backstitch

American  

[bak-stich] / ˈbækˌstɪtʃ /

noun

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

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to sew by backstitch.

backstitch British  

/ ˈbækˌstɪtʃ /

noun

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

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verb

1. to sew using this stitch

Etymology

Origin of backstitch

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 • Jan. 3, 2020

The material to be sewn was held in clamps which moved it forward between the pincers to form a running stitch or moved it alternately backward and forward to produce a backstitch.

From The Invention of the Sewing Machine by Cooper, Grace Rogers

I turned it over with a backstitch on the selvage edge.

From The 30,000 Dollar Bequest and Other Stories by Twain, Mark

The long forward stitch on the under side is three times the length of the backstitch on the upper side, and a space the length of the backstitch is left between the stitches.

From Handicraft for Girls A Tentative Course in Needlework, Basketry, Designing, Paper and Cardboard Construction, Textile Fibers and Fabrics and Home Decoration and Care by McGlauflin, Idabelle

To join the seam in the back— Insert one thickness between the other two ends, and backstitch closely.

From Make Your Own Hats by Martin, Gene Allen