Mattress Stitch on Reverse Stockinette Stitch

This technique is best used to join two pieces side to side—a side seam or sleeve seam, for example. You’ll get the best results if you are consistent in the position of your stitches. I prefer to work between the edge stitch and its adjoining stitch; some knitters prefer to sew in the center of the edge stitch. Either way is fine.

1. Arrange the pieces flat, with the right sides facing up and the edges to be joined next to each other.

2. Bring a threaded tapestry needle up in the first row between the edge stitch and its neighbor.

3. Cross to the opposite piece, and insert the needle in the first row, down between the edge stitch and its neighbor, then come up two rows above.

4. Cross to the other side, go into the same hole you came out of, and come up two rows above.

Repeat Step 4 until the seam is complete.  Pull the sewing yarn tight every inch (2.5cm) or so to close up the seam.

Then stretch the seam lenghtwise to give it a little ease.

(right side)

Seaming How Tos:

Three-Needle Bind-Off	Shoulder Seam Graft	Mattress Stitch	Mattress Stitch on Reverse Stockinette Stitch

Mattress Stitch/Graft Combo	Slip-Stitch Crochet Seam	Inside-out Seam

Download a handy pdf with In Praise of Seams
and instructions for all of the seaming techniques.