Whip Stitch Seam for Garter Edges
A whip stitch is the simplest seam in hand sewing: a continuous diagonal stitch that wraps the two edges together. Used for joining garter-stitch pieces where mattress stitch is awkward.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Method
Hold the two pieces with right sides together (or wrong sides for visible seam). Bring the needle through both edge stitches from front to back, then over the top of the seam and through the next pair of edge stitches. Continue.
When to use
Joining garter-stitch squares of a blanket. Quick assembly of children's garments. Seams where strength matters less than speed.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Limitations
Bulkier than mattress stitch. Visible on the right side (unless worked with right sides together). Less elastic than mattress stitch.
Best for
Any garter-stitch project. Quick assembly of low-stakes projects. Knitters new to seaming who need a forgiving first method.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Tips
- Hold pieces wrong sides together for an invisible whip stitch.
- Use the project yarn for the cleanest match.
- Pull each whip stitch snug but not tight.
In depth
Whip stitch is the easiest hand-sewn seam in knitting. It is not the most invisible or the most elastic, but it is the fastest to learn and the most forgiving for new seamers. For garter-stitch projects especially, whip stitch is often the right choice.