How to Join Granny Squares with an INVISIBLE Seam (Mattress / Ladder Stitch Tutorial)

In this beginner crochet tutorial, we will learn how to sew granny squares together with the Invisible Seam (also called Mattress or Ladder Stitch). This seam leaves a completely invisible finish on the front, with perfect, sharp corners. The stitches are barely noticeable on the back. Although this stitch is time consuming, the result is worth it as no other joining technique gives such a neat finish. This seam should work with most granny square patterns that have chain 2 corners.
THE ORIGINS OF THIS TECHNIQUE
This stitch has a wide range of uses in many different crafts such as knitting, doll making, and sewing. It goes by many different names - I even learned to how to use it for suturing when I worked as a midwife. I do not claim to have come up with this technique myself. I learned a version of this stitch for granny squares years ago from a blog post online - it has been so long I am not 100% sure where from. It may have been here as I remember I definitely learned JAYG here: www.cherryheartcrochet.co.uk/...
The square in this tutorial is my Solid Granny Square pattern.
Right Handed Tutorial: • BEGINNER: How to Croch...
Left Handed Tutorial: • [Left Handed] Solid Gr...
Free Pattern: www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
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[@anniecheng959]

Finally! The perfect join. Where has this been all my life! Not only do the squares line up perfectly, the seam is so sturdy. Thank you so much!

[@meemamakes]

You’re welcome! Glad you like it too 😁

[@LindsayAllison1]

Came to say this!! Better thank expected thank you!!

[@echosbento]

It's been sitting in hand sewing, I mostly see it used to close up pillows or stuffed toys. Never would have thought to do it with crochet though, now I've just gotta get my brain to comprehend how to do it with my hooks since I don't have a tapestry needle

[@meemamakes]

@@echosbento I've not done this with a hook before but I imagine it's possible!

[@LaChandra]

Finally, a tutorial that shows the 4 corners! I’ve struggled with that. Love your method, clear instructions. Will try on my next granny project! ❤

[@meemamakes]

I’m glad the tutorial is helpful for you. Thankyou for commenting ❤️

[@mariavirginiaeloy9294]

Perfect!

[@luckycatipa]

This is incredible. I’m going to cry 😂 the most beautiful joins! I’m making a blanket for my two babies and I’m just so excited I found this video. Perfection. Truly. You’re a Queen. 🎉

[@meemamakes]

I’m so glad you like this join and good luck with your blanket ❤️

[@sarao982]

Thank you so much. You explain this technique so clearly. My late Mum was fantastic with crochet and tried to teach me so many times but I just didn’t get it. Since losing her I’ve been determined to learn in her honour and can now crochet granny squares and I LOVE it. Your tutorials are amazing and you explain at just the right pace. Thank you😊

[@heatherpascoa3451]

Thank you SO much for this!! I am making a baby blanket and I want it to have a herringbone look, so no seams between the squares. Al the "invisible" tutorials I found were not it! I saw some tutorials on the mattress stitch but they looked so complicated. I was ready to scrap the project until I found this video. THANK YOU!!!

[@greteraymond2568]

I have never been able to get my squares to look and lay flat when stitching together! I quit making squares until recently then rolled my eyes because it was time to stitch together. I saw your short video and found you here for the whole video. WHAT A GAME CHANGER!!! Thank you thank you thank you for showing the stitch and the how-to ! My project is stitching together beautifully. Thank you again. ❤

[@meemamakes]

Thankyou for commenting. I’m so happy this video has helped you 🥰

[@erinmccook249]

Your video cover image with the sharp corners drew me in … after your video, I’ll never seam any other way again. So clean. Thank you oh so much! 👍💕

[@familymolnar4435]

Me too

[@meemamakes]

I agree, the corners with this method are just perfect

[@soarskai]

this video just saved my life, you are an absolute legend. i hope next time you go outside you find $100 lying on the ground. THANK YOU!!!!❤❤

[@RLR666]

this is the exact tutorial i have been searching for. thank you!!

[@meemamakes]

So happy this helped!

[@lizzieavery3611]

Me too!

[@irmadeleon445]

@@meemamakes LOVE LOVE YOUR VIDEO THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@julietait4644]

That is the *best* youtube tutorial i have seen for invisible join! This is NOT mattress stitch though!! Mattress stitch is totally different and noticeable too. Best youtube tutorial i have seen for that is the 10 year old Moogly one. The invisible join is way, way better looking and i think also easier to do.

[@meemamakes]

This stitch has different names in different places around the world 🤷‍♀️ I have found that mattress stitch is the most common name I’ve seen for this technique in crochet and knitting, so that is what I call it

[@leck4emba]

I’ve always struggled with mattress stitch. Your video is excellent. Now I feel up to the challenge. Thank you so much. 😊

[@patriciasweet151]

Finally showing the corners and how to properly pull stitches up snug. I have struggles with this. Thank you for this perfect tutorial. Need to get busy with my Granny Squares. Teaching my daughters friend how to make them. I can now teach her this technique too.

[@daijo492]

Thank you for this precise tutorial. Now I can join my granny squares which have been sitting on the side for almost a month because I can't find the right way to join them until I found your channel. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@susanhardesty7668]

Wow! This is amazing! Thank you for sharing.

[@angeladisalvatore9077]

Thank you so much for this! ❤ I’m making a Minecraft blanket for my nephew, which requires 360 small granny squares and LOTS of different colors. It will be difficult using coordinating yarn all the way through, so this invisible stitch is precisely what I’ve been searching for. I also love how well you explain and show everything. Those corners! 🥰 Thank you again!

[@milkyt-t9918]

Love this tutorial! Just what i was looking for, thank you!🥰

[@yazminmedrano5676]

I’ve been struggling with the 4 corners for forever, it would always look sloppy but now they look beautiful!! At first this I was getting flustered bc I just couldn’t seem to get it down but after watching the tutorial more closely and understanding it omg!! Easiest join ever!! Thank you!!

[@neelampatole1816]

Thank you so much. Liked it. I m from India

[@CheryllWesoja]

I love this!~ Thanks for sharing.

[@AMC-bn1gp]

Very nice video. Thank you for the detailed instructions.

[@J17yJ17]

So Brilliant & Beautiful ❤ Thank you so much for sharing🌻

[@the1_grammy503]

Please share more of your fabulous crochet skills and knowledge! Your work is impeccable and that is what I aspire for! Thank you❣️

[@meemamakes]

I absolutely will! I have a long list of tutorials I’m working my way through. And Thankyou so much for your comment, it means a lot ❤️

[@lisahalamka9717]

That is incredible! Finally no bulky seams!

[@juliatoft9183]

Exactly what I needed thank you 🙏

[@Sleepystitcheskim]

Perfect! Thank you so much!

[@MorkyMuffin]

Can't wait to try this out

[@dravonwalker2352]

Marvelous!! Thank you

[@carolinefisher]

i love this thank you

[@user-ks4yo3hs6w]

Wow, that is beautiful.

[@paint32uk]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Absolutely perfect!!

[@trisgod2011]

I'm very grateful for this little tutorial. The mattress stitch is exactly what I need to join my granny squares, and it works like a charm. You are very talented at explaining and showing what to do. My mother as well as my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was a little girl, but I only started again now as I am a granny myself. Thank you for this helpful video!

[@meemamakes]

I'm so happy you found my tutorial helpful. Happy hooking🙂

[@sharontahir9694]

That was beautiful! Really nice four corner join.

[@sherylm2442]

Great technique! Thank you for sharing!

[@odetemaio6315]

Excellent. Thank you very much.

[@sarapiburn2523]

My favorite join stitch too!💜💜💜

[@nelliehedrick3147]

Thanks, best join I have ever seen !!❤

[@kathyevans3251]

Wow that is a great idea.It was beautifully explained

[@kathleenmiller393]

LOVE, LOVE LOVE your video, thank you, You are the BEST of all!

[@Mazro26]

I love how you used different color and thanks for sharing

[@user-fh3il7nj4p]

Absolutely brilliant after 30 years I now have perfect joins. Thank you.

[@tonisweeney4174]

Love this join! Thank you for this tutorial!!

[@meemamakes]

You are very welcome 🥰

[@VivianSmiling]

Thank you so much for this great method of seaming!

[@joanwood5778]

Fabulouse tutorial. Thank you

[@FionaC1]

Lovely clear tutorial, thanks 😊

[@meemamakes]

Glad this helped 🥰

[@trishamukherjee157]

Thank you for saving me!! I was just looking for this!! I have a ton of granny square & now I can start joining them😊. Thank you soooo much❤❤

[@beadedwindsocks]

This tutorial is very helpful with this join. Thank you for the tutorial, I am looking forward to trying this technique in the future.

[@stock_orchid]

Great tutorial. You explain it so clearly. Thank you 🙂

[@simonebannan3622]

Thank you for such a clear explanation 🙏

[@meemamakes]

You’re welcome. I’m glad this helped 😊

[@croknitsew]

OMG thank you!! This is the perfect join.

[@meemamakes]

Isn’t it just, I love it 😊

[@user-ic5nj2nw1c]

Thank you I was looking for a nice way to attach my work and now I'm happy with the outcome ❤

[@nancyjohnson7193]

Brilliant tutorial. Thank you!!!

[@meemamakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daleannayoung9438]

Beautiful teaching!❤ I finally understood! Thank you!

[@meemamakes]

You are so welcome, I’m so glad this tutorial helped 😁

[@reginaarnold8141]

I have used this ditch before, but you took it to a higher level!

[@anafilipa94]

Amazing tutorial, thank you so much 🤩

[@meemamakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BUDUZZZ]

Thank you so much for sharing! This is brilliant!

[@meemamakes]

So glad this was helpful!

[@sallysmith8081]

Okay, I'm just going to say it: I love you. ❤You covered everything I ever wondered about this invisible seam so wonderfully! Thank you. I'm subscribing!

[@lizziebrook9907]

Wonderful, clear tutorial - Thank you!

[@meemamakes]

You're welcome :)

[@tedshepsky5591]

Very lovely!

[@sunriseeyes0]

Thank you so much for this joining tutorial!!! This is so lovely 💗🙏🏽

[@meemamakes]

You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed this tutorial 😊

[@adelecampbell-white2648]

that is awesome !!!

[@missmishpot]

So beautiful and well explained. Thank you!

[@meemamakes]

Thankyou for your comment ❤️

[@whome3530]

Beautiful ❤

[@user-ex9kw8hw9x]

Thanks a lot from 🇨🇵 for your tutorial and clear explanations 👏🤗

[@bevdobson4728]

I have just finished a complex moroccan HEXAGON cushion using this method and all the stitches are perfectly lined up to make the pattern look as it should ...... I have used ladder stitch in the past and sometimes the stitches don't line up properly when complete. Thank you so much for this tutorial Meema, I'll never use another joining stitch again !

[@meemamakes]

I am so glad this works well for hexagons too! I will have to try it 🙂 glad this video was helpful for you

[@lisettecapricorne8674]

So perfect

[@margaretlazarou575]

Excellent 👍

[@patriciajrs46]

This is awesome. Thank you. I have been crocheting for years and I never even heard anyone mention this stitch. Thank you for your hard work to teach and video this for us. It is greatly appreciated.

[@VivianSmiling]

Thank you so much for this invisible join video! It's so helpful!

[@meemamakes]

You're so welcome!

[@ctapley5409]

This is the greatest join for invisible joining ever!! Thank you so very much

[@meemamakes]

You’re very welcome, I’m glad this video was useful 😊

[@gracie5595]

can’t wait to try this!!!!! it’s been a bear to find one that has all four corners.

[@Caitlinlass]

I have been looking for a true invisible join tutorial! Thank you! ❤

[@meemamakes]

You're welcome 😊

[@didifutures]

This is just perfect. I love it.. thanks for the great tutorial😊

[@meemamakes]

You are so welcome ❤️

[@greciaaugusta7230]

Brasil aqui! Obrigada por ensinar tão perfeitamente. Com certeza irei praticar aqui!

[@MsSaka100]

I was looking for a joining method for a cardi I’m designing, and this looks like the perfect solution, especially since I may have to use a different yarn or sewing thread for joining! Thanks!

[@Beaker4Remps]

Great tutorial .Thank you. I love your enthusiasm for this stitch,I can see why after trying it.❤

[@meemamakes]

I didn’t realise how much I said “I love this” until I edited it 🤣🤣

[@Chelcea27]

Oh my this was such a great tutorial! Thank you! Now I’m going to be even more addicted to granny squares! ❤

[@meemamakes]

I’m so happy this tutorial helped and has fed your granny square addiction! There needs to be more granny squares in the world 😁

[@user-pz9qw7mm4l]

Very very helpful!!!!!

[@kathybaker6798]

Yes I love this

[@militeratura3183]

EL MEJOR METODO DE LA HISTORIA. gracias

[@dinahbarnes6335]

Perfect tutorial ❤

[@meemamakes]

Thankyou ❤️

[@ngoctrantr.h.7449]

it's super easy to follow your tutorial and your tips. thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@meemamakes]

So glad this tutorial helped you. Thankyou for commenting 🥰

[@Keeptafaith]

Thankyou so much your videos are so so easy to follow 🙏🙏

[@meemamakes]

You’re so welcome, happy to be helpful 😊

[@melissamullinax8307]

This an amazing stitch. Thank you so much for the tutorial ❤

[@meemamakes]

You’re welcome 😊

[@jearu573]

KZbin was reading my mind. I came to search for a video on invisible joining on the lego blanket I'm constructing, and your video was right up front. This is genius! Exactly was I was looking for, thank you!

[@meemamakes]

So glad this has been helpful and good luck on stitching together your blanket 😊

[@Stitchedbybee10]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing 😊

[@meemamakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@Damselfly54315]

Well, that is quite the wonderful join, so thank you...I'll be needing THAT stitch!!! Grateful!

[@meemamakes]

Glad this video has been useful 😊

[@carolynrosser1574]

After 60 years of knitting and crocheting this is the best join I have ever seen. I just tried with knitting and it worked just as well. BRILLIANT!! Thank you so much.

[@meemamakes]

Wow! So glad to have helped you learn something new after 60 years ❤️

[@jessydoescrafts]

13yes crocheting and I haven't seen this before... 😲🤯 Thanks for sharing and making a really easy to follow tutorial

[@meemamakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fleurdelis7914]

Fantastic! Thank you 😊

[@meemamakes]

You're so welcome!

[@HS-ih3bh]

Perrrfect join thanks ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@barbara6204]

You are a really good teacher!

[@meemamakes]

Thank you! 😃

[@stacyb.222]

This Is AWESOME!!!❤ Detailed, Simple & Easy. Nice & Neat! Thanks For Sharing! 😊I've been crocheting Off & on for well over 40 years.

[@meemamakes]

So glad you found this tutorial awesome😊

[@leannac2743]

This is BEAUTIFUL! Your tutorial is the easiest to follow...thank you!

[@meemamakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hevchip741]

That is so neat, thank you.

[@meemamakes]

You’re so welcome 😊

[@jessicakent3100]

Wow wow this is awsome finishing touches to sewing granny squares love your instructions so clear an precise love watching your videos

[@meemamakes]

Thank you so much, happy you like my videos :)

[@rosehernandez5313]

Thank you for sharing this. I'll try it on my next project. Merry Christmas!

[@meemamakes]

Happy Christmas! Glad this was helpful 🥰

[@vandana9279]

Wow! I replayed it many a times to see heavens where is that red thread gone. I struggled so much while joining my first ever grannies. Thank you. My go to tutorial channel from now onwards 😊

[@meemamakes]

Oh wow Thankyou 🥰 I’m so happy you liked the tutorial!

[@vickiereed643]

OH BEAUTIFUL 🎉

[@levernelogan4914]

I love this thank you so much ❤

[@meemamakes]

You're so welcome!

[@marybarratt2649]

A really good tutorial explaining clearly how to join squares invisibly. Really helpful. Thank you.

[@meemamakes]

I’m so glad this was helpful for you ☺️