How to Sew Knits Together

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're like most knitters, you probably dislike sewing or joining your knit pieces together. Fortunately, you have several easy options for seaming and finishing your work. To create a strong, invisible seam, join the knits using a mattress stitch. If you'd like a softer seam or want to see the seam, sew the knits using a whipstitch or top stitch. Use the top stitch if you'd like a little edged texture in your seam.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Mattress (Invisible) Stitch

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Sew-Knits-Together-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Sew-Knits-Together-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Sew-Knits-Together-Step-1.jpg\/aid9641655-v4-728px-Sew-Knits-Together-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set the pieces next to each other, so the edges you want to sew together are touching. The knits should be facing right side up.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Pull out yarn from the skein you used to knit the pieces. Measure the length of the knit pieces you'll be stitching together and pull out 3 times that length. Cut the yarn and thread it through a blunt needle so that 4 inches (10 cm) are pulled through the eye to keep the yarn in place.
    • For example, if you'll need to sew a 5-inch (12-cm) length, thread a 15-inch (36-cm) strand of yarn onto the needle.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Tie a knot at the bottom of the yarn tail so it's secure when you pull the yarn through the bottom of the left piece. Use a slip knot or whatever knot you're comfortable with making to securely tie it to the piece. [1]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    The needle should go from back to front into the first stitch of the piece that you're joining. Pull the yarn through. You don't need to pull the yarn tightly to keep the 2 knit pieces touching, since you'll tighten them later. [2]
    • The 2 knit pieces can be up to 1-inch (2.5-cm) apart while you're doing the mattress (invisible) stitch.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Pull the edge of the left piece to reveal a gap with horizontal bars. This gap will be between the edge and second-to-last row you knitted. Insert the needle below 2 of the horizontal bars near the bottom of the piece and pull the yarn up and through. [3]
    • Avoid pulling the yarn tightly to bring the 2 knit pieces closely together.
    • For a tighter seam, you could insert the needle under 1 of the horizontal bars instead of 2. Stay consistent when you go back and forth between the 2 knit pieces.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Pull the edge of the right piece so you can find the gap with the horizontal stitches. Insert the needle under the bottom 2 horizontal bars and pull the yarn through. The yarn should create a line that's even with the stitch you pulled through on the left piece. [4]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Insert the needle back into the left knit piece. Again, go under 2 horizontal bars and pull the yarn through. Then, insert the needle back into the right piece of fabric. Continue to sew until you've mattress stitched about 2 inches (5 cm). [5]
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Use one hand to press down on the 2 knit pieces and use your other hand to hold the yarn. Gently pull the yarn away from you so it tightens the mattress stitches you did. You should see the knit pieces join together and the mattress stitch won't be visible. [6]
    • Avoid pulling tightly or you'll make the pieces bunch together. Pull just until the pieces are touching.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Continue to mattress stitch in 2 inch (5 cm) increments. Keep inserting the needle below 2 horizontal bars and pulling the yarn through. Do this back and forth on both pieces until you've done another 2 inches (5 cm). Pull the yarn to tighten the mattress stitch. Keep doing this until you reach the end of the seam. [7]
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Once you've joined the 2 pieces together, insert the needle into the loop on the opposite piece. Pull the yarn through the loop so it tightens. Cut the yarn to leave a 2 inch (5 cm) tail and weave the end through your knit piece.
    • The mattress stitch will make a tight, straight seam that's good for joining sleeves or shoulders.
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Whipstitching Knits Together

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Press the right sides of the knit pieces that you're going to sew together against each other. The wrong sides should both face out. Ensure that you're holding the pieces so that the stitches on both edges line up. Turn the pieces so the edge is facing up and not laying flat on your work surface. [8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Pull 3 times the length of the yarn out from the skein and cut it. Tie a knot at the end of the yarn on your darning needle and insert the needle through the stitch that's nearest to you on the left piece. Since the pieces are turned on their side and facing up, insert the needle horizontally through the pieces. Pull the needle through both of the knit pieces so the stitches are even.
    • If you prefer, you can insert the needle from the right to left piece.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Once you've pulled the needle through both pieces, tug on the yarn and move the needle back to the side you started from. Insert the needle into the next stitch on the left piece and pull it through the right piece.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Keep returning the needle to the left piece and pulling it through both pieces until both pieces are joined. [9] Make sure that your stitches are evenly spaced.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Pull the yarn gently to create a tight seam and knot the yarn through the last loop on the end of the knit piece. If you pull tightly, the yarn will bunch. Cut the yarn to leave a 2 inch (10 cm) tail and weave in the end. [10]
    • The whipstitch will make a softly finished seam. This makes it a good choice for joining blanket squares or creating handles.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sewing the Knits with the Top Stitch

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Decide if you want to lay the knit pieces next to each other so only the edges are touching or if you want to hold the pieces together so the wrong sides face out. Laying the pieces next to each other will make attach so they're flush with no ridges. Stacking and sewing the pieces together will create a bit of a ridge or bump along the seam. [11]
    • If you're sewing blanket pieces together, lay the pieces next to each other to make 1 smooth surface. If you're sewing shoulder or sleeve pieces together, hold the pieces against each other so the right sides are touching each other.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Pull a long tail of yarn from the skein and cut it. Knot the end of the yarn on your darning needle and insert it into the stitch that's closest to you. Depending on what you're sewing, you can insert the needle into either of the knit pieces. [12]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Bring the needle through the other knit piece and pull the yarn gently. Turn the needle the opposite direction and insert it into the stitch that's above your yarn. You'll need to insert it into the same knit piece that you just pulled the needle through. Pull the yarn through the other knit piece. [13]
    • Because you're sewing, you'll be alternating bringing the needle through the top and bottom of the pieces.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Remember to keep the space between your stitches even as you work along the piece. Avoid pulling too tightly when you work the yarn through a stitch or you could break the yarn. [14]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Knits Together
    Gently tug the yarn so the seam is secure. Pull the yarn through the last loop on the end of the knit piece and cut it to leave a 2 inch (5 cm) tail. Weave the end of the yarn into the knit piece. [15]
    • The top stitch will make a softly finished seam that's good for light knits. Use the top stitch if you want your edges to have a little texture because the seam will make a slight ridge.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you sew an invisible seam in knitting?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Start by placing the 2 pieces of knitting together so the edges line up. Pull out yarn from the skein you used to knit the pieces. Measure the length of the knit pieces you'll be stitching together and pull out 3 times that length. Cut the yarn and thread it through a blunt needle so that 4 inches (10 cm) are pulled through the eye to keep the yarn in place. Then, tie a knot at the bottom of the yarn tail so it's secure when you pull the yarn through the bottom of the left piece. Insert the needle through the bottom corner of the right piece and pull the yarn through. Pull the edge of the left piece to reveal a gap with horizontal bars, insert the needle below 2 of the horizontal bars near the bottom of the piece, and pull the yarn up and through. Pull the edge of the right piece so you can find the gap with the horizontal stitches. Insert the needle under the bottom 2 horizontal bars and pull the yarn through. Then, alternate the mattress stitch between the left and right pieces of fabric. Pull the yarn to bring the two pieces together and continue to mattress stitch in 2 inch (5 cm) increments until you're finished. Complete the job by tying off the yarn at the end of the seam.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Can you use a top stitch in knitting?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! In fact, a top stitch is one of the simplest ways to sew 2 knits together. Start by laying the pieces next to each other will make attach so they're flush with no ridges. Pull a long tail of yarn from the skein and cut it. Knot the end of the yarn on your darning needle and insert it into the stitch that's closest to you. Depending on what you're sewing, you can insert the needle into either of the knit pieces. Bring the needle through the other knit piece and pull the yarn gently. Turn the needle the opposite direction and insert it into the stitch that's above your yarn. Insert the needle back into the same knit that you just pulled it through and pull it through the other knit piece. Then you just alternate until you reach the end of the knit pieces. Remember to keep the space between your stitches even as you work along the piece. When you reach the end of the seam, gently tug the yarn so the seam is secure. Pull the yarn through the last loop on the end of the knit piece and cut it to leave a 2 inch (5 cm) tail. Weave the end of the yarn into the knit piece and you're all set!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    What is the strongest thread to sew with?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    There are a ton of different thread options to choose from, but the one with the highest strength to weight ratio (which is what you want if you're sewing knits), nylon is the way to go. It's one of the strongest threads available. It's strong enough to stitch upholstery, leather, and even vinyl together, so you can use it for a variety of purposes. It can also give you smooth stitches that won't fray. If strength is what you need, nylon is your best bet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • Yarn
      • Blunt darning needle or tapestry needle
      • Scissors

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Start Knitting (with Advice from the Experts)
      How to
      French Knit
      How to
      Knit a Blanket on a Loom
      How to
      Knit a Patchwork Blanket
      How to
      Knit in the Round
      How to
      Knit a Baby Blanket
      How to
      Knit Blankets
      How to
      Knit on the Right or Wrong Side
      How to
      Knit a Lap Blanket
      How to
      Knit a Flower
      How to
      Knit an Increase Stitch
      How to
      Arm Knit a Blanket
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=nOhYoQV29e4
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=nOhYoQV29e4
      3. ↑ https://www.loveknitting.com/us/how-to-mattress-stitch
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=nOhYoQV29e4
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=nOhYoQV29e4
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=nOhYoQV29e4
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=nOhYoQV29e4
      8. ↑ https://knitandcrocheteverafter.com/archives/684
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSsx_J4OTHA
      1. ↑ https://knitandcrocheteverafter.com/archives/684
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSsx_J4OTHA
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSsx_J4OTHA
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSsx_J4OTHA
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSsx_J4OTHA
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSsx_J4OTHA

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 161,235 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Bemmu

        Nov 24, 2021

        "Have K2,P2 cuffs and sides of a cardigan. I am ready to sew it together (a knit row to a purl row)."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement