If you want to camouflage the whipstitch, use thread in a coordinating color. If you want the whipstitch to stand out, use thread of a contrasting color. Embroidery thread works well for this stitch, but any thick thread can be used. To tie the knot, try moistening your forefinger. Wrap the thread around your forefinger once. Then use your thumb to push the thread off your finger, twisting it in the process. Finally, pull the end of the thread to tighten the knot. [2] X Research source
Pin or baste the layers together to hold them in place.
Start your stitch about 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm) from the end. [4] X Research source Also note that each stitch you make should be 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm) away from your sewn edge, as well. By only piercing through the top layer, you will draw the knot between the two layers, thereby hiding it from sight.
This is your first full stitch since it connects both layers together. When you complete this step, the thread should be wrapped around the edges of both layers in an even stitch, forming a loop around the outside of the fabric. [6] X Expert Source Margo WestProfessional Tailor Expert Interview. 7 December 2020. Make sure that the stitch is secure, but not so tight that it causes the fabric to bunch up.
This second stitch will essentially cover the first stitch. Pull the thread tight. When done, you should only be able to see what appears to be one stitch, but the thread should come out from fabric in a blank spot next to the stitch. Each stitch should be approximately 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) from one another and from the edge of the fabric, so that each stich is parallel. [8] X Research source
The stitch itself should not appear angular, however. It should run straight up and down over the edge, parallel to the first stitch. [9] X Research source
Note that the majority of your stitches will follow this pattern, but your last full stitch and half stitch will be different and will mimic the stitches you made at the beginning of the process.
In this step, you are mirroring the initial half stitch you created at the beginning of the process. This stitch will be hidden in between both layers of fabric. [10] X Research source
This knot should also be hidden in between the two layers of fabric. After creating the knot, cut your thread to free it from the needle. Trim it short so that it cannot be visible from the front side.
The yarn you use for this stitch should be three to four times longer than your finished edge. [13] X Research source Use the same color yarn as one or both pieces of crochet work you intend to join. Unlike the whipstitch used in sewing, the whipstitch used in crocheting is meant to be far less visible, so you will usually want to hide the stitch further by using one of the colors already in the pattern.
You will also need to monitor this non-working length of the yarn as you make your whipstitch. If it starts to get short, tug a little more yarn through the eye of the needle to prevent it from falling out. Should the yarn fall out during the process, simply re-thread it.
The back sides of both pieces should face out during this process.
The yarn needs to be pulled tightly enough to draw the two pieces of crochet snugly together. Do not pull it too tight, however, since doing so can cause bunching or similar distortions to occur in your work.
Start with the piece of crochet your yarn is connected to and end the stitch through the opposing piece. [15] X Research source You can pull the yarn through either one or two loops on each of the crochet pieces, depending upon what type of pattern you want. [16] X Research source
Make sure that each stitch passes through the front and back loops of both sides. Each stitch should be about as tight as your first one was. The edge should be secured well enough so that no space remains between both pieces, but do not allow the pieces to bunch up as you work. [17] X Research source
Weave the tail along the back side of your crochet work to hide it. If you have an excess longer than 1 inch (2. 5 cm), you can trim some of it off.
