How to Do the Knitting Whip Stitch

Use a whip stitch to connect two items.

A whip stitch is a basic knitting stitch that is used to hold two sections together. The stitch bonds two pieces together to form a strong seam. The whip stitch seam will be visible, however, so using matching yarn can greatly reduce the stitches' visibility. Conversely, contrasting yarn color can add decoration to your item. To create a whip stitch all you need is a darning needle, yarn and two knitted pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Darning needle
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Place your two knitted items on top of each other with their front sides together. Align the edges to be whip stitched so that they are perfectly even.

2. Thread your darning needle with yarn. Do not knot the yarn, but rather leave about a 4-inch tail to prevent the yarn from falling loose from the needle.

3. Start the stitch on the right-hand corner of the seam. Begin by pushing the darning needle through the back of the first edge stitch on both knitted pieces. Pull the yarn through both pieces.

4. Bring the needle and thread over the top of the edge back to where you started. Find the next edge stitch and push the needle through. Continue bringing the needle over and through one edge stitch at a time until you reach the end of your knitted pieces.

5. Tie a knot in the yarn so it is nestled close to the fabric. Cut the yarn right above the knot. Unfold your knitted pieces to view your whip stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pull the stitches too tight or it will cause the pieces to bunch.

References

• The Knitting Fairy: How Do I Whip Stitch Edges Together?
• Knitting Daily; Whip Stitch; May 2008
• The Knitting Board; Sewing Knit Pieces Together; Sept 2009
• The Knitting Board: Whip Stitch