If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to join granny squares then the Mattress Stitch might be for you! This easy stitch allows you to create an invisible seam in your work. The Mattress Stitch is ideal for joining garment pieces together as well as a perfect join for granny squares. In this tutorial you’ll find easy step by step instructions and a video tutorial.
Have you often wanted to join granny squares without those annoying bulky seams? Then this tutorial is for you. There are many different ways to join granny squares, for example check out the Double Crochet Flat Join tutorial here. However, most joins are visible which you might not want.
Therefore, the Mattress Stitch is an easy way to join granny squares (or other crochet pieces) when you want an invisible join.
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In this tutorial I’ve used my Ho Ho Ho Pillow Pattern as the example project. You can find the pattern by clicking here. While it’s not a granny square, the principles for joining the edges are the same.
You see, the pillow is worked in the round. Thus leaving a straight edge at the top similar to the edges of a granny square.
Materials
In order to work the Mattress Stitch you’ll need:
- A crochet project – Your project should have flat edges that need to be joined. This could be two flat pieces, like granny squares. Or a project created in the round where you want to close one end as in the pillow pattern.
- Tapestry Needle (like this one here*) – You’ll use this to sew the edges together.
- Scissors – Any sharp scissors will do to trim the yarn ends when you’re done.
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Mattress Stitch Tutorial
The mattress stitch is really quite easy. You’ll simply be working through the middle of the Vs running along the edge of your project. You’ll be catching a stitch from each side in turn to join them together.
You can find a video tutorial here
Getting prepared
A) First of all you’ll need to line up the two edges that you want to join. For granny squares this will be easy enough. Line up the corners and all of the stitches along one edge.
For projects worked in the round, hold the two edges close together in one hand. Next, line up the first and last stitch of the round so that one is on top of the other. As a result, the rest of the stitches will line up in pairs across your work.
B) Next, cut a piece of yarn approx 1.5 times the width of your work. And thread it onto a tapestry needle.
Start sewing
C) Start with the first stitch of the round. Insert your needle into the middle of the first stitch from the round, go under the V and bring it up through the middle of the second stitch of the round (see image 1). For granny squares, start in the corner chain-space. Insert your needle into the middle of the chain, go under the V and bring it up through the middle of the next stitch.
D) Insert your needle into the middle of the corresponding stitch on the other side of your work. This will be the last stitch of the round. Pass it under the V and bring it up through the middle of the previous st on the same side (see image 2). For granny squares, insert your needle into the chain-space of your other square, pass it under the V and bring it up in the next stitch of the side you wish to join.
E) Insert your needle back into the second stitch from step C), where the yarn last came out. Go under the V and up through the middle of the third stitch from the round (see image 3). Follow these same instructions for granny squares.
Keep going
F) Repeat this with the corresponding stitches on the other side. Insert into the stitch where the yarn came out on one side. Go under the V and bring the needle up through the middle of the next stitch (see image 4). Then go back into the corresponding stitch on the other side where the yarn last cam out.
G) Continue in this way all the way along (images 5 & 6) and you’ll soon start to see a zigzag pattern. Gently pull the yarn tight after every 4 or 5 stitches (images 7 & 8). Take care not to over tighten which might cause puckering.
Finishing: When you reach the end of the seam, simply weave in the ends to fasten it all off.
I hope you found this tutorial useful, but don’t forget you can get in touch at any time if you have any questions.
Until next time, happy crocheting!
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