How to Slip Stitch

A slip stitch is used to create an invisible seam between two folded edges, or a folded edge and a flat edge. You can use slip stitching to quilt bindings, close up a lining or apply invisible appliqué.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sewing project in progress
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing needle
• Thread

1. Prepare your fabric to be sewn. Whether using two folded edges, such as a garment lining, or one folded edge and one flat edge, such as a quilt binding, you should iron the folds flat. This keeps your edges straight and offers a crisp line to the finished piece.

2. Slide your threaded needle into the space between layers of fabric, inside the fold. Bring the point out at the edge of the fold, being careful to keep the stitch short. Stitches should be no more than 1/4 of an inch.

3. Pull the needle through and re-insert it in the opposite fold (or under the single layer of fabric, if not using two folded pieces), just behind where the thread came out in your first stitch.

4. Run the needle inside the fold for a short stitch, exiting along the folded edge as before.

5. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for the entire length of the seam.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not sewing, slip stitching can be used in crochet or knitting. Please see related eHows for information on those.

• Keep stitches short and close to each other, pulling gently as you sew to bring the edges together.