Crochet Slip Stitch Seam
A crochet slip stitch seam joins two pieces of knitting using a crochet hook and the project yarn. The seam is fast, decorative, and produces a slightly bulky chain along the joining line.
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Method
Hold the two pieces with right sides together. With a crochet hook one size larger than the project needle, pull a loop of working yarn through both edge stitches at the start. Continue: insert hook through both edge stitches, pull a loop through, pull this loop through the loop on the hook.
When to use
Joining bulky knitting where mattress stitch would be slow. Decorative seams where a small visible chain on the right side is desired. Joining squares of a granny-square blanket in a contrasting colour.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Compared to mattress stitch
Faster. Bulkier. Slightly more visible from the right side. More elastic than backstitch but less elastic than mattress stitch.
Pairing
Combine with mattress stitch on the same garment: slip stitch crochet for shoulder and underarm seams; mattress stitch for side seams.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Tips
- Use a crochet hook one size larger than the project needle.
- For a decorative seam on the right side, work right sides together; for invisible, work wrong sides together.
- Pull each loop snug to maintain even tension.
In depth
Crochet slip stitch seaming is one of several seaming alternatives to mattress stitch. The crochet hook makes it faster than tapestry-needle methods, and the resulting chain provides decorative interest where mattress stitch would be invisible.