Whipped Backstitch: Easy Embroidery Stitch Tutorial

Whipped backstitch is a simple embroidery stitch that creates a beautiful rope-like outline using a basic backstitch foundation. This decorative stitch adds texture and dimension while remaining easy for beginners to master. This step-by-step tutorial will show you exactly how to create a neat and professional whipped backstitch for your embroidery projects.

What is Whipped Backstitch?

Whipped backstitch may sound complicated, but the process is quite simple. It is a combination of two embroidery stitching techniques: the plain backstitch and the technique of whipping. Backstitch is an easy basic embroidery stitch where the needle goes back on itself to create each stitch, while the whipped backstitch creates a rope-like effect.

How to Do Whipped Backstitch (Step-by-Step)

Materials and Supplies

• Fabric: Common fabrics used for embroidery include Aida and canvas.
• Needle: Tapestry needle with a large enough eye to fit the thread you are using.
• Thread: Thread of your choice to suit the design or the technique. I used 6-strand embroidery floss.
• Marking Tools: A fine removable fabric marker to draw the design you wish to follow.

1. Mark the Design

Imagine a line, or draw one with a removable fabric marker. Set the points for your test swatch about 1/4 inch (6mm) apart. The whipped backstitch looks best when your foundation backstitch is evenly spaced.

2. Sew the Foundation Backstitch

The foundation of the whipped backstitch is the backstitch, and getting that right ensures the rest of the stitch will look perfect. It is worth practicing the backstitch first to get the tension and spacing right.

Here is a reminder of how to backstitch:

1. Secure the thread with a knot or double stitch at the beginning before coming up at point (1).
2. Then, put the needle through the fabric at point (2), creating the first stitch.
3. Bring the thread out from the back through point (3).
4. Take a backstitch into point (2). This creates the second stitch and the first backstitch.
5. Next, take the needle from that point (2) under the fabric to come out onto the right side at point (4).
6. Continue sewing in this way, going back a stitch each time to create a new stitch.

This completes the simple backstitch. This stitch will fit the curves of all kinds of lines and patterns of embroidery. It looks decorative from the front, supports other designs, and is very neat at the back.

3. Whip Through the Backstitch

Thread your tapestry or blunt-tipped needle with a contrast thread. You may want to use the same color if your aim is just an interesting outline with some texture.

1. Push the needle up to the fabric’s surface at the beginning of the backstitches.
2. Slip the needle under the backstitch between the stitch and the fabric. Do not pierce the fabric.
3. Pull the thread gently through the stitch on the right side of the material. Do not pull too tightly because the whipping stitch should sit neatly around the back stitches without pulling or upsetting the tension.
4. Continue whipping along the backstitch until you reach the end of the required line.
5. End off the whipping by going through the end hole made by the backstitch to the reverse of the fabric.

Remember, the direction of the whipped stitches must all go the same way, and therefore you must choose before you start what that direction will be. Here are 2 lines of whipped backstitch done in opposite directions:

Uses for the Whipped Backstitch

Whipped backstitch is a handy stitch for many sewing projects, but especially for outlining embroidery projects. Sewing around the edge of a finished shape or starting by sewing an outline of this stitch gives the embroidered design an elegant and controlled framework.

A whipped backstitch is ideal for outlining embroidered letters and numbers. It is a stitch that is an excellent addition to any piece of embroidered work because it can create a border following a straight line, or the stitch can follow a curved line without a break in the continuity of the stitching.

Tips for a Perfect Whipped Backstitch

Here’s how to make your whipped backstitch look professional:

• Keep the Direction Consistent: Keep the stitching on the whipping side all going in the same direction. Consistent wrapping creates the smooth rope-like appearance that makes whipped backstitch attractive.
• Use Contrasting Colors: Using two different colors for the stitch and the whipped stitch creates an eye-catching decorative effect. This is especially effective when outlining letters and shapes.
• Choose the Right Needles: Choose a sharp-tipped needle for the foundation backstitch and a tapestry needle for the whipping stage. The blunt tip slides under the stitches without snagging the thread or fabric.
• Maintain Even Stitch Lengths: Make the backstitch lengths a size you can comfortably control. Even stitch spacing results in a cleaner and more professional-looking finish.
• Experiment With Thread Thickness: Different thread weights dramatically change the final appearance. Thick threads create a corded rope effect, while single strands produce a delicate outline.
• Use It for Filled Embroidery Designs: The whipped backstitch works well as an outline around filled embroidery areas. It helps define shapes and creates a polished finished appearance.

Alternatives to Whipped Backstitch

Couching embroidery stitch is another stitch that gives a similar appearance to whipped backstitch. It is better suited to thick yarns and threads.

Stem stitch and outline stitch also look similar but take longer to embroider. Depending on your project, these stitches can provide alternative decorative outline effects.

Whipped Backstitch FAQs

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In Conclusion

You will never be accused of being a bit backward in your sewing skills by learning whipped backstitch. It is an elementary and understated embroidery stitch perfect for outlining, lettering, borders, and creating textured lines. Once you master the basic backstitch foundation, adding the whipped effect is quick, easy, and an excellent way to elevate your embroidery projects.

More Decorative Embroidery Stitches:

• Fly Stitch
• Chain Stitch
• Fishbone Stitch
• Straight Stitch
• Feather Stitch
• Lazy Daisy Stitch