How To Sew Knits Together A Comprehensive Guide

Hey fellow knitters! If you're anything like me, the thought of seaming your knitted pieces together probably doesn't fill you with joy. It's often seen as the less glamorous part of knitting, but mastering the art of seaming is crucial for creating polished and professional-looking finished projects. But fear not, my friends! There are several easy and effective options for joining your knits, and I'm here to guide you through them. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various seaming techniques, discuss their pros and cons, and empower you to create strong, invisible seams that will elevate your knitting game.

Why Seaming Matters

Before we dive into the how-to, let's briefly discuss why seaming is so important. Seaming is the process of joining individual knitted pieces together to form a larger garment or project, like a sweater, cardigan, or blanket. A well-executed seam not only holds your project together but also contributes to its overall structure, drape, and appearance. Think of seams as the skeleton of your knitted creation, providing support and shaping. A poorly done seam can lead to a wonky, misshapen garment, while a beautifully executed seam can make your project look like it was bought in a high-end boutique. So, investing time and effort in learning different seaming techniques is well worth it.

Understanding Different Seaming Techniques

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to seaming. The best technique for your project will depend on factors like the type of fabric, the desired look, and your personal preference. Some seams are more visible, while others are practically invisible. Some are stretchier, making them ideal for garments that need to move with the body. Let's explore some of the most popular seaming techniques:

1. Mattress Stitch: The Invisible Seam

The mattress stitch is widely considered the gold standard for seaming knit pieces together, and for good reason. It creates a virtually invisible seam that's strong, flexible, and doesn't add bulk. This technique is perfect for joining pieces knit in the same stitch pattern, such as the body and sleeves of a sweater. The beauty of the mattress stitch lies in its ability to mimic the knit fabric itself, making the seam disappear seamlessly into the surrounding stitches.

How it Works: The mattress stitch is worked on the right side of the fabric, using a tapestry needle to weave through the horizontal bars between the selvedge stitches. By carefully matching the rows and columns of your knitted pieces, you can create a seam that's almost impossible to detect. The key is to work with consistent tension and to gently pull the yarn after every few stitches to close the gap and create a smooth, even seam.

Why it's Great: The mattress stitch is ideal for projects where you want a clean, professional finish. It's particularly well-suited for garments like sweaters, cardigans, and skirts, where a bulky seam would be uncomfortable or unsightly. The flexibility of the mattress stitch also makes it a great choice for garments that need to stretch and move with the body.

2. Backstitch Seam: A Strong and Stable Option

If you're looking for a seam that's strong and stable, the backstitch seam is an excellent choice. This technique creates a firm, non-stretchy seam that's perfect for projects where you need extra support and structure, such as bags, cushions, and blankets. While the backstitch seam is more visible than the mattress stitch, it's still a neat and tidy option that can add a decorative touch to your work.

How it Works: The backstitch seam is worked on the wrong side of the fabric, using a tapestry needle to sew along the selvedge edges. Each stitch is taken backward, creating a strong, overlapping seam. The backstitch seam is relatively easy to execute, making it a good choice for beginners. However, it's important to be mindful of your tension to avoid creating a seam that's too tight or puckered.

Why it's Great: The backstitch seam is perfect for projects that need to withstand wear and tear. It's a popular choice for bags, cushions, and blankets, as well as for structural seams in garments, such as shoulder seams or side seams that need extra support. The backstitch seam can also be used to create decorative seams, by using a contrasting yarn color or by varying the stitch length.

3. Three-Needle Bind Off: Joining Stitches Live

The three-needle bind off is a unique seaming technique that joins two sets of live stitches together, creating a seamless and strong join. This method is particularly useful for joining shoulder seams in sweaters, where you want a smooth and invisible transition between the front and back pieces. The three-needle bind off eliminates the need for traditional seaming, making it a time-saving and efficient option.

How it Works: The three-needle bind off involves holding the two pieces of knitting together, with the right sides facing each other. Using a third needle, you knit together one stitch from each needle, then bind off the resulting stitch. This process is repeated until all the stitches have been bound off, creating a seamless join. The three-needle bind off requires some practice to master, but the results are well worth the effort.

Why it's Great: The three-needle bind off is ideal for situations where you want a completely seamless join, such as shoulder seams or the top of a hat. It creates a strong and stable seam that won't stretch out of shape. The three-needle bind off is also a great option for projects where you want to avoid bulky seams, as it eliminates the need for a separate seaming step.

4. Picking Up Stitches: Adding Edgings and Bands

Picking up stitches is a technique that allows you to add edgings, bands, or button bands to your knitted projects. This method involves inserting your needle into the edge of your knitting and drawing up loops of yarn, creating a new row of stitches. Picking up stitches is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of different finishes, from simple ribbed edgings to intricate lace borders.

How it Works: Picking up stitches requires a bit of patience and precision. The key is to maintain consistent spacing between your stitches and to pick up the correct number of stitches for your desired gauge. You can pick up stitches along a vertical edge, a horizontal edge, or even a curved edge. The technique involves inserting your needle into the edge of your knitting, wrapping the yarn around the needle, and drawing up a loop. This process is repeated until you have picked up the desired number of stitches.

Why it's Great: Picking up stitches is a fantastic way to add professional-looking finishes to your knitted projects. It allows you to create seamless edgings, bands, and button bands that perfectly match your fabric. Picking up stitches is also a great way to add decorative elements to your work, such as lace borders or textured edgings. This technique can transform a simple knitted piece into a truly special creation.

Tips for Perfect Seaming

Now that we've covered some of the most popular seaming techniques, let's talk about some general tips for achieving perfect seams:

• Use the Right Yarn: Choose a yarn for seaming that matches the weight and fiber content of your project yarn. This will help to create a seamless and invisible join.
• Use a Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle has a blunt tip and a large eye, making it ideal for weaving through knitted fabric without splitting the yarn.
• Match Your Gauge: Before you start seaming, make sure your pieces are blocked to the correct gauge. This will ensure that your seams are the correct size and shape.
• Work with Consistent Tension: Maintaining consistent tension is crucial for creating smooth, even seams. Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly or leaving it too loose.
• Weave in Your Ends: Once you've finished seaming, weave in your ends securely to prevent your work from unraveling.
• Block Your Seams: Blocking your seams after seaming will help to blend them into the fabric and create a professional finish.

Final Thoughts

Seaming might not be the most exciting part of knitting, but it's an essential skill for creating beautiful and durable finished projects. By mastering different seaming techniques and following these tips, you can transform your knitted pieces into stunning creations that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. So, grab your tapestry needle, choose your favorite seaming method, and get ready to elevate your knitting game! Happy seaming, everyone!