Have you been wanting to know for a long time what a so-called mattress stitch is and how you can sew it? Then take a look at this post, because here you will learn everything you need to know about this magic seam!
The most important things at a glance
- In this post, you will learn everything about the mattress stitch and how you can easily sew it
- The mattress stitch is also called a magic seam, blind stitch, or ladder stitch
- This post contains an illustrated step-by-step guide and a video on sewing a mattress stitch
- A special feature of the magic seam is that it is sewn from the right side
What is a mattress stitch?
The mattress stitch is also called a magic seam, blind stitch, or ladder stitch. The name ladder stitch comes from the fact that the seam runs parallel and the thread is guided straight, which makes the thread path look like the rungs of a ladder while sewing. However, the various terms all describe the same thing – a professional-looking, invisible seam.
Perhaps you have also had the situation where your sewing project was almost finished, but the turning opening still needed to be closed and you were unsure how to do it most beautifully and inconspicuously? Then the magic seam is exactly what you need now :).
Especially if, like me, you like to sew a cosmetic bag or two! But even if you want to sew a grain pillow, the magic seam is a great way to invisibly close the filling opening.
A mattress stitch is often used to join two pieces of fabric or an opening in a sewn item from the right side, i.e., from the outside. Classically, it is used, for example, when turning sewing projects right side out.
The so-called magic seam gets its name from the fact that it is no longer visible once completed, which looks very nice and professional. From the outside, it looks as if the seam was sewn from the inside.
The mattress stitch is sewn quite simply by hand; you don't need a sewing machine for this seam.
What can I use a magic seam for?
If you have been in the world of sewing for a while, you have surely encountered the magic seam more often, because it can be used wonderfully for so many different sewing projects.
If you are still at the beginning of your personal sewing journey (feel free to read my helpful blog post Sewing Happiness Total), you may have heard of the so-called mattress stitch and wondered what it was all about and how you could sew it...?!
Many sewing fans are initially very intimidated by this magic stitch and prefer to avoid it at first, but that is really completely unfounded. Because even though it looks so special and magical, it is basically quite simple to sew and, honestly, actually rather unspectacular!
How often have I been annoyed by unsightly, conspicuous seams on the turning opening that unfortunately don't let the whole sewing project shine the way it should... That is really such a shame after having put so much time, fabric (do you know my blog post Which fabric for what?), and energy into such a sewing work.
The magic seam is particularly suitable for turning openings in sewing projects that are filled (for example, if you want to sew a reading bone) or have a lining, as it allows you to close a seam after turning or stuffing a sewing project without it being visible afterward.
The mattress stitch is particularly popular when sewing with knit fabric, sewing cushions, or making stuffed animals, but also for many other sewing projects and fabrics where a normally closed turning opening would simply look unsightly.
More for sewing beginners
What accessories do I need for the mattress stitch?
You don't need much for a mattress stitch at all! It's nice if the sewing thread matches your sewing work in color. Ideally, the thread should be 1 - 2 shades darker than the fabric.
Why is that? Because the thread is usually visible in the seam shadow. And less light falls there than on the top side.
Basically, the thread is hardly or not at all visible in the end, but it is nicer in case a little bit should shimmer through. This could be the case, especially with thinner or lighter fabrics, and that would of course be a shame.
And, very important to know: You don't need a sewing machine for the mattress stitch.
For a beautiful magic seam you need the following materials at home:
- Sewing needle*
- Sewing thread*
- Your sewing piece (with the turning opening still open)
Video guide for the mattress stitch
We wouldn't be SewSimple if there wasn't a YouTube video for sewing the mattress stitch, would we? ;)
Help, my magic seam is puckered and wavy!
Then you probably made the stitches too large or didn't sew at a right angle.
Can I sew the magic seam with a sewing machine?
Unfortunately, no. Of course, you can close the turning opening close to the edge with a sewing machine. But then it is not a classic magic seam. :)
Can I also use the mattress stitch for knitting and crocheting?
Of course! Depending on how coarse-meshed your crochet project or knitted piece is, you make the stitches a bit longer in this case. Usually, 5 - 6 millimeters are very good.
My conclusion
While writing this post, I noticed so many things again that I would like to share with you.
First and foremost: Be curious and open to new things! Often you hear a term every now and then that is quite present in the sewing world, but you don't dare to approach it because it would be something unknown and new to you. You often doubt beforehand whether you are capable of learning and understanding it.
One often tends to prefer to do what one knows and can do and where one feels safe. Of course, you do well with that and frustration is avoided and successes become visible. But at some point, you reach the point where you become curious about what else there is and you carefully crawl out of your comfort zone. And then you suddenly notice: Wow, that's not so hard and it's actually even fun!
And even if it's maybe not perfect right at the beginning, many new experiences of success appear in other areas, which one would not have thought possible.
And in this way, you gradually acquire more and more knowledge and skills and enjoy a beautifully sewn, invisible mattress stitch!
And if this post has encouraged you to practice the magic stitch and you feel like using it more often, then I am very happy!
And of course, I am also happy about a comment:)
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
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