How to End the Whipstitch

As with any hand-sewing method, the whip stitch ends with a knot securing threads in place.

The whipstitch is a simple sewing method used in mending and craft projects. With two pieces of material stacked, edges aligned, the needle is always passed through the same side of the stacked cloth, creating a spiral of thread along the joined edges of fabric. The technique may be used in leather, cloth and yarn projects. Methods of ending the stitch depend on materials used and whether stitches are intended to be discreet or decorative.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Pliers (for leather projects)

Instructions

Discreet Mending Project

1. Close to the exit hole of the last whipstitch, make a loop with the thread.

2. Slip the point of the needle through the loop, forming a loose half-knot.

3. Slide the loose half-knot down the thread and close to the material as you gradually pull tight, forming a tighter knot at the base of the thread.

4. Repeat Steps 1 and 2. Cut excess thread.

Decorative Cloth Project

1. To make the last whipstitch, insert the needle through the top layer just above the exit hole from the last stitch. Slide the needle through so that it emerges through the same exit hole created by the last stitch. Pull tight.

2. Direct the needle to the beginning of this last stitch and pierce only the top layer.

3. Open the two layers like a book to expose the needle point and the underside of the stitching. The needle will be emerging between the two layers. Pull the needle completely through and the thread tight.

4. With the layers still open, slide the needle behind the last stitch, producing a loop of thread. Pull the needle through this last stitch and through the loop. Pull tight. Snip excess thread.

Sinew-Sewn Leather

1. After the last whipstitch, bring the needle around and pierce the top layer just above the last exit hole. Slide the needle through the leather until its point emerges from the exit hole, right next to the sinew thread. Stop when the needle is halfway through the two layers.

2. Grasp the length of sinew thread and loop it four times around the point of the needle.

3. Holding the loops against the leather with your fingers, use the pliers to grasp the needle point and pull it the rest of the way through the leather and sinew loops, creating a knot. Pull the knot tight. Snip excess thread.

Joining Yarn-Knit Sections

1. After the last whipstitch, return the needle to the last entrance point in the yarn and slide through. Pull tight.

2. Return the needle to that same entrance point and slide it through, exiting at the same point to duplicate the last stitch. Pull tight.

3. With the needle still threaded, pierce close to the last stitch and sew -- or weave -- the needle through nearby yarn loops and stitches, further securing the last stitch and disguising the tail. Snip any excess.

Tips & Warnings

• For decorative projects where stitches are visible and knots would be obvious, forming the knot between the layers hides it.

• Leather thong-sewn projects incorporate knots too bulky to conceal; keep knots neat so they serve as accents instead.

• For a stronger seam on yarn projects, use the knotting method for decorative cloth projects instead.

• For decorative projects employing thicker yarn, consider using the sinew-and-leather knotting method.

• Manipulate knot-forming loops so they are as close to the material as possible before pulling tight.

• Pull stitches and knots only as tightly as the stitches prior to them. Otherwise, material may pucker unattractively.

References

• Crochet Cabana; Joining Squares; Sandra Petit; 2004
• Holiday Crafts and Creations: Whip Stitch
• Preparing to Survive: Whipstitching: How I Do It
• CyberSeams: How to Sew by Hand - Basic Stitches
• Future Girl; Tutorial: Hand Sew Felt Using Whip Stitch; January 2007
• Learn How to Sew Now; Hand Sewing Basics Tutorial - Whip Stitch; June 2011