English Paper Piecing: Flat Back Stitch

Last Thursday for our weekly #sipteaandepp party we talked about the Flat Back Stitch for sewing EPP shapes together.
Karen @karenthediyaddict kindly demonstrated her technique for us in her feed. I tried sewing hexies following Karen’s way from bottom up. To be honest with you, I struggled a lot. I made way too many stitches and it felt awkward sewing in that direction. Then I tried my old way going from top down and it worked much better for me. Once again, I would like to remind you to experiment! Try different ways of sewing EPP shapes until you find what works best for you. Happy slow hand stitching! ❤️
A few tips:
Use a wonder clip or wahsi tape to hold the shapes together
Make a knot at the start and the end of the edge of the shape
Using a thin needle is a must
Use fine thread in matching or neutral colour for better result
Do not pull the thread too tightly, but keep it snug
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Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video!
Happy sewing!
Larisa xo

[@HereIsMyStuff35]

Thanks for this video, it has exactly what I'm looking for: a close up of the flat back stitch!

[@stitchingnotes2606]

You are so welcome! I am glad you find this video helpful. ❤️

[@joanaplanabosch194]

Me gusta como trabajas ❤❤

[@vwatts8738]

Excellent camera work!!

[@stitchingnotes2606]

Thank you very much!

[@kambyr]

Someone please show what these stitches look like after the papers removed. I’m going crazy trying to figure it out.

[@stitchingnotes2606]

You can check out other videos here or on my Instagram to see how EPP panels look like.

[@penelopefp]

And I love your tiny stitches! Do you use a special light to see your work?

[@stitchingnotes2606]

Thank you! If I am working during the day, I don't use anything. In the evening I use a simple table lamp with a bright light.

[@penelopefp]

What are you making? And will you show us how you take the paper out?

[@stitchingnotes2606]

These hexies were stitched together just to show the technique of the flat back stitch. I have a few videos how to remove the papers on my Instagram under this #stitchingnotesvideos hashtag, but I might post it here as well.

[@wbajp]

I do whip stitch the so called normal way and you cannot see my stitches. Pull the thread taut. I could use any colour thread and you would not see it. Thank you for your videos you do some lovely projects.

[@stitchingnotes2606]

This video was done specifically for people who is just learning EPP, so they could clearly see how the stitching is going as many struggle with this method. Thank you for stopping by! ❤️

[@mkmartin559]

Feels more like a whipstitch in the final effect, since your stitches can be seen from the front. What am I missing?

[@stitchingnotes2606]

I used this contrasting red thread and pulled the hexagons apart on purpose so that the stitches (the structure) could be seen. At the very start of the video you can see that even with the red thread the stitches are not really visible compared to whip stitch.

[@magicalumbrella7151]

That is whip stitch done towards you rather than away.