Even Slipstitch (3672 Views)

The even slipstitch is used to join two folded edges together, using a barely-visible stitch. This stitch is often used to mend a seam from the right side when the wrong side is difficult together (for instance, there may be a lining in your way). Another instance to use this stitch is closing the back seam of a handmade silk tie.

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Step 1 of 5

A caveat: I'm left-handed, so these pictures may be going the opposite direction than you are used to.

Make a knot in the thread, passing the needle through the top folded edge. Running parallel to the fold, pass the needle through the bottom just next to where the thread comes out of the top fold. That is, you want just the tiniest bit of thread to show. So pass the needle under and through the bottom fold, coming back out of the fabric 1/4" away.
Step 2 of 5

Repeat for the top fold: Just next to where the thread exits the bottom fold, pass needle into the top fold, exiting 1/4" away.
Step 3 of 5

Repeat again for bottom fold. I'm going to show you a few just so you can see.
Step 4 of 5

Repeat again for top fold.
Step 5 of 5

Now admire your lovely, almost invisible even slipstitch.