Whipstitch

What you will learn

• Wrapping over an edge
• Keeping stitches evenly spaced
• Joining edges

Materials and tools

• Hand-sewing needle (sharps, size 7)
• Thread matched to the fabric, 18 in (45 cm)
• Two felt or cotton scraps
• Pins

Before you start

• Lay the two pieces edge to edge, or one on top of the other, and pin.
• Knot the thread.

1. Bring the needle up from the back at the edge, 1/8 in (3 mm) in from the cut edge. The knot stays on the back.
2. Take the thread over the edge to the back. Push the needle through from the back to the front again, 1/8 in (3 mm) in from the edge and about 1/8 in (3 mm) ahead.

3. Take the thread over the edge again and bring the needle up from the back through the next spot, 1/8 in (3 mm) further along. Each stitch should slant in the same direction.
4. Continue along the edge. The thread forms evenly spaced diagonal stitches that wrap around the edge.

5. Keep the spacing and depth the same. Pull the thread gently so each stitch hugs the edge without squeezing it.
6. Finish with two small stitches in the same place, a knot on the back and a buried tail.

Tips for a neat result

• Use a thread that blends with the edge colour.
• Keep the stitches the same depth so the edge looks neat.
• Do not pull tight on soft fabric such as felt.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The stitches are evenly spaced and slant the same way.
• The edge is held flat and not frayed.

Projects that use this