Joining crochet squares, motifs, and panels is an important part of the finishing process. Seams can turn pieces of crochet fabric into blankets, sweaters, or anything else your heart desires. Bookmark this guide to 4 simple crochet seaming techniques for future use.
This post contains affiliate links that support the content on TLYCBlog.com. All opinions are my own. Find my Privacy & Disclosures Policy here.
CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS POST
Crochet seaming brings pieces together, but seams can also be decorative and worked into the visual design of a project. There are dozens of ways to join crochet fabric. I’m sharing 4 of my favorite methods here. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks. But I always find that no matter what seam I am going for, one of these four will fit the bill.
Regardless of the function your seams play, tension is the most important piece of the puzzle. Work your seams too tight and your crochet fabric will group and bunch. Work the seam too loose and your work will have gaps where the seams should be. Be mindful of your tension throughout the seam and don’t be afraid to unpick part of your seam and redo it to achieve a clean seam.
What You Will Learn
Many crochet projects from sweaters to blankets, amigurumi, and shawls will involve crochet seaming. This video will teach you 4 simple techniques that are easy for beginners to pick up on and use in their projects. Even as an experienced crocheter, I go back to these techniques again and again.
- Whip Stitch Seam: fast, easy, medium strength seam. Good for most seaming needs.
- Mattress Stitch Seam: time consuming, strongest seam with minimal flexiblity. Great for garment seams under arm and at shoulder.
- Single Crochet Seam: slightly textured and mostly invisible. Great universal seaming technique when the wrong side of work is hidden.
- Flat Slip Stitch Seam: lovely, decorative seam when worked in a complimentary or contrasting color. Ideal for blankets.
What You Need For Crochet Seaming
Crochet seaming uses the notions you have on hand already. Hand-sewn seams can be worked with a tapestry needle. I prefer metal, as they glide cleanly through crochet fabric and won’t split the yarn. Keep scissors handy too, to cut the yarn before and after completing your seam. A crochet hook is needed for stitched seams, but not for hand-sewn seams. Learn more about the crochet notions & accessories all makers should have on hand HERE!
Learn Crochet Seaming Techniques
Click play on the video below to learn how to do 4 common and easy crochet seams!
Practice Crochet Seaming
Now that you know the basics of crochet seams, try them out in these beginner-friendly crochet patterns:
Left: Cabana Cardi
Top Middle: LoFi Cowl
Top Right: Sandbar Cardi
Bottom: Granny Square Temperature Blanket
If you’re looking for like-minded crochet fanatics, join the TLYC Makers Facebook group. We are small but mighty and we enjoy sharing our latest projects and helping each other out. Request access to this private group HERE.
Renee Dunn says
I’ve been SO looking forward to the finishing and seaming topics! I’m not new to crocheting, but had been away for a over 25 years and in my previous “crochet life” never did any blocking, and only used single crochet for seaming. Thank you for helping me to step up my game! Can’t wait to use these techniques with the upcoming CALs!!!
Rebekah M says
Oh this is great! I’ve always only slip stitch seamed, but I tended to struggle with puckering. It’s nice to have alternatives!
Margot says
Whoa! Watched the video and thought the mattress seam was looking too complex. Decided to try anyway… pulling those ends and watching the bright purple yarn become INVISIBLE somehow between the 2 light blue granny squares was like absolute magic! Even my 21-year-old son was impressed!
Mary Anne says
Toni!
Thank you!
I love all these options for seaming! I’ve struggled with puckering and ugly seams, so this tutorial is just what I needed to up my game.
😊
Tiffany M says
Excited to try these! What’s your preferred method for securing the ends after joining two pieces?
Toni L. says
Hi! I just weave the ends into the wrong side of the work 🙂
Chuck says
Excellent video, as expected! A couple of questions. First, when the stitches you are joining are chain stitches, are you “going around” the chain, or going between the top Vee of the chain and the back bump? Also, the joins you demonstrated are between the “tops” of stitches. How does one join the EDGES of crochet pieces? My edges seem to consist of chains and “bumps”. The bumps are generated when a turn is made with single crochet stitches. There is the final loop of the last sc, the chain one, and when turned and the hook inserted into the first space, the final loop has become a “bump” on the edge. Perhaps there is something i am not doing correctly?
Gehad says
what to do when corners meet using whip or mattress stitch
Tanisha Inman says
Thank you for the instructions. I’ve only done blankets so I’ve never had to do seams. The mattress stitch seam and the flat slip stitch seam were a little too much for me. I can see myself frogging a lot with those but the whip stitch seam and the single crochet stitch seam will be my go to’s. As always you’re a wonderful instructor.
Gladys B in OK says
Best video to help put squares together. I’m grateful for your help.