In this mattress stitch crochet tutorial, we take a look at my favorite way to bring any two pieces of crocheted fabric together. With this method we sew using the same yarn you crocheted your fabric with. For this tutorial, all you'll need is a blunt yarn needle and a close look at the pictures below.
The video and photo tutorial are below!
This stitch is appropriate for almost every kind of crochet project. The way that we sew it puts the majority of the bulk of the thread within the already existing fabric.
Some joining stitches, especially those that are crocheted with a hook, create a large amount of unnecessary bulk.
Think of the way a book is bound. Joining methods that are achieved with a crochet hook makes a noticeable "binding". That large bound seam reinforces the area and if it's going to get a lot of use, that could be necessary. But people aren't pulling the crocheted fabric apart at the seam like the pages of a book. So while that does work, I haven't found that the tradeoff of the bulkiness is necessary for it to be secure.
My personal preference for handstitched items is for the seams to be nearly invisible. The mattress stitch accomplishes this perfectly!
Types of projects you can use this stitch with include: blanket/afghan motifs, garment pieces, attaching decorative edges, and some kinds of amigurumi.
Jump to:
📖 About the tutorial
Difficulty:
Basic
Skills needed:
Basic sewing knowledge is helpful but not necessary.
Terms:
U.S. Terms
Abbreviation:
None known
Alternate names for technique:
- Woven stitch
- Locking mattress
- Ladder stitch
- Invisible mattress
🧺 Supplies
- Any two pieces of crocheted fabric
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional: Stitch markers (see: Top tip)
❓ What if I'm working with (single, half double, double crochet, etc.)?
It doesn't matter what stitch you're working with! This method works for them all. Yay! Simply align the bottom and top edges and make sure you're sewing into the correct corresponding row on both sides.
🎥 Video tutorial
📓 Written tutorial
Lay your two pieces of crocheted fabric side-by-side. Into the fabric on the right, insert your needle and thread into the bottom lefthand corner of the fabric. Bring the yarn over to the fabric on the left by sewing through the same stitch. Next, on the same piece of the fabric bring your needle up one row. Finally, repeat the process of working over (across to the opposite fabric) and then up (onto the same fabric) until you've connected the two pieces.
💭 Top tip
Hint: Use locking stitch markers to align the rows. Use as many or as few as is necessary for you!
🧶 Step-by-step photo tutorial
Crochet Mattress Stitch Tutorial
This tutorial details how to join two pieces of crochet fabric with a nearly invisible stitch.
Materials
- Any yarn
Tools
- Blunt yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional: locking stitch markers
Instructions
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
You can see how the seam is nearly invisible 
I would love to see your finished project, so please tag me via your favorite social media @yarndrasil . Happy crocheting!
Leave a Reply