Cross Stitching 101: Back Stitching

Now it's time to learn how to do the Back Stitch. Sometimes it may appear to be a daunting task (depending on how large the piece is) but back stitching really isn't anything to be afraid of! The French Knot, however, is a completely different story ;)
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[@hiyapal7719]

*Wow!* I was so i enthralled with what you were doing, that I tried to flip my phone over, to see the back of your stitch. Lol!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Haha, maybe I should invest in a 360 degree camera?

[@hiyapal7719]

Phil's Next Kick, Lol. 👍😉

[@ShinyMusic222]

Haha, amazing! :''D

[@jeslynrumbold5285]

There is something to be said for a man teaching cross stitch - Phil is great, he doesn't miss a step, and I love that he uses a method of using both sides of the fabric, which is much easier for newbies and children than feeling for the holes blindly from the back. Bravo!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks. It's definitely a lot easier and quicker for me to flip the piece I'm working rather than hope I get the needle in the correct hole.

[@MsPandora93]

Well, I think I have enough knowledge now to get started.. Thanks, Phil

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and have fun!

[@MsRitsBits]

Thank you! I just watched all of your cross stitch 101 videos and I feel ready to start my first one! You answered a lot of basic questions I had that other videos didn't seem to answer!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help Heather, and hopefully I'll have even more cross stitching videos coming at some point soonish!

[@joeygirl314]

Yes! I learned how to do cross-stitch about 35 years ago, and loved it...haven’t picked up a CS needle in approx. 30 years (college/jobs/relationships/homeownership, etc. tend to urge varying priorities, lol😊). Recent so-called quarantine, and the like - has finally brought me back, and boy, did I need a refresher!! These have helped so much more than my old instruction books and other YT video tutorials. LOVE how he says, “blah, blah, blah” about the “directions” provided😁🤣🤣❤️ Look forward to more videos, when available!🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lvanvelsor]

@@joeygirl314 same. I remember getting into it in 7th grade, but now that I’m nearly 40 this was an great refresher!

[@lizzerlou2042]

You are such a natural teacher. These are really helpful cross stitch videos. Thank you!

[@ytlioune]

I’m living in China and wanted to get into cross stitching to help me wind down from a pretty tedious job. Your videos were the most helpful on getting me started! You answered a lot of very basic questions (e.i. One usually uses two strands when cross stitching) that the other tutorials I found just skipped over, when someone who’s never done embroidery wouldn’t necessarily know the answer. I’m now working on a huge Harry Potter themed piece! And I found that when it comes to back stitching I prefer to do the lines square by square, otherwise if a line is 3-4 squares long the thread tends to loosen after a while and it doesn’t look as neat. Anyway, many thanks to you for your super helpful tutorial!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to help, and I hope your Harry Potter piece turns out well! My wife is a huge Harry Potter fan and I have a couple I have stitched for her and they can be really cool!

[@celebratelife865]

Yeah. What this guy said! Thank you for posting these two simple videos. I am finishing up my Singing Cat cross stitch after so many hours of work. Cannot wait to back stitch and finish it... thank you!

[@Alexaar.Colouring]

I just want to say thank you for sharing this series of videos!! I am a level 0 cross stitcher and these videos have been so helpful !!!!! Deeply appreciated!

[@hezeigra]

Thank you! I'm about to start cross stitching for the first time, and these videos are great for helping me visualize what I'll be doing and how! Thanks for the tips!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help you out!

[@wizrad1277]

During quarantine I've done three large cross stitch projects. The third one was the only one with backstitching. Thank you for this tutorial!!! I was afraid I'd ruin HOURS of work if I tried backstitching with no instruction!

[@hideki9999]

This is the best video series about cross stiching on KZbin! Thank you for doing this!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you for watching! I'm hoping to pick back up with a few more cross stitching videos soon!

[@darkbird25126]

I'm currently looking into starting cross stitching for no apparent reason and these videos have lessened the fear of centering a counted cross stitch. Thank you for putting them out! From one craftsperson to another, though, I will tell you that it's easier to thread a needle if you make a mini loop with an odd number of strands (fold the floss over the needle) and push that through, which is what I've been doing (and it works great!). This series is super informative, thanks again for teaching us.

[@evakenworthy7308]

Thank you so much for these videos! I thought that cross stitch was pretty self explanatory - WHOA I was wrong, as my three previous attempts can attest! Thank you for taking your time to show us how to do it all! Also, your voice is really nice and calming and encouraging. Thank you!!!

[@hypervod]

I made the same error. I found out how woefully underinformed I was when I spoke to my stitcher friend about the project she roped me into.

[@XxHavocAngelxX]

I found your tutorials on cross-stitching to be very helpful as I ordered a couple of beginner kits when DMC had a sale + it's something I wanted to try during this quarantine period. I learned a lot from your videos and answered the basic questions I had in my mind. Thank you for these! ✨💖

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and I hope you enjoy your new hobby!

[@hypervod]

Friend of mine shanghaied me into a project when I've never cross-stitched before, the project person sent me a huge empty canvas 244x243 and I had to come up with my own design. I felt overwhelmed and yet still full of purpose and ambition, and just hopped in without any knowledge. I'm glad I decided to check out Phil, he's got a bit of a Bob Ross vibe, and I feel real positivity in his vids. I will come back for when I inevitably need a refresher.

[@209musiclover]

Bless you! Every online pattern or text tutorial only said "use this for backstitching" without ever saying what backstitching was or why you do it. I finally understand now!

[@demm4920]

I’ve been watching you’re cross stitching 101 videos the past few weeks while learning and you’re the best teacher I’ve found on KZbin!!! You’re amazing love you’re videos!! ❤️

[@haileyhennessy5775]

Your cross stitch videos are so so helpful! I thought there would be better directions in the pre-created packages (like this lady bug package) but I was so confused by the directions. Your teachings are so clear and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks! It's good to hear that everyone is able to get so much out of these!

[@amandalovelace2431]

Just wanted to thank you for these videos. They’ve really helped me with getting started and you made it easy to understand.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help!

[@alewiina]

Thank you so much for this video!! I am a brand new cross stitcher and a pattern I bought to make someone for christmas was more complicated than I expected. This video was incredibly helpful! :D

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help and I hope they enjoy the awesome gift!

[@elementhearts9810]

I was very reluctant to watch any tutorials with cross stitching because I just wanted to get on with my first one, but I knew I would probably mess it up so I watched your first video on this, and I was hooked lol, your videos were so easy to follow and calm without missing anything, thank you! I'm glad I sucked up my impatience!

[@ashtonoconnell5981]

Have to say you're an amazing teacher. You answered every question I had in your videos and were very detailed with your explanations. Thank you so much!!

[@laurensocie9357]

I am 11 and i am learning how to do this and your video was the only one out of 10 other videos that really helped

[@chessiehorton]

I loved this video and how plainly you explained everything. Starting my first cross stitch project is much less daunting now. Thank you.

[@Luthiens-star]

I've advanced pretty far in my stitching but I come back to this video especially for backstitching. Very helpful!

[@PhilsNextKick]

I'm glad it has continued to be a good resource for you.

[@charlottelogan8627]

Love this series of videos. I can't wait to see your washing and framing one!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad you're enjoying them, and I'm hoping to have that one done soon. Planning on getting a new camera in the next week or two, so I'll probably wait until then to film it so it will be a little better quality!

[@stephanielynn9808]

Appreciate this video! I just started cross stitching and the pattern book I bought explained the basic cross stitch but neglected to mention how to do back stitching even though it's included in some patterns.

[@PhilsNextKick]

That's one thing I've noticed about a lot of patterns, they are severely lacking when it comes to how to actually do the things they want you to do. I'm glad I was able to explain it well enough for you!

[@tschannel6246]

You're the only person who's finally convinced me to try counted projects. Thank you so much for making this video ❤️

[@facemonkey13]

Thank you so much for this! I couldn’t figure out how to secure a single thread back stitch, and your video explained it in such an easy to understand way.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help!

[@M1N43]

Could you do that follow up video with the ironing and washing tips? My cloth is so wrinkly :3

[@anastasiah_]

I just looked through all his videos for this too! Was super sad when I didn't see it, I have lines that need to go and his videos have been the best at teaching me so far

[@georgiegirl7623]

Thank you so much for these cross stitching videos!! You helped me complete my first project! Made the last part of my project (backstitching) look way less intimidating. Thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

You are so welcome!

[@joepatrick6912]

You didn’t back stitch down the middle of his wings, how’s the little man gonna fly?? Also thank you this was wildly helpful for me to pick up cross stitching while quarantined 👍🏼

[@PhilsNextKick]

haha, yea I realized that after I finished filming this video!

[@gahruev]

Phew, because I thought I misunderstood the chart or something.

[@tearlach47]

Loved the background music! I'm excited to get into cross stitching.

[@PhilsNextKick]

It's very fun! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

[@anneagnew2168]

Thank you! You answered everything I wanted to know. I had no idea how to start off the counting. Good explanatory video. Must start my bookmark now.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to help, and enjoy working on that bookmark!

[@emilyerojas]

Sneaky! You switched up on me and didn’t add this to the playlist lol I’m invested in this little ladybug 😂 still feel a little intimidated but your videos make me feel like I can do it

[@amandacarrier8818]

I feel confident enough now to start cross stitching, thanks Phil! Glad I found your channel

[@michaelshort2388]

Thank you for this Phil :) I just went to my local craft store and picked up a small kit like this. Will post a picture when i'm done. :)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Awesome! Look forward to seeing your work!

[@michaelshort2388]

i.gyazo.com/737572c6d25689abdaea378669dec86d.png All done. :)

[@natashan.5938]

I feel confident to start cross stitching now! Thank you, Phil.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@DarkYuan]

I'm eager to get started, and this was just such a calm relaxing project to watch.

[@kimlynch1770]

Excellent explanation of backstitching! Love these videos!Thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying them!

[@rflo162]

I'm a newbie and I want to start this hobby for 2021. Thank you for my intro to cross stitching. 👍

[@PhilsNextKick]

Good luck and I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do!

[@Hermione2568]

What song is playing in the background? It’s so relaxing, I love it!

[@KelseyReads]

Just watched all of these and I feel equipped to trying this out for myself now! Thanks for the great videos

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and I hope you enjoy it!

[@nanettechopin4827]

Like your video - great for a beginner. You answered my question and I see where I did not understand the technique years ago when I tried it!

[@HomesByTamar]

Thanks for the series on Cross Stitching 101! I feel ready to begin a small project. BUT...you mention another video teaching us how to clean and frame the project and I don't see that anywhere on your channel. I'd love to see it. Thanks!

[@PhilsNextKick]

That one is actually still on my list of videos to make, so it's coming... at some point, lol. Having an almost 5 month old has changed my schedule around quite a bit!

[@watadrag]

this was SUPER helpful! I feel good about starting my first kit! so glad I found your intro videos!

[@PhilsNextKick]

So glad I could help you get started!

[@nanihisita810]

Thanks for this video. I haven't done this in ages, so this is a good refresher. Hitting the subscribe button...now 😄

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to help, and I hope my future cross stitching videos turn out just as useful!

[@suzzy9876]

Your videos have been so helpful to me :) Thank you so much for clearly explaining and demonstrating these steps. As a side note, you have very nice nails and cuticles!

[@jocelynejovanovic8751]

I feel like you could still secure the thread the same way as you did for the cross stitching. Just with the end of it instead of finding the middle first. You don't need to fold over the entire thread to create a loop to feed through the needle. Then the very end would be "double" and secured but in a way that you could even take the thread out of the needle again without having to cut it. Doing it this way for the main part would not be useful as you'd need to use two threads to create the loop at the end and that would create bulk but if you're working with a single strand it should be fine. (P.S. right after writing this I tried it out with yarn and a darning needle because I realized that this is THE perfect way to secure the yarn to add details without having to worry about loosing the thread. Literally said "Aha!" Out loud and startled my boyfriend lol... But yeah, works. Dunno if I really wanna start cross stitching but I'm definitely gonna keep that)

[@myriadd6272]

Thanks so much! Your explanations were very clear and easy to follow. All in all they were very relaxing videos to watch and I feel ready to start cross-stitching away! Thanks again :-)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad to hear you enjoyed them, and I hope you enjoy your stitching!

[@myriadd6272]

@@PhilsNextKick I've been really enjoying it thanks! I'm well into a forever friends pattern that I'm stitching for my baby cousin's nursery :-)

[@wulfbana]

Thank you for the tips! Just watched the whole series of videos and they helped me a lot 🐞❤

[@fernend.]

Amazing tutorial! When will the video about ironing/washing finished cross-stitched projects come out?

[@IvyRoad]

You could do the same loop trick with the thread (it would waste some, of course) to keep the needle from falling off the thread with a single strand too! Once it's on, you can shorten the end. I just posted on fb about that technique. I think it's brilliant!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Oh yea, why didn't I think of that! Just use a short tail for the loop instead of halving it!

[@IvyRoad]

@@PhilsNextKick Yes! I have shared your brilliant video on facebook for everyone who thinks they know how to thread a needle ;0)

[@anthirium5921]

i just used this to finish my first piece!! great video, helped a lot, thanks! :)

[@rantigeorge2108]

Thanks so much for this tutorial! You’re videos have really helped me learn how to cross stitch :)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help you learn, and hope you enjoy it well into the future!

[@joeygirl314]

Hi! Would you please 🙏🏼 post some comments about how to do a loop start with *three* strands? Super easy with even numbers (two/four, depending in gauge of the fabric). The project I’m starting will be a very special gift for a certain someone...I could use two strands, but the pattern suggests three, for bolder presentation, which is preferred😊. I also have a stash of other patterns I’d like to use that prescribe three strands, which I would be more inclined to start projects with if I could get rid of that pesky “floss dropping out of the needle” thing. 🤭 I’ve searched, but haven’t yet found a “suitable” demonstration of how to do it with an uneven number of strands, and your video instructions are the BEST!!😁❤️ All comments/tips welcome! Please🙏🏼help!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Like you said, the loop method for threading your needle unfortunately can only be used if you need an even number of strands. If I need 3 strands, or 1 strand for back stitching, i still have to thread it the normal way.

[@achka2043]

Many thanks for this great videos! You have beautiful hands... Greetings from Brussels

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you. I've always though I had pretty plain hands myself.

[@michelles2387]

Thank you for making these videos. They've been extremely helpful!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to help!

[@samanthacoombs7887]

Please do more of these 😁

[@PhilsNextKick]

Don't worry, there will be plenty more on the way!

[@CharliesOpus]

Immensely informative series of videos! Thank you so much!! 🖤

[@Lirleni]

Very nice series on cross stitching basics! I have been wanting to do some type of fiber-crafts creative stuff. (part of the issue, I just truly don't know what to do with what I make...) One thing, shouldn't you have done some backstitching in the middle of the red, to show separation of the elytra (wing covers?)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the videos! You are absolutely correct! I completely missed that part... which I guess shows no matter how much cross stitching you may do, it's still very possibly to miss things. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@emmagrunebach7746]

These videos were fantastic! Thank you :)

[@jeanmanguy7900]

this is so neat, thanks I will try soon

[@PhilsNextKick]

You definitely should. Cross stitching is a lot of fun!

[@kendraalexander1215]

Did you ever do a video on finishing the ladybug project? I can’t find it.

[@funkypokemon919]

That's awesome man !!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks!

[@marielaromero2005]

what did you do when you needed more red to continue the pattern ?

[@PhilsNextKick]

When you need more of the same color, just thread the needle through a few stitches on the back, cut it off and thread on a new strand of that color. It's the same way I did it in the "second color" video, just keep going with the same color.

[@ronancrispe1561]

i’m a young aussie guy who’s about do a cross stitch ornament for the first time. even a couple years on this mini series has been really helpful so thanks! also, when finishing up your cross-stitching from earlier videos, did you end by putting the ends of the threads under what you’d already stitched? like how you did for your backstitching? sorry if that’s a little confusing, i’m just unsure because you tended to skip that part of the cross-stitch where you’d get to the end of your thread. cheers

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to help, and yes, when you need get to the end of your current floss, or need to switch colors, etc, just run the needle under a few stitches on the back (preferably the last 2-3 that you just stiched) to secure it, then cut it, re-thread and continue.

[@cassandramankin2186]

Loved these videos. Was there supposed to be backstitching in the center of the ladybug going up? There was a black line there. If so would you just go up at the bottom and skip all the way to the top?

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you, and yes, there was supposed to be one more line of backstitching there that I completely missed! You would do it exactly the way you said it too!

[@cassandramankin2186]

@@PhilsNextKick thanks for the reply! I did my first one today! Just a little dino. Turned out good and used tips from your videos.

[@JunoARain]

These videos are really great. But you missed middle line down/between shell/wings.

[@BarbaraEMarshallCampbell]

Did you adding a frame? How did you put it in a frame? How would you make a patch out of it?

[@natashiap1876]

You are so cute! Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@hiyapal7719]

So you run your needle behind your thread, to secure it when finishing a stitch too. Ah, good to know. Thanks. 😄

[@PhilsNextKick]

yep, just run it under 3 or 4 stitches and it should hold just fine.

[@hiyapal7719]

Phil's Next Kick, Ok, thanks. ❤

[@WeatherMondacicci]

Should you do back stitching once the actual cross stitch is done?

[@brendafoley6995]

Love that little ladybug. .but I can't find the kit. .Can you help???

[@tearlach47]

Is there anything wrong with making a simple knot at the eye of the needle to keep the floss on the needle just a little more tightly?

[@PhilsNextKick]

As long as it works for you then I would say there isn't anything wrong with it. The way I thread the needle with one strand folded in half does lock it in pretty tight though.

[@tearlach47]

@@PhilsNextKick Well, I was saying more-so for the single strand back-stitching.

[@PhilsNextKick]

@@tearlach47 ah, yea I don't see at all why that wouldn't work!

[@jazmine0224]

hey how did u get that pattern i know i have seen them before wasnt sure how to get them

[@crystalx5491]

How do you end the cross stitch since the thread is running out?? HELP!!

[@PhilsNextKick]

This should be in the second video "Cross Stitching 101, The second color." All you need to do is run your floss under 2-3 stitches on the back of your work and then cut it. It's the same with back stitching.

[@thisisme6835]

I think you missed the black line in the middle of the bug based from the pattern?

[@rollitonhome]

You have such nice hands

[@alyssajoycefrando5629]

How many threads should i use if my cross stitch is 11ct?

[@vickipickstock69]

Where canI get the lady bug pattern need it

[@PhilsNextKick]

It was from a kit that DMC gave put years ago as part of their DMC Mentor program. I'll try to get it shared ony website so others can enjoy it!

[@samanthaburnett8589]

Was great learning but you forgot the line in the middle of the body

[@PhilsNextKick]

I noticed that as well after I posted the video, lol.

[@samanthaburnett8589]

@@PhilsNextKick yeah i figured you did! Thank you though. I just got a cross stitch to pass the time while i heal after heart surgery and have never tried this. Now i know basics! Thank you

[@pajntaub-artsbypaj1130]

NICE!

[@CarolineWilliams1975]

Need a needle threader 😊

[@marnetsteenkamp2560]

You missed the middle line in the body.

[@attractivefashion2074]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@tedwilliams7021]

Why didn’t you backstitch the middle of the bug?

[@PhilsNextKick]

Just completely forgot, lol

[@tedwilliams7021]

@@PhilsNextKick lol