When making a larger or a bit more complex crochet piece, you can either follow a pattern and count the loops or make multiple smaller, simpler pieces and sew them together to complete the project. Sewing individual pieces together is far easier but it has a downside. The seams are visible.

But if you know how to make this one special stitch type, your seams can become entirely invisible. Joining crocheted fabrics with an invisible stitch will make give your crochet projects a sophisticated, professional look. And it’s not even hard to learn. Keep reading and you’ll see for yourself!

What is an invisible stitch?

Also known as the mattress or ladder stitch, this hand sewing technique is used to connect two vertical stockinette knits. It can also be used to join garter stitches with each other, vertical stitches to horizontal ones, and practically any other kind of crochet joining.

How to make an invisible stitch?

1. Put the two pieces you want to connect on a flat surface, close to each other so that the edges that will be joined are touching.
2. Cut a bit of yarn that will act as a thread. Make sure its length is at least three times the length of the edges you will be joining. If you plan on connecting large pieces, keep the yarn on individual stitches shorter than 15 inches. This will give your seams more durability and strength.
3. Run the yarn through two bars of knit on the first and the second stitch in that order.
4. Put the yarn through the first hole again and then through two higher bars on the second piece. Don’t forget to go up as on the second piece in this step.
5. Go back to the first piece again and put the yarn through two bars above the previous ones you just stitched. This time you are not going through the same hole as in step 4.
6. Repeat the process until you reach the end of crochet pieces.
7. Weave in the loose ends.

This kind of stitch is flexible at the seams, which makes it a great choice for joining sleeves. It will stretch as you put the sweater on, instead of being rigid or coming apart.

The invisible stitch can be made in a couple of different ways, here you saw just one variation of the stitch. Whichever one you use, as long as the seam is invisible, you’re doing things right.

I hope you liked the article. Now you can put this invisible stitch on any crochet you make. If you are curious to learn more about hand sewing stiches, check out this handy guide with the basic hand sewing techniques. Have fun crocheting!