How Shall I Seam?

🧵 Mattress Stitch

Best for: Seaming knit garments (especially stockinette), vertical seams, or anything where you want the seam to disappear.

Use it when:

• You’re joining two vertical edges, like the sides of a sweater body or the sleeves.
• You want an invisible seam from the right side.
• You need the seam to stretch with the fabric, especially in fitted garments.

Why it’s great:

• Creates a clean, professional finish.
• Seam is nearly invisible on the right side.
• Preserves the continuity of the stitch pattern.

Bonus tip: Works beautifully when joining crochet pieces made with stitches like slip stitch or single crochet, but it’s more commonly used for knitting.

🪡 Whip Stitch

Best for: Quick, simple seaming; crochet garments; or joining motifs like granny squares.

Use it when:

• You’re sewing crochet pieces together, especially if you don’t mind a visible seam or want a decorative ridge.
• You’re joining edges with texture or irregular shapes.
• You want a seam that’s fast and forgiving.

Why it’s great:

• Super easy to do—even beginner-friendly.
• Good for bulkier yarns or thick textures.
• Great when you want a little structure or edge definition.

Caution: Whip stitch can show on the right side, and may pull tight or pucker if you're not careful.

🧷 Back Stitch

Best for: High-stress areas, or when you need a very strong seam—especially for seams that will be under strain (like shoulder seams or underarms).

Use it when:

• You need a super strong and secure seam that won’t budge.
• You’re sewing in curves or set-in sleeves, where control matters.
• The seam will be mostly hidden or you're fine with it being visible.

Why it’s great:

• It’s like machine sewing—strong, stable, and dependable.
• Excellent for structured garments or places with tension.

Caution: It’s less stretchy than other seams and can add bulk if done too tightly.

Final Thoughts

Check out our YouTube video below: