backstitch

[bak-stich]

noun

1. stitching or a stitch in which the thread is doubled back on the preceding stitch.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to sew by backstitch.

backstitch

/ ˈbækˌstɪtʃ /

noun

1. a strong sewing stitch made by starting the next stitch at the middle or beginning of the preceding one

verb

1. to sew using this stitch

Word History and Origins

Origin of backstitch¹

First recorded in 1605–15; back ² + stitch ( def. )

Example Sentences

The attendees laughed, but after the joke faded, I noticed my mother looking around thoughtfully, working to understand the new backstitch in the family thread.

From New York Times

“Do you know how to cross-stitch? Hem? Can you do backstitching by hand?”

From Literature

If you are sewing by hand, then the best hand stitch is the backstitch.

From The Guardian

The enzyme still works from 5’ to 3’, in a ‘backstitching’ manner.

From Scientific American

Hem, and fasten the handles to the edge of the hem by backstitching.

From Project Gutenberg