Blind stitch

A blind stitch in sewing is a method of joining two pieces of fabric so that the stitch thread is invisible, or nearly invisible. Blind stitching hides stitching under folded edges; therefore, this type of stitch can be used to create a blind hem or to join two folded edges together.[1]

Creating of a blind stitch in two steps (cross section and top view)

Blind hem stitches are completely hidden on the front of the garment and almost completely hidden on the inside of the garment.[2] The sewer catches only a few threads of the fabric each time the needle is pulled through the fabric, which means that the majority of the stitching is hidden inside the hem.

Blind stitching is useful when joining two folded edges together, as the thread is only visible when the folded material is pulled away. This technique allows the sewer to invisibly attach pockets, facings and trimmings to a garment.[1]

A slip stitch or catch stitch can be used to create the blind stitch, except that they are worked inside the hem, ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₄ inch (3.2 to 6.4 mm) away from the edge of the hem fabric.[3]

A sewing machine can also create a blind hem. In this case, a specialty presser foot is needed and the sewer must select the stitch pattern dedicated to blind hems.[4] A zigzag stitch technique may be used with a sewing machine to create a blind stitch.

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  Blind stitch variant of the zigzag stitch
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  Production steps of a blind stitch: 1. Fold (inside) 2. iron flat, 3. sew, 4. flatten, 5. turn around (outside)
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  Inside with zigzag
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  Outside with invisible seam

If a blind stitch hits very close to the fold of the material it does not go all the way through it, and can be used in stitching waterproof seams in neoprene[5][6] and kamiks.[7]