Whip Stitch
The Whip Stitch is also known as the "Overcast Stitch," as each stitch of thread wraps around the edge of the fabric. It is a simple stitch for children to learn when sewing together two pieces of felt, where their sewing will be visible on the top side of their work (as opposed to stitching a seam with fabric right sides together and then turning it right-side-out, hiding the seam). You'll encounter it in many Level I felt kits, such as the Valentine Cookies. It's also an easy alternative anytime a Blanket Stitch is suggested.
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For a printable version of the Whip Stitch Guide, click here.
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Please note that this "Stitch Guide" is a work in progress. We'll have a few helpful videos soon!
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Step 1:
Start with your needle in between the two layers of felt and poke it up through the top layer, about 1/4” from the edge of the fabric. (The knot will be hidden between the layers.) Wrap your thread over the top edge of the fabric and poke your needle from back to front through the same hole to make a stitch in place.
Step 2:
Wrap your thread over the top edge again and poke your needle through both layers from back to front, this time exiting about 1/4” to the right (or left) of your starting place.
Step 3:
Continue working in evenly spaced stitches, always wrapping your thread over the top edge of the fabric and inserting your needle from back to front, exiting about 1/4” away from your previous stitch.
Hiding Your Knot:
Step 4:
Reinforce the Last Stitch:
When you reach the end of the felt or need to switch threads, make a stitch in place by inserting your needle from back to front through the same hole as your last stitch.
Step 5:
Tie a Knot:
Pass your needle through the last stitch, forming a loop with the thread. As the loop closes, pass your needle through the loop to make a knot tight against the felt.
Step 6:
Hide the Knot:
Insert your needle next to this knot and exit it a short distance away. Pull the thread tight. Trim the excess thread off flush with the felt where it exited and your knot will be hidden!
Starting a New Thread:
Always begin with your needle in between the two layers of fabric to hide your knot. Proceed from Step 1.