How are mattresses stitched?

A mattress stitch or maybe known by the term ladder stitch is a stich that is used to close seams on clothes and other items, such as mattresses. Mattress stitches are used to close seams on the outside without seeing the seam making the stitch invisible. The stitch is invisible because the stitching is in the inside. 

Different types of mattress stitches:

• Vertical mattress stitch 
• Horizontal mattress stitch 
• Sewing on a limb perpendicularly 
• Sewing on a limb at an angle 

Vertical mattress stitch and horizontal mattress stitch

A vertical mattress stitch is a stitch that is used when the knitting is running in the same direction. A horizontal mattress stitch is used when seaming the edges of two fabrics. These 2 stitches allow for the skin edges to be hidden because of the tension when being sewn together.

Sewing on a limb perpendicularly and sewing on a limb at an angle 

Sewing on a limb perpendicularly is used to stitch 2 different parts together to keep the mattress stitch hidden mainly if the part just needs to be put on straight at a 90-degree angle. Sewing on a limb at an angle is as it says with the added intention of hiding the mattress stitches. 

When should I use a mattress stitch?

A mattress stitch is ideal for seaming 2 pieces of cloth or fabric that have the same number of stitches on them. This is to make sure that the pattern matches and to make the mattress stitch as natural as possible. Mattress stitching is best used for patterns like stockinette stitch and ribbing. 

How to do a mattress stitch

• Lay down the knitting, pieces of cloth or fabric.
• Cut the yarn or thread.
• Thread the yarn or thread through the first stitch. 
• Put the needle in upwards back to front.
• Do the same on the other side of the fabric or cloth.
• Thread back through the first hole.
• Thread beneath 2 bars. Slightly pull away to see the 2 bars.
• Continue in the same pattern.
• Pull the thread up until the seam is complete.
• Continue to the top and sew them in place.