Blanket stitch is most often used right along the edge of a fabric as a way of giving a nice look to unfinished sides of material and helping to prevent those raw edges from fraying. The name really does come from the fact that it was originally used along the edges of blankets.
Blanket stitch is one of my favorite embroidery stitches and one that I commonly use along with felt, often as a more decorative way of stitching two pieces of felt fabric together. See how to do blanket stitch step by step with photos and written instructions.
I tend to use blanket stitch more for appliqué than as an edging and you will see a good example of where I've used it below. In many cases, I'll work this around curved shapes and not just in a straight line. Either way it's an extremely useful stitch to know how to work for many craft projects.
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Easy Instructions for How to Do Blanket Stitch Sewing by Hand
Some people like ordinary sewing threads but I always prefer to use Anchor 6 stranded embroidery floss threads simply because these are the same ones I've used since I was a young girl. There is no right or wrong with which thread to use, it's merely down to your personal preference.
SEE MY UPDATED TUTORIAL ON BLANKET STITCH - HERE
My embroidery threads are stored in clear plastic thread boxesto keep them clean and I have them organized into color groups so it is easy to find what I want when I need them.
Step 1: Threading Your Needle Before Sewing
You might like to sew with a single strand of thread but I really prefer to double up my embroidery thread so you get a thicker and more defined line of stitches.
To double up your thread, take a long strand of your chosen color and thread one end through a needle that will pass easily through the fabric you intend to sew. The needle should glide through.
Position the needle in the middle of the piece of thread: do this by holding both ends of the thread up at roughly the same height so the needle naturally falls to the center. Then place a knot near the end of your doubled-up thread.
Step 2: Choose a Starting Point for Your Needle to Begin Sewing
Choose a starting point close to the edge of the fabric or applique you're working on (anywhere between 5-10mm works well for me) and push the tip of your needle up through the back of your fabric.
Gently pull the needle and the thread all the way through to the front until you feel the knot reach the back of the fabric and then stop.
If you pull this thread too quickly or with too much force, you risk pulling the knot at the end through your fabric which will probably create an unsightly hole. Just take your time until you're confident with making blanket stitch and then you can experiment with your pulling tension and speed.
Step 3: Think About Regular Spacing
Place the tip of the needle in line with the starting point of the thread but further down. How much further is up to you since this will create either a short or a long stitch depending on the spacing used.
To begin with, I'd suggest trying a measurement of approx. 5mm down while you are learning blanket stitch and until you decide on your own preference.
I generally work small and neat stitches with a spacing of 3-5mm for small applique projects and larger if working on a bigger project such as pennant banners / bunting, cushions or home decor. But then my starting point would also be larger and further away from the edge of the fabric.
Step 4: Forming a Loop of Thread
Start to push the needle and thread through but don't pull it through all the way, you need to leave a small loop like the one shown in the photo on the left.
So at this point, you'll have a loop of thread at the front of your fabric and a length of thread attached to the needle coming out at the back.
We've formed part of your first stitch but if you carried on pulling your needle and thread then you would end up making a plain straight or running stitch, so leaving a small loop is necessary to the second part of the blanket stitch.
Step 5: Making Your First Stitch
Put your needle through the loop as shown and start to pull the thread through the loop.
When you've pulled the thread all the way through, you're left with your very first stitch.
At this point, the stitch doesn't look very impressive. It looks much like the letter U on its side or a curve. It isn't until you start working the next or second stitch that the real pattern forms. So don't think you've gone wrong somewhere, you just need to be patient and wait until you've worked more stitching.
Step 6: The 2nd Stitch Starts to Form the Blanket Stitch Pattern
This photo shows the rather underwhelming first stitch that looks like a sideways letter U or a reverse letter C if you like.
It also shows where to place the tip of your needle to work the next part. Try and place the needle point so that your stitches are the same length apart.
To produce your second stitch, place the tip of the needle about 3-5mm down from the previous stitch (or whatever particular spacing you used) and start to push the needle and thread through the fabric but don't pull it all the way through.
Step 7: Creating an Edging Stitch
As before, don't pull the thread through all the way to the back of the fabric, leave a small loop as shown in the photo here.
Push the needle through the loop and pull the thread gently through. Now you should be able to see how the edging of the stitch is forming. It's almost like you're making backwards or reverse letter Ls.
Use Stronger Polyester Gutermann Threads if Embroidery Floss Breaks Too Often
Step 8: Repeat the Process to Continue Blanket Stitching
Continue working your stitches in this way from step 6 onwards to make the Blanket Stitch edging. Once you are confident with the stitch, you'll find it easy to work it around curved as well as straight edges. In reality, once you've learned this stitch by heart, it is incredibly quick to do.
Blanket stitch can also be worked in the middle of a fabric and not just along an edge. It can work as a decorative stitch to join one fabric to another as with applique. The stitch is worked in exactly the same way (along the edge of one fabric) and the only real difference is that you have to place the needle through both fabrics as you work in order to join them together.
SEE MY UPDATED TUTORIAL ON BLANKET STITCH - HERE
You can see an example of this stitch worked on my little Owl below which was made using embroidered fabric, buttons for eyes and colored craft felt.
An Example of Blanket Stitch with My Plush Owl:
If you've never tried this embroidery stitch before then I hope you feel like you can give it a go now because it is a great one to master. Or perhaps you've got a refresher instead. I can't wait to be sharing more techniques and tutorials with you on this blog.
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FAQs
Easy How To Do Blanket Stitch Step by Step? ›
Blanket stitching can be done with yarn, 6 strand embroidery floss, pearl cotton, and many other threads. Basically, the thicker and heavier the fabric you are using, the thicker the thread and the larger the needle you will be using to blanket stitch.
What are the four steps involved in making blanket stitches? ›- Beginning.
- Edge Sewing.
- Adding a New Thread.
- Finishing.
Blanket stitching can be done with yarn, 6 strand embroidery floss, pearl cotton, and many other threads. Basically, the thicker and heavier the fabric you are using, the thicker the thread and the larger the needle you will be using to blanket stitch.
What are the steps in stitches? ›- Step 1: Unravel and Cut. Start with unraveling the thread from the spool. ...
- Step 2: Weave. Weave the thread through the loop on the one end of the sewing needle. ...
- Step 3: Starting to Sew. ...
- Step 4: Continue to Sew. ...
- Step 5: Tying the Final Knot. ...
- Step 6: Final Cut.
When doing a blanket stitch, it's best to use embroidery thread or yarn, since this is a decorative stitch and the thicker thread stands out more.
What is the best stitch pattern for blanket knitting? ›Seed stitch lies flat like garter stitch, and is reversible, making it great for blankets and two-way scarves. This also makes a good edging for cuffs and sweaters.
What is the fastest blanket stitch? ›Based on the numbers, the consensus is that the double crochet stitch is the fastest to work up. Based on the number of yarn overs and loops to pull, this stitch is a favorite for many! It's fast, it's easy and once you get going, this stitch has a nice, easy rhythm.
What is the easiest knit stitch for a blanket? ›If you plan to make a loose blanket or scarf, choose a simple stitch pattern like garter stitch (knit all stitches in every row), simple ribbing (knit 1/2/3 etc stitches, purl 1/2/3 etc stitches) or seed stitch (known as moss stitch in the UK).
What is a fast crochet stitch for a blanket? ›If you are looking for a quick stitch then the single crochet is the fastest crochet stitch for blanket designs as a beginner, no question. Once you try the single crochet, you could also move on to other basic crochet stitches like the half double crochet and double crochet stitches as well.
Which stitch is the simplest and easiest to do? ›The running stitch is the most basic and most commonly used stitch, in which the needle and thread simply pass over and under two pieces of fabric. It's exactly the same as a basting stitch, except it is sewn more tightly to create a secure and permanent bind.
What is one use for blanket stitch? ›
The blanket stitch is commonly used to finish the raw edges of blankets and other fabrics as well as to tack down folded hems.
How to do double blanket stitch? ›Double blanket is a variation where a second row of stitching is made between the first. You can use the same color thread, or add some pizzaz with a contrasting color. Start by making a row of blanket stitch. Next, flip the stitching upside down and start another row with the stitches placed between the previous row.
What is the easiest crochet stitch to learn? ›The crochet chain stitch is the first basic technique that all beginners need to know. The chain stitch is the simplest stitch on this list. Good thing, too, as it's used as the starting point for almost all crochet patterns. Most patterns start with a number of chain stitches.
What is the easiest thing for a beginner to crochet? ›What is the first thing a beginner should crochet? The first thing a beginner should crochet is a simple scarf or another small rectangular project. These projects are a great way to practice your crocheting skills and try out new stitches and techniques.
What is the simplest hand stitch? ›The running stitch is used for hemming or repairing clothes, to join fabric together, and for top stitching. It is the simplest stitch to learn because the stitch just goes in and out of the fabric. Unlike the backstitch, the running stitch does not double back on any stitches.
How do you make blanket or loop stitches? ›- Hold the edge towards the worker and work the stitch from left to right.
- Place the needle into the right side of the material.
- Pass the single thread of cotton which comes from the material under the point of the needle from left to right.
DOUBE WAFFLE STITCH
Textured stitch patterns make for great blankets. Not only do they look amazing, but the extra weight behind the stitch means the fabric is soft, squishy and super warm. Double waffle stitch is one of my favourites.
Whip stitch, blanket stitch, and running stitch are stitches that help finish edges. While whip stitch almost disappears, blanket stitch creates a decorative look. Thank you for reading!
What is the warmest stitch for a blanket? ›The Single Crochet Thermal Stitch creates a solid, dense and very warm textured fabric. It would be a great choice for warm blankets, heavy sweaters, and mittens!
What is the best border for a blanket stitch blanket? ›If you want the straightest, most efficient border pattern, you'll most likely want to use either the single (sc) or half double crochet (hdc) stitches. These two stitches will create the cleanest and smallest border around your crocheted blanket.
What is the most popular knitting pattern ever? ›
The most famous knitting patterns from around the world include the Fair Isle knitting design from Scotland, the Icelandic lopi sweater, and the Irish knit sweater.
What is the hardest stitch to do? ›Typically, the Jasmine Stitch is considered by crocheters to be the hardest stitch to learn. It is certainly a beautiful stitch, but it uses a very unconventional technique that doesn't always come naturally to people.
What is the easiest baby blanket stitch? ›Single Crochet Stitch
Since the single crochet is one of the first basic stitches that is learned in crochet, you will find that this stitch is quick to learn. It is perfect for any easy baby blanket since it is just one simple stitch worked back and forth in rows.
Backstitch is the strongest stitch that you can sew by hand. This makes it one of the top stitches that you should learn how to work for your own sewing projects. ⭐ Backstitch is a variation of a straight stitch.
What is the easiest fastest thing to knit? ›Some of the easiest projects for first-time knitters include scarves, baby blankets, and dishcloths. These patterns can be knitted up quickly and only require knowing one or two stitches, worked back and forth.
What crochet pattern works up the fastest? ›1. Double Crochet (dc) The double crochet stitch (treble crochet – tr – in UK terms) creates a medium density fabric and works up quickly. With only one yarn over and two loops to pull through, it's an easy and efficient stitch.
What are the 4 four classifications of embroidery stitches? ›Some of the basic stitches of embroidery are running stitch, cross stitch, stem stitch, back stitch, satin stitch, chain stitch and blanket stitch. Stitches are categorized to stitch families based on the nature of the technique used to create the individual stitch.
What are four rules for working stitches? ›Use the correct size of needle and right types of thread for the fabric. Fasten on and off securely/start with a double stitch and end with a double stitch. Wear a thimble on the middle finger of the hand which is used for sewing. Work one stitch at a time.
What are the four main stitches used in the production of knitted fabrics? ›The basic stitches in weft knitting are face loops, reverse loops, float stitches and tuck stitches. Transferring stitches to adjacent needles creates openwork effects (Tables 1.7 and 1.8). Single jersey fabrics are knitted on one bed of needles which means that the loops are all intermeshed in the same direction.
What is the correct sequence of making cloth? ›- A. Fibre→fabric→yarn. No worries! We've got your back. ...
- B. Fibre→yarn→fabric. Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses.
- C. Fabric→yarn→fibre. No worries! We've got your back. ...
- D. yarn→fibre→fabric. No worries! We've got your back.
What are the 7 processes of fabric before it is sewn into clothes? ›
Apparel manufacturing process - common steps
Garment production is an organized activity consisting of sequential processes such as laying, marking, cutting, stitching, checking, finishing, pressing and packaging. This is a process of converting raw materials into finished products.
Generally, we need to wash, dry, and iron the fabric before we start sewing. Well, it would be a shame if our newly finished outfit would become too small on your first wash. The reason behind this is that most of the fabric shrinks when you wash it for the first time.
What is the easiest and quickest stitch to make? ›Of all the basic embroidery stitches, running stitch is the easiest to master. This quick stitch is perfect for borders and outlines. You can change the look by lengthening or shortening the stitches.
What is the simplest and quickest stitch to do? ›The Running Stitch is the simplest and quickest of all embroidery stitches and creates simple lines and outlines. So many stitches use the running stitch as the basis, like the Whipped Stitch and Laced Stitch. As it name implies, the needle runs in and out of the material at regular intervals.
What are forbidden stitches? ›This type of knot is particular to the rich Chinese silk embroidery where patterns were filled with rows of such fine knots. The name 'Forbidden Stitch' took shape probably because of the knots' association to China's Forbidden City, the home to the Emperor.
What is the most common knitting stitch? ›1. Garter Stitch. The garter stitch is one of the most common and most basic knit stitches.
Which stitch is the most commonly used stitch in stitching fabrics? ›The most used and versatile stitch of all is the straight stitch. It's made by sewing one straight line into another and can vary in length and direction. Set the needle to the center position of the presser foot when using a straight stitch. Use stitch length 2-3 for most sewing.