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Step 1
Pin your fabric, right sides together, along the line you want to backstitch. This keeps the fabric in place and helps ensure a smooth seam. You can remove the pins as you sew.
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Step 2
Cut a length of thread to start. Anything over 24 inches is likely to get tangled and knotted, so stick to shorter lengths.
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Step 3
Thread your needle by moistening one tip of your thread. Insert the moistened end through the eye of the needle and pull to create a 3- to 4-inch tail.
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Step 4
Take the other end and wrap it once around the first knuckle of the middle finger of your non-dominant hand, holding it in place with your thumb. Using your thumb, roll this loop up and off your finger, twisting as you go (you should end up with a loose knot). Tighten the knot by pulling it downward.
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Step 1
Start at the top of the seam line you want to sew. Insert the threaded needle from the bottom side of the fabric and push it through to the top.
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Step 2
Pull from the top until the knot catches.
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Step 3
Insert your needle about 1/8 inch below the position where the thread came out in the first step.
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Step 4
Grab the needle from underneath (holding both ends of thread at the base of the needle securely) and pull it taut.
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Step 5
Insert the needle 1/8 inch below the last needle hole and pull it through the top, again holding the thread securely at the needle's base.
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Step 6
Insert and push your needle through the fabric at the bottom end of the stitch that is showing on top of the fabric.
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Step 7
Repeat this process until you've reached the end of the area you want to sew together.
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Step 8
Push the needle through to the bottom side of the fabric and run it under the previous stitch.
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Step 9
Pull it taut and cut the thread to leave a 1- to 2-inch tail.
