Mattress stitch

One of the most common stitches used for joining the side seams of garments is mattress stitch as it can give an almost invisible join on stocking stitch fabrics.

Step 1

to join the yarn, position the two panels side-by-side with RS facing. Bring your tapestry needle through the front of the first st on one side, then insert through the back of the corresponding st on the other panel. Bring the needle through the back of the original st on the first side and finally take it through the front of the second side so you have a figure-of-eight. Pull tight to secure.
Step 2

insert the needle under the horizontal bar between the edge stitch and the second stitch.
Step 3

do the same on the other side and continue to work up the edge, hooking the horizontal bar each time. Pull this tight to close the seam but not so tightly the fabric ruches.

Why not give one of these patterns a go?

Benson Bear: Shorts and Star T-shirt Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Benson Bear Teddy Knitting Pattern
- US 4 / 3.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Double-pointed
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Spring Flowers Blanket Knitalong: Part Two

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- knit
  Stitch Techniques
Dress Up Frog Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
- Basic Shaping
  Stitch Techniques
Mouse and Frog Animal Baby Shoes Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
Amanda Berry Giraffe, Hippo and Turtle Toy Knitting Patterns

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Colourful Cat Chunky Toy Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- 6.5mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Straight
  Needle Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques
Fishing Game Knitting Pattern

Difficulty
- US 6 / 4.0mm
  Needle Sizes
- DK / 8 ply
  Yarn Type
- Stocking Stitch
  Stitch Techniques