Knitters can be intimidated by sewing seams. Have no fear, knitters! This article and videos are just for you!
Please sing along to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”:
Sewing knits is easy, FUN! I will show you how it’s done.
Mattress stitch is your best friend, stay in line until the end.
You will learn a figure 8, matching seams look oh so great!
This little tune is designed to make you feel wonderful even before you begin!
Whether you are sewing plain stockinette stitch or a stitch pattern, a vertical seam is the same in both cases.
Verbal Explanation of “figure 8” at the start of an edge: Thread a blunt tapestry needle with the tail from the knitting or a new piece of yarn. Take the needle under the lower cast on edge between the first and second stitch. Repeat on the other piece. If necessary, repeat this on each side again to make the sewn edge look the same as the cast on.
Verbal Explanation of mattress stitch vertical seaming: Begin seaming by taking the yarn under one or two bars between the first and second stitch from bottom to top; going back and forth from one piece to the other. Always start the next stitch on each side by going into the same place where the yarn from the previous stitch on that side is coming out. Sew about 3-4 bars on each side and then pull the seaming yarn taut until the pieces come together and look like an uninterrupted piece of fabric. Continue for the entire seam. If the top of the seam will show as a finished edge, repeat the figure 8 to end.
And now to wrap up with another verse:
Seaming knits will make you smile, it takes just a little while.
Now you’ve seen it, try it out, practice and you’ll have no doubt.
This is part of knitting fun, learn it well and you are done!
It DOES make me smile!