Stitch guide · Outlines

How to do a whipped back stitch

Whipped back stitch is a line of back stitch with a second thread wrapped around it, sliding under each stitch without going through the fabric. The result is a smooth, raised line that looks like a twisted cord. Use it to make an outline bolder, or to add a second color to a line.

Level Easy

Use it in a pet portrait for…

A smooth, bold outline around the whole dog, if you want it to pop.
A twisted-cord collar or leash in a second color.
Your dog's name, extra smooth and easy to read.

How to do it, step by step

Stitch a line of back stitch first. With a second thread, come up at 1, slide under each stitch from the same side without going into the fabric, and go down at 2 at the end of the line.

Odd numbers: come up from the back Even numbers: go down

Stitch a line of back stitch. Keep the stitches even and not too tiny, so a needle can slip under them.
Bring a second thread up at the start of the line, just beside the first stitch.
Slide the needle under the first back stitch without catching the fabric. A blunt tapestry needle makes this easy.
Pull gently so the thread wraps around the stitch.
Slide under the next stitch from the same side, and keep going to the end of the line.
Take the needle down to the back at the end of the line, and finish under a few stitches.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The wrap catches the fabric.: Slide just under the stitch. A blunt tapestry needle won't snag the fabric or split the stitches.
A lumpy line.: Pull the wrapping thread snug but not tight, the same each time.
The wraps slant both ways.: Go under every stitch from the same side.
No room to slide under.: Make the back stitches a little longer than usual before you whip them.

How many strands?

Two strands for the back stitch, and two or three for the wrapping thread. The wrapping thread can be a second color.

Embroidery floss comes as six thin strands twisted together. Cut a length from your fingertips to your elbow, pull out the strands you need one at a time, and lay them back together (DMC’s guide to stranded floss).

Questions people ask

What needle should I use for the whipping thread?

A blunt tapestry needle. It slides under the stitches without piercing the fabric or splitting the thread.

Does the whipping thread go through the fabric?

Only at the start and the end. In between, it slides under the back stitches on the front.

Can I whip other stitches?

Yes. Running stitch, stem stitch and chain stitch can all be whipped the same way.

Whipped back stitch or stem stitch?

Both make a rope-like line. Stem stitch does it in one pass. Whipped back stitch takes two, but it's very smooth and easy to keep even.

Sources: Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank: Whipped back stitch · Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank: Back stitch