Sewing crochet involves joining finished pieces together or tidying up yarn tails by weaving them into the fabric. A common tool for this is a tapestry needle or yarn needle.
Successfully sewing crochet creates secure seams and invisible finishes for garments, blankets, amigurumi, and other projects. The method you choose depends on the desired look and strength of the seam.
Joining Crochet Pieces Securely
When joining two pieces of crochet fabric, using a yarn needle and a length of yarn (often the same yarn used for the project) is a popular approach. Various stitch methods exist, such as the whip stitch, mattress stitch, or slip stitch join.
Key Technique for Strong, Less Visible Seams
Regardless of the specific stitch used, a crucial technique for creating a durable and secure seam is how you insert the needle into the existing stitches.
Based on expert tips:
- Don't just go underneath all of the stitches. Simply passing the needle under loops can result in a less secure join that might loosen over time.
- Try to pierce the yarn when you do this. Instead, aim to insert your needle directly through the individual strands of yarn that make up the stitches on your fabric edges.
- Try to go in between the twists of the yarn. Navigate the needle between the twisted fibers of the yarn itself.
- This creates additional friction. By splitting or piercing the yarn fibers, you create resistance that helps lock the joining yarn in place. This makes the seam stronger, prevents slipping, and can help the seam blend more seamlessly into the fabric.
Applying this technique helps to make joins sturdy and less prone to visible gaps or stretching.
Weaving in Crochet Ends
Weaving in the yarn tails left at the beginning and end of your work is essential for a neat and durable finish.
Securely Weaving in Ends
Similar to joining pieces, the method of inserting your needle is key:
- Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle.
- Weave the tail into the stitches on the wrong side of your fabric.
- Apply the principle of piercing the yarn: instead of just going under loops, guide the needle through the fibers of the stitches you are weaving into.
- Weave the tail through stitches in a few different directions (e.g., back and forth, slightly changing direction) to help lock it in place.
- Applying the additional friction created by piercing yarn fibers significantly reduces the chance of the tail working its way out.
General Tips for Sewing Crochet
- Use the Right Needle: A tapestry or yarn needle has a blunt tip that helps it pass through stitches without splitting them unintentionally (unless you are specifically piercing the yarn fibers as a technique).
- Use Matching Yarn: Use a tail from your project yarn or a new length of the same yarn for sewing. This helps the seam blend in.
- Maintain Consistent Tension: Pull the sewing yarn snug, but not so tight that it puckers the fabric.
- Hide Knots: If you need to secure a knot, try to place it discreetly within the fabric where it won't be seen or felt.
By utilizing techniques like piercing the yarn for added friction, you can achieve professional-looking and durable results when sewing crochet.
