Essential stitches

Slip Stitch

A nearly invisible stitch for closing openings and attaching a folded edge to flat fabric. The thread travels hidden inside the fold.

Beginner20 minHand

What you will learn

Fold the edge of a scrap under 1/4 in (6 mm) and press. Place it on top of a second flat piece of fabric and pin.
Knot the thread.

Slide the needle inside the fold from the back and bring it out at the edge of the fold. The knot stays hidden between the layers.
Directly opposite, pick up one or two threads of the flat fabric with the needle point. Take the smallest bite you can.
Out of the fold at 1, a tiny catch in the flat fabric at 2 and 3, back into the fold at 4, then 1/4 in along the fold to 5. Pull the thread snug so the bridges disappear.
Slide the needle back into the fold directly opposite the catch. Travel inside the fold about 1/4 in (6 mm) and bring the needle out again.
Repeat: catch a thread of the flat fabric, slide into the fold, travel 1/4 in. Keep the stitches the same length.
After every few stitches, pull the thread gently until the fold meets the flat fabric. The bridging threads sink into the seam.
A longer run. Each tiny catch is directly opposite the point where the thread left the fold, so the thread bridges stay straight.
Finish with a small knot inside the fold, then take the needle out through the fold and snip the thread.

Use thread that matches the fold colour, because the stitch is hidden but not invisible.
Press the fold crisply before you start.
Do not pull so tight that the fabric bunches.

Stitches show on the front.

The needle caught too much of the outer fabric. Catch only one or two threads.

The edge ripples.

Stitches were pulled too tight. Loosen them until the fold lies flat.

The opening gaps.

Stitches were too far apart. Keep them 1/4 in (6 mm) or less.

Bridging threads show.

The thread was not pulled snug after a few stitches. Tug it gently.

Practice exerciseClose a 4 in (10 cm) opening in a small stuffed pillow made of two cotton squares. Compare the stitches from the front.