The slip stitch is a great hand sewing stitch for closing an opening in a seam from the right side of the fabric, or outside of the project. Even though you’re sewing on the outer surface of the project, the stitches are virtually invisible. I use the slip stitch often in finishing projects, including the latest Passover matzah cover pattern. The slip stitch also comes in handy for mending seams in pillows and stuffed toys. Everyone appreciates a torn teddy bear that’s repaired as good as new.

The slip stitch is easy to sew, and this short video tutorial shows you how it works. The tutorial is broken down into two videos. The first shows how to start off and how to sew the basic slip stitch. The second video shows how to end the stitch in a way that hides the final knot and the end of the thread.

If you prefer written instructions to video, take a look at the blog post How to Sew a Slip Stitch and Close a Seam Invisibly.

And here’s the neat finish:

You’ll find the Passover Matzah Cover Pattern in the shop.

Maria Bywater is the author of Sew Jewish: The 18 Projects You Need for Jewish Holidays, Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations, and Home. She teaches hands-on Judaica sewing workshops.