A stitch made by setting the needle back of the end of the last stitch, and bringing it out in front of the end. Backstitch is a continuous chain of overlapping stitches that outlines an embroidered design. The backstitch appears frequently in black work embroidery, a centuries-old form of elegant needlework featuring geometric designs made with black silk thread on white or ivory linen. Backstitching should be done after design is completed.

The basic stitch is worked from right to left keeping distance between stitch beginnings equal and consistent. Backstitch is usually used to outline items in a piece of needlework, although it can be recommended for things like stems of flowers, etc. It's called backstitch because one literally makes small, straight stitches backwards from what one would normally do.