Looking for help on how to work a Mattress Stitch Seam?
The mattress stitch is a popular joining technique for garments as it creates a near-invisible seam. It is a sewn seam technique, rather than one made with a crochet hook, but is well worth the extra patience this may require to create a very neat seam.
In contrast to the double crochet seam used elsewhere in the Cloudspotter Tee, the mattress stitch seam is made with right sides of the fabric facing up, and with the two panels laid out side by side, rather than placed on top of each other. As such, you may want to sit down at a table or worktop when making this join.
This tutorial will show how to use mattress stitch to join two panels of fabric made using moss stitch in crochet, but could easily be adapted for a variety of crochet or knitting projects.
You Will Need:
- Two pieces of fabric that require joining
- An arm’s length of yarn (typically MC)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Abbreviations:
- MC – Main Colour
You Will Need:
- Two pieces of fabric that require joining
- An arm’s length of yarn (typically MC)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Abbreviations:
- MC – Main Colour
You Will Need:
- Main Colour (MC) and Contrast Colour (CC) yarn
- Crochet hook to match the size of your project
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Abbreviations:
- CC – Contrast Colour
- ch – Chain
- ch sp – Chain Space
- dc – Double Crochet (UK terms)
- MC – Main Colour
- prev – Previous
How to work a Mattress Stitch Seam
Step 1: Lay the two pieces of fabric you would like to join right sides up, sitting next to each other on a worktop with edges parallel. Thread a yarn needle with an arm’s length of matching yarn. If you work has more the one yarn, use the MC.
Step 2: Attach the yarn to the bottom of one piece of fabric by tying on, or sewing on the spot to secure to the side of the row, or top of the stitch (depending on the two pieces you are joining). Take the yarn needle over to the opposite panel and, sewing from the underside to the top of the work, bring your yarn needle up through the corresponding stitch.
Step 3: We will now begin to work in a zig zag or ladder formation, taking the needle to the left and then right side of the work, picking up the corresponding stitches: return to the left panel and, sewing from the underside to the top of the work, bring your yarn need up through the next unworked stitch or row catching the edge of the stitch.
Step 4: Continue in this way, sewing from the left to the right, matching up corresponding stitches/rows, then returning to work the next row/stitch up. Gently pull as you work so that the two panels draw together to sit flush next to each other. (NB for the purposes of the pictures, you can more obviously see the ladder of stitches running up the seam, but you do not need to wait until the end of the seam to pull your stitches together – instead so this as you work).
Step 5: As you work, ensure that you are matching up edge for edge, particularly if you have any colourwork sections.
Step 6: When you reach the end of your two panels, ensure your mattress stitch is pulled firmly together and sew on the spot to fasten off and secure your yarn end, and weave in any ends. Your mattress stitch should look invisible from the front or right side and near invisible on the back or wrong side. If your stitches are still visible on the front of your work, try pulling your stitches a little tighter as you work up the seam.
The Cloudspotter Tee
The Cloudspotter Tee is available as a PDF pattern, and as part of a kit including Meadow yarn, the PDF pattern and a free project bag.
If you are crocheting a Cloudspotter Tee, we would love to see it! Please tag us @thefibrecompany on Instagram and @thefibreco on Facebook so we can admire your beautiful project!
AND, if you would like to crochet in company, the Cloudspotter Tee crochet-along began on 14th July and continues every week until mid-August!
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