How To Join Crocheted Fabrics With an Invisible Seam Stitch
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One of my favorite ways to join two pieces of crocheted fabric together is with an invisible seam stitch. I have also seen variations of this stitch referred to as a mattress stitch and a ladder stitch.
It is a very easy stitch, once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Place the 2-pieces of crocheted fabric on a flat surface with the right sides facing up and the edges you wish to seam touching.
Step 2: Cut a length of yarn at least 3-times the length of the edge you wish to seam and thread one end through a yarn needle. If you are seaming a larger piece (like a garment) it is better to use shorter pieces of yarn to maintain the strength and integrity of the seam (so seam in sections). For example, limit your yarn length to a maximum of 15″ segments.
Step 3: Beginning at the far right edge of the crocheted fabric, attach the yarn. One method to do this is to insert the needle through the end stitches on both pieces of crocheted fabric to secure the yarn using a whip stitch. While holding the yarn tail in hand, pull gently to tighten the stitch and repeat. Release the tail and begin Step 4.
Step 4: You will be working the invisible seam stitches from the RS (right side) of the crocheted fabric in one stitch and then back up to the RS (right side) of the crocheted fabric in the next stitch. Insert your needle from the RS, in between the front and back loops (in the centre of the stitch) and bring the needle out (exit) from the centre of the next stitch on the RS (right side) (A).
Step 5: Zigzag across to the other piece of crocheted fabric and insert the needle into the stitch directly across from the one you just worked; insert the needle into the centre of the stitch (between the front and back loops) from the RS of the first stitch and make the needle exit from the centre of the next stitch on the RS of the work. (B)
Step 6: Repeat Step 5 for each stitch across, stopping occasionally to pull the yarn ends to tighten the stitches to make them invisible. (C) If the crocheted fabric buckles slightly just pull gently on the opposite ends of the fabric to flatten it back out.
Step 6: Finish off and weave in the loose ends.
This stitch will give you some flexibility (stretch) at the seam – just like the rest of the crocheted fabric.
I also like to use the invisible seam outlined in Moogly‘s tutorial – it gives you a very strong seam.
There are many ways to work invisible stitches – if you browse online you will see many variations including these below:
Moogly
WoolnHook
Aesthetic Nest
Crochet Ever After
Oombawka Design Tutorial
Like many things with crochet -there really is no “one” correct way to make the stitch. I do recommend you follow the specific instructions indicated in your patterns – to achieve the look for the project you are crocheting.
Substituting a different variation may not produce the results you want – if a Designer shows you how to use a stitch in their pattern, or refers you to a link – the best advice is to follow those instructions 😉
View the other tutorials in the “How to Join” collection here:
Let me know if you have any questions!
Happy crocheting!
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Thank you so much for this tip! This worked in place of a mattress stitch, which had made the seam too tight on a cardigan. Good to know for future projects!
Hi Shirley, which slipper pattern are you referring to? I’d need to see it to be able to help. Thank you 🙂 Rhondda
Dear Rhondda, Hi,
Thank you for the absolutely adorable slipper pattern… How do you get the heel FLAT.. Mine always come POINTY and ends up looking so ugly !! One pattern suggested doing the last row of the slipper in double crochet and doing the FOUR MIDDLE STITCHES in halfdouble !! but it didnt work for me.. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE HELP, Dear Rhondda.
Thank you so much for such an incredible website.
Shirley
Thank you for this fabulous “How To” This will be so handy, I am bookmarking it to return to as required 🙂