Sewing yarn together, often referred to as seaming, is a common technique used to join knitted or crocheted fabric pieces, such as sweater fronts and backs, sleeves, or blanket squares. This process uses a length of yarn and a yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) to stitch the edges of the fabric together, creating a cohesive finished item.
While the phrase "sew yarn together" could also mean joining two yarn ends for continuity within a project (techniques like knots, splicing, or felting), the context of seaming knitted pieces is a primary application.
Seaming Knitted Pieces with Yarn
Seaming is essentially stitching fabric edges together using yarn. The goal is often to create a secure and sometimes invisible join. The method you use can depend on the type of seam desired and the stitch pattern of your fabric.
Common Seaming Methods
Several stitches can be used for seaming, each offering a slightly different look and feel:
- Mattress Stitch: This is popular for creating an invisible or nearly invisible seam, especially when joining two stockinette stitch edges. It involves working the needle under the horizontal bars between stitches on each piece.
- Backstitch: Creates a strong, slightly raised seam. It's worked by taking small stitches backward along the seam line.
- Whipstitch: A simple stitch where you loop the yarn over the edge of both pieces and through, creating a visible edge seam.
- Grafting (Kitchener Stitch): While not technically "sewing" in the traditional sense, it's a method of joining two pieces using live stitches on needles to create a seamless transition, often used for sock toes.
The Basic Process
Regardless of the specific stitch chosen, the general steps for seaming knitted pieces with yarn involve:
- Thread the Needle: Cut a length of yarn (often the same yarn used for knitting, or sometimes a contrasting color for decorative seams) and thread it through a blunt-tipped yarn needle. The length should be sufficient for the seam you are working on, typically 2-3 times the length of the seam.
- Position the Fabric: Place the two pieces you want to join edge-to-edge. For many seams, you'll work with the right sides of the fabric facing up, though some techniques work better with wrong sides facing up.
- Anchor the Yarn: Begin by securing the yarn. This often involves inserting the needle through the edge of one piece and making a small stitch to anchor it, leaving a short tail to weave in later. As shown in the reference, it's important to pull the yarn tightly when joining to prevent it from pulling through completely and to ensure a neat connection. "Just so that the whole thing doesn't pull through Once you pull your yarn. And pull it. Tight you can see there where the join is and it's joed nicely without being able to see the contrasting yarn."
- Work the Seam Stitch: Follow the instructions for your chosen seam stitch (e.g., mattress stitch, backstitch). This involves inserting the needle into one piece, picking up a loop or bar, and then inserting it into the corresponding spot on the other piece.
- Pull Yarn Through: After each stitch, pull the yarn through gently but firmly. As mentioned in the reference, pulling the yarn tight is key to making the join neat and potentially hiding the seaming yarn, even if it's contrasting.
- Continue Stitching: Repeat the seaming stitch along the entire length of the seam.
- Secure the End: Once you reach the end of the seam, secure the yarn by making a final stitch or two and weaving the tail into the fabric.
Tips for Success
- Use a blunt needle: A yarn needle has a blunt tip to avoid splitting the yarn fibers of your knitted fabric.
- Maintain even tension: Try to keep your seaming stitches consistent in tension and spacing for a smooth, even seam.
- Block your pieces: Blocking knitted pieces before seaming can make the edges easier to align and sew neatly.
- Practice different stitches: Experiment with various seaming stitches to see which you prefer for different types of projects and fabrics.
Seaming is a finishing technique that significantly impacts the look and durability of your finished knitwear. By carefully stitching pieces together with yarn, you transform individual components into a complete garment or item.
