How many strands of floss should I use for backstitching?

Most designs will tell you something like “our model was stitched on 18-count Aida using 2-ply floss for cross-stitching and 1-ply for backstitch.” That’s fine if you’re working on 18-count Aida (or 35- or 36-count linen over 2), but what if you prefer to work with a different count fabric?

The “rule-of-thumb” has always been to use one fewer strands of floss for backstitching than used for the cross-stitching. “Use your own best judgment” is an even better axiom. When cross-stitching with 1-, 2-, or 3-ply floss, I suggest backstitching with 1-ply floss. When cross-stitching with 4-, 5-, or 6-ply floss, backstitch with 2-ply floss. If in doubt, use the fewest strands you think may be needed – you can always of over those few stitches a second time (with having a rip them out) to add thickness if you think it is needed.

Where and how these backstitches are being used may determine their weight.

Backstitching to outline a cross-stitch area really gives it a nice, crisp finish.

Backstitching within the cross-stitch area adds detail and definition. These stitches are usually quite thin/fine. Sometimes the backstitching stands alone, as on flower stems or wrought iron railings or twigs on a tree. These lines may need to be thicker – is the stem thick enough to support the flower? Backstitching lettering, on the other hand, looks fuzzy if it is too thick.

One last suggestion – when making long straight stitches, such as a cat’s whiskers or riggings on a tall ship, add them after the piece is washed and blocked. (The fabric will probably shrink slightly in washing and leave the long threads loose and floppy if they are in the work already.)

Information from Cross Country Stitching Magazine columns "Ask Judie" - Judie Solomon, Thistle Needleworks & "Carol’s Crafty Corner" - Carol Rice, The Craft Menagerie

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