How to Seam Knitting Together?

If you've come across patterns for knitwear that require you to join 2 separate pieces, you'll encounter the phrasing and technique of seaming, which is what we'll provide our best explanation for in this article.

When you knit clothing items with different sections (such as sweaters or dresses with sleeves), you'll need to seam the shoulder portions with various pieces of knitting.

How to Seam Knitting

There are different ways to seam knitting together. It can be done with invisible stitches, or it can be done with a visible and marked seam. So, there are many different methods from this point, and each has its advantages.

Using Mattress Stitch, Here's What You Do

In many cases, you'll be instructed to seam knitting together using "mattress stitch" (also known as "invisible seaming"). This is the simplest and most basic method of seaming. You'll always need a tapestry needle for this purpose when you seam knitting together. This type of needle is made without a point, making it smooth and simple to sew through the stitches at the edge of your knitting.

1. Start by securing the yarn for seaming on one side of your knitting. When seaming, use the same yarn that was used for your knitting.
2. Place the two pieces to be seamed side by side. Ensure that the pieces are properly aligned, so the edge is ready for seaming.
3. Then, switch to the other side and insert the needle under the "bar" of the outermost stitch. These "bars" are found at the bottom of each stitch.
4. Now, return to the first side and repeat the process. Ensure the stitches follow a straight line and are evenly spaced for a neat finish.
5. NOTE: All stitches must be parallel to each other throughout the 2 pieces of knitting you want to seam together.
6. Periodically, after a few stitches, gently tighten the yarn to pull the two pieces together. Be careful not to over-tighten, as it can distort the fabric.
7. When you reach the end, secure the yarn securely by making a small knot and hide the end by pulling it through some of the nearby stitches on the back of the work.

It's also worth noting that practicing this technique on some sample pieces can be very helpful, especially if you're new to seaming with mattress stitch. Remember, practice makes perfect, and over time, your seams will become more even and invisible.

Seaming Stockinette Stitch

When it comes to seaming stockinette stitch, the technique is slightly different from that of garter stitch, but the principle is very similar for seaming vertical seams in stockinette stitch. Here's a guide to performing this technique.

When you need to seam two pieces of stockinette stitch together, start by placing them side by side on a flat surface. It's important to ensure that the pieces lie completely flat and are not twisted or stretched. Consider which side of the knitting - the right side or the wrong side - provides the best visibility and feels most comfortable for you to seam from, as seaming in stockinette stitch can be done from either side.

The seaming begins at the edge of the knitting. You should look for the outermost "bar" on every second row, the small loop or 'leg' at the bottom of each stitch. Using an appropriate needle, preferably a tapestry needle, insert the needle into this stitch bar on the first piece, and then into the corresponding point on the second piece. This process is repeated alternately while working from one side of the knitting to the other.

It's essential not to pull the yarn too tight while seaming. Overly tight yarn can pull on the knitting and create unwanted fabric shrinkage, which can negatively affect both the shape and appearance of your knitting work.

To achieve the best finish, it's important to maintain a regular rhythm and ensure uniformity in your stitches. This helps create a neat and almost invisible seam, where each stitch is treated with the same amount of yarn and tension.

Finally, when you reach the end of the seam, be sure to finish the work securely by tying a small knot and then hiding the yarn end by pulling it through some of the nearby stitches on the back of the work. This finishing technique ensures that your seam remains strong and durable.

Seaming Garter Stitch

When seaming garter stitch, it's important to take into account the thickness of the yarn to achieve a neat and suitable seam. For example, when working with thin yarn, you seam within the outer full stitch, while with thick yarn, as illustrated in some instructions, you seam within the outer half stitch to achieve the best finish.

Start by placing the knitted pieces side by side with the right side facing up. This ensures that you can see exactly where you need to seam, and the result will be as clean as possible. When seaming, work from side to side in a specific manner to ensure a consistent seam.

To perform the seam, insert the needle into a stitch on the first piece and pull it out two rows further along on the same piece. This creates the basis for your seam. Then, move the needle back to the first stitch on the second piece. Here, insert the needle and pull it out two rows further along, just as you did on the first piece.

When returning to the first piece, insert the needle into the hole where the last stitch ended and pull it out two rows further along, continuing this rhythm. By consistently seaming from side to side and always starting the new stitch in the hole where the last stitch ended, you create a uniform and rhythmic seam.

This technique is ideal for seaming garter-stitched pieces, as it creates a strong yet discreet seam that does not disrupt the characteristic appearance of garter stitch. By following these steps, you will achieve a seam that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, which is essential for preserving your knitting projects.