Difficulty:
| This stitch is best for: Outlines
The blanket stitch is a versatile and decorative stitch that can be used for various purposes such as creating borders, edging fabric, and attaching appliques. It is an easy stitch to learn and is commonly used in embroidery, sewing, and quilting projects. It can be stitched on an edge to secure 2 fabrics together, or it can also be stitched on an embroidery design, usually as an outline. For blanket stitch, you can keep the fabric towards you and stitch left to right.
How to do the Blanket Stitch
- Start the stitch: Insert your needle into the fabric from back to front, leaving a tail of thread at the back. If you are sewing 2 fabrics shut, insert your needle from between the two fabrics so the starting knot is hidden between the fabrics.
- Stitch over: Bring the needle over edge of the fabric and reinsert from the same position as the previous step, creating a loop.
- Secure the stitch: Bring the needle up through the loop from underneath, and pull the thread tight.
- Stitch forward: Insert the needle into the fabric from back to front, about 1/4 inches (0.6cm), away from the previous stitch, creating a loop. Insert your needle through the loop from underneath and tighten the thread.
- Repeat: Repeat Steps 3-4 until your design is complete.
- End the stitch: When you have completed your row of blanket stitches, insert your needle into the fabric from back to front, near the last stitch, and tie a knot at the back of the fabric.
Tips
- Practice on a scrap piece of fabric before starting on your project to get comfortable with the stitch.
- Use a hoop or frame to keep your fabric taut and in place while stitching.
- Experiment with different thread colors and stitch sizes to create unique and personalized designs.
- Take breaks as needed to prevent eye strain and hand fatigue.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Embroidery is a forgiving craft and mistakes can often be corrected or incorporated into the design.