing

Using the back stitch option on your sewing machine will make the difference between loose, unraveling seams or a stable finished project. Back stitching is used to reinforce the beginning and end of a seam. In general, only three to five stitches are sewn backwards on the machine. Back stitching is not necessary when basting, but is recommended when performing any other kind of stitch. Back stitch only produces a straight stitch and will not create any designer stitches that are available while forward stitching.

Instructions

- 1
  Complete the first few forward stitches you need to make at the beginning of the seam. Back stitching is also done at the end of the seam. When reaching the end, sew almost to the edge of the fabric and stop.
- 2
  Press the ̶0;Reverse Stitch Switch,̶1; ̶0;Quick Reverse̶1; or ̶0;Reverse Sewing̶1; button. The exact name for the button will depend on the brand and model of sewing machine you are using. To find the exact name and location, you must consult the manual that came with the machine. Most machines place the button on the front side, just above and to the right of the needle housing.
- 3
  Apply pressure to the presser foot on the machine, just as you would to begin sewing in a forward direction.
- 4
  Complete a few stitches, less than 1/4 inch is typically sufficient to produce the three to five stitches. Lift your foot from the presser foot. The machine will automatically return to forward sewing mode once the button is released or pressed a second time, dependent on the model.

Sewing