Blindstitch - DIY tutorial for the mattress stitch / magic stitching

• blind stitch
  • applications
• Sew mattress stitch

Even when sewing with a sewing machine, we often come to the point where we can not get on with the machine and manually close small holes or turning openings. So that the seam can not be seen from the outside - as would be the case with seams of the sewing machine or overlock - one likes to use the so-called blindstitch (sometimes also called "mattress stitch" or "magic seam").

Especially with accessories that are filled with cotton wool or other fillers, we need a magic seam, because we still need access to the interior before by hand. Although the turning or filling opening can be closed with the sewing machine, but here a fold must be sewn to the edge, which is omitted in the magic seam. This special kind of sewing by hand thus prevents annoying threads or seams are visible.

blind stitch

Sometimes this stitch is also called " ladder stitch " because the threads look like a ladder before contracting and disappear only after pulling on the threads.

applications

Fillable sewing projects

Especially with stuffed animals, cushions or other fillable sewing projects, the blindstitch is very convenient: After the fabric has been filled with cotton or similar, there is no possibility with the sewing machine to close the edges nicely, without obtaining an unwanted edge.

Especially with stuffed animals, this type of sewing is very helpful: The stuffed limbs of the stuffed animal can be so beautifully and cleanly connected to each other without the threads at the end.

ATTENTION: For stuffed animals you need extra tear-proof yarn, because children can easily cut off the limbs and swallow the cotton!

Reversible clothing

Whether jacket, sweater or pants - all these clothes can be turned. For this, the cut with two layers of fabric is sewn together. In order to be able to turn the project on the right fabric side, we need a small turning opening . This is closed at the end of the work with the blindstitch.

knitting projects

When knitting, it often happens that parts of the work have to be connected or closed at the end. This is the case with patchwork covers, jackets or jumpers. Here again, you can simply work with the mattress stitch and the seam is no longer visible at the end. For knitting projects, I recommend sewing with a blunt needle or embroidery needle. Lace Sewing needles can cut through the threads of the work and the thread does not slip so well through the yarn.

For knitting projects, the thread used in the work (wool / yarn) can always be taken.

TIP: When sewing on sleeves, make sure to mark the top of the sleeve and fix everything with pins or Wonderclips before closing the seam.

Bags and bags

Again, almost always work with double fabric, so that on the inside of the bag no visible seams of the sewing machine. The bag or the bag are sewn together with double fabric on the left side of the fabric, turned out through a small turning opening and closed again with the blindstitch.

Sew mattress stitch

When closing an opening with the magic seam, it is best to use the same yarn that you used in the sewing machine. Ideally, it will match the color of the fabric to be closed.

Step 1: Take the beginning of the opening between index finger and thumb and fold the edges slightly inwards. After threading the yarn into the needle and securing the end with a knot, you will now be able to pierce through the fabric from below.

Step 2: Next, pull the end of the thread so that only the knot remains under the fabric. Now pierce the opposite fabric from the top with a short edge and then out again approx. 1-2 mm later.

Step 3: Now we change sides again and stab into the other side of the opening in the fabric. Again, you prick from top to bottom and 1-2 mm later again from below.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach the end of the opening.

TIP: The smaller the distance between the stitches on the same side, the nicer the stitch image will be and the cleaner the end result!

Step 5: When we arrive at the end, the seam should still be slightly open.

If you now carefully pull on the thread, the opening should close nicely and the blindstitch have done its miracle.

Step 6: So that the thread does not loosen again, it must be sewn afterwards. To do so, stick it back in the fabric from top to bottom. Pass the needle on the inside about 1-2 cm through the existing seam and back out. Repeat this step about 3-4 times until the thread is sewn well.

Now cut it as close as possible to the fabric, so that it disappears in the seam and no disturbing thread protrudes.

That's it! I hope you enjoy using our guide and will be able to sew openings in the future quickly and neatly with the mattress stitch !