Finishing Techniques Part 1: Mattress Stitch

Improve the look of your garments with professional sewing up techniques

Assumed knowledge: casting on; casting off; stocking stitch; garter stitch

Please bring:
  • Stocking stitch swatch x 2 (See instructions below)
  • Stripe swatch x 2 (See instructions below)
  • Garter swatch x 2 (See instructions below)
  • Sleeve cap swatch x 1 (See instructions below)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Pale-coloured DK/8ply yarn with a smooth texture (Adorn Silky Merino DK is ideal, but any suitable yarn is fine)
  • Stitchmarker pins
  • Scissors
  • Notebook and pen for taking notes. You are welcome to video my demonstrations on your phone for personal use.
Instructions for swatches to bring to class


Stocking Stitch Swatch
with 4mm needles and pale smooth 8ply yarn (Adorn Silky Merino DK is ideal, but any suitable yarn is fine), cast on 21sts.

R1: K2, [P1, K1] repeat to last stitch, K1.
R2: P2, [K1, P1] repeat to last stitch, P1.
Repeat last two rows 3 times, 8 rows rib in total. Work 22 rows stocking stitch. Cast off.
Make 2.

Stripe Swatch:
with 4mm needles and pale smooth 8ply yarn (Adorn Silky Merino DK is ideal, but any suitable yarn is fine), cast on 20sts. Work 6 rows stocking stitch in Colour A, then 6 rows stocking stitch in Colour B. Repeat previous 12 rows, then work 6 rows more in Colour A (30 rows total). Cast off.
Make 2.

Garter Swatch:
with 4mm needles and pale smooth 8ply yarn (Adorn Silky Merino DK is ideal, but any suitable yarn is fine), cast on 20sts. Work 40 rows garter stitch. Cast off. Make 2.

Sleeve Cap Swatch:
with 4mm needles and pale smooth 8ply yarn, cast on 40sts. Work 2 rows stocking stitch.
R3: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1 – 38sts
R4: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows until 24sts remain.
R19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1
R20: P1, p2tog, purl to last 3 sts, p2togtbl, P1 – 20sts
Repeat last 2 rows until 12sts remain.
Cast off 3sts at beginning of next 2 rows – 6sts
Cast off remaining 6sts.