# [Follow counted-chart backstitch](https://threadcabin.com/explore/301/follow-counted-chart-backstitch)

> Read line endpoints against grid intersections, including any half-cell positions. A backstitch line can span several cells and need a different strand count from crosses.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/301/follow-counted-chart-backstitch
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:34.6471471+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:39.4994554+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Illustration: Front and reverse views of a counted motif with an outlining backstitch route and short tidy reverse-side travel paths.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/counted-backstitch.jpg)

Read line endpoints against grid intersections, including any half-cell positions. A backstitch line can span several cells and need a different strand count from crosses.

## Before you start

Have the chart key, chart width and height, fabric thread count and threads crossed by each stitch. Keep floss strands separate from fabric threads.

## Try this example

Trace a line from grid coordinate 2,3 to 5,3, then a diagonal to 6,4. Check the key before dividing a long line into shorter stitches.

## Check your result

- Count from two independent reference points before filling a large area. Verify the outer stitched dimensions on the actual ground; include finishing fabric separately.
- Changing fabric count changes physical size, not chart complexity. Fractional stitches, mixed scales and non-square grounds need explicit chart instructions.

## Sources

- [rsnstitchbank.org: cross stitch](https://rsnstitchbank.org/stitch/cross-stitch)
- [rsnstitchbank.org: counted thread](https://rsnstitchbank.org/technique/counted-thread)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=embroidery)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Fabric count, stitch size, and thread coverage](https://threadcabin.com/explore/6/fabric-count-stitch-size-and-thread-coverage)
- [Choose backstitch for a clear line](https://threadcabin.com/explore/277/choose-backstitch-for-a-clear-line)
- [Read the counted-chart key](https://threadcabin.com/explore/296/read-the-counted-chart-key)