Jogakbo
Jogakbo · Seams & stitches
Backstitch
박음질bakeumjil
A firm backstitch, in full and half forms, for seams that must not give.
- Meaning
- From 박다 'to drive in, stitch firmly' + -음질 'act of'.
- Used for
- Strong seams; decorative visible stitching
A strong stitch. 온박음질 goes back a full stitch; 반박음질 goes back half a stitch.
- 1Bring the needle up.
- 2Insert it one stitch back (full) or half a stitch back (half).
- 3Bring it up one stitch ahead of the last exit.
- 4Repeat.
History & tradition
Traditional; standard in Joseon needlework
A backstitch made strong seams before machines; the full (온) and half (반) versions trade strength for speed. Before sewing machines arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all Korean clothes and household cloths were sewn by hand, and needlework was a core skill taught to girls.
Still used by hand-sewers where a seam must hold.
Sources for this entry
감침질gamchimjil