How to Use the Whip Stitch in Crochet

The Whip Stitch has its place as a solid staple in the fiber arts world. Need a quick way to join two pieces of crochet together? Use the Whip Stitch! This stitch is versatile, it looks nice, the seam lays flat, and best of all it is quick and very easy to do. Learn how to make the whip stitch using this comprehensive tutorial.

crochet whip stitch tutorial

Using Whip Stitch in Crochet

The Whip stitch is quite possibly one of the easiest ways to join two pieces of fabric together. This sewing technique can be used on crocheted fabric, knitted fabric, or actual fabric. You could also use this technique for seaming crochet squares, such as 12″ afghan squares or smaller classic Granny Squares to create a blanket or other compilation project such as the Fat Bottom Bag.

fat bottom bag crochet pattern

What is the Whip Stitch? Technically the whip stitch isn’t a crochet stitch at all. It’s actually one of the easiest sewing techniques that can be used across all textile crafts, such as crocheting, knitting, hand sewing, and more. The whip stitch can be added as decoration or purely as a means of joining two pieces of crocheted fabric together. Use a contrasting color of yarn for whip stitching to create a design element, or use the same color yarn as the fabric you’re sewing to make a more hidden or invisible seam.

What kind of yarn needle for the whip stitch? I prefer to use a more blunt tip yarn needle when sewing this stitch. I find that when using the pointier needles I can sometimes snag a portion of the yarn strand instead of the whole strand and that can leave an unsightly loop or snag in the project. In fact, there’s a special tip I follow in the instance that a pointy yarn needle is all I have on hand. See the video below!

Most Important to Remember: When using the Whip Stitch…

A. Always insert your needle in the same direction (left to right or right to left) and work in a spiral going around the seam.

and

B. Remain as consistent as possible with the size/tension of your loops.

See what I mean regarding these two important Whip Stitch tips in the video tutorial below.

Not only does the Whip Stitch look clean on the surface of your work, the back side is also nice and tidy:

back side of whip stitch

sew whip stitch

To Whip Stitch:

1. Thread your yarn needle using the desired color yarn tail. Contrasting to stand out or the same color as the fabric to be more seamless.

2. Line up the two edges to be sewn. You could also hold the two pieces like a sandwich if that is easier for you.

3. Insert the needle into the stitch (front loop and back loop) of the opposite fabric’s corner and pull through.

4. Going in the same direction ALWAYS (think spiral), insert the needle under both loops of the next stitch on BOTH sides of the fabric (4 loops total — front and back on one side, and front and back on the other). Pull yarn through.

Continue with step 4 until the entirety of the fabric is seamed.

Whip Stitch Video Tutorial:

If you would rather watch this video on YouTube, you can find it on my channel here. Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re there!

Whip Stitch Tips:

When starting the whip stitch, leave a long enough tail that you can comfortably weave in that end when you’re finished seaming. Use those yarn tails to cinch up any holes or inconsistences in the area where the whip stitch join begins and ends.

Always try to keep the loops of the whip stitch the same size as you complete each one. Remaining consistent with the tension helps to ensure as seamless of a join as possible.

Choose contrasting yarn to make the join stand out, or the same yarn as the pieces for a more invisible seam.

That’s it! One of the easiest ways to join crochet. Feel free to share your latest project with me! Please tag @HeartHookHome across all social media, or share in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook.