Blanket Stitch vs Overcast Stitch By Hand| Which is Better for Your Project?

After learning about blanket stitch vs slip stitch, I became curious. Honestly, it is fun to compare games with it. So I went to Grandma again to annoy her with another comparing game. 😛 and asked her to define blanket stitch vs overcast stitch to me.

She simile and said,

No, it’s not! Overcast stitch is another stitch among the stitch types hand sewing.

And,

The blanket stitch, on the other hand, is bold and proud! It’s designed to make your fabric edges pop. You’ll see visible loops along the edges after a couple of stitches.

What about the sewing technique of Blanket stitch vs overcast stitch clothes? What’s the difference in that? 🫡

Ok listen,

The blanket stitch is all about creating those bold, visible loops. The thread is looped over the edge of the fabric before being pulled tight. It creates that signature loop effect by end sewing by hand.

The overcast stitch is a bit sneakier. It simply slips the needle under the edge of the fabric, catching just a tiny bit of the material each time.  This isn’t used as decorative stitches often.

In short, the blanket stitch guide is all about making a statement with its bold loops, while the overcast stitch quietly does its job in the background, keeping your edges neat and secure without anyone noticing. Blanket stitch even works best on applique.

Ok, I got the point! But what about using them? Are both of them used in blanket edges? I mostly see both of them around the layers of fabric edge!

Blanket Stitch often reinforces the edges and prevents fraying, but its decorative nature sets it apart. You’ll often see it on quilts, blankets, or decorative fabric items.

And the overcast stitch,

It can also be used on blanket edges. But it is also used to close raw edges or seams. Basically, you can use it whenever you want to keep things together.

The overcast stitch is perfect. It keeps the fabric from fraying without drawing attention to itself, giving a more subtle, neat finish.

So, while you can see both stitches around blanket edges, they each have their role. The blanket stitch adds a decorative touch, while the overcast stitch quietly keeps things tidy and secure.

Ok, I think I got the point. I have even taken notes. Here have a look and see if it’s ok or not.

Feature	Blanket Stitch	Overcast Stitch
Purpose	Reinforces edges and prevents fraying, as well as decoration.	It prevents fraying by securing edges, with no decoration.
Visibility	Visible loops along the edge, decorative.	Invisible or subtle on the fabric’s front.
Technique	The needle loops over the fabric’s edge, creating visible stitches.	The needle slips under the edge, creating tiny, hidden stitches.
Use	Common in quilting, appliqué, or finishing edges.	Used for hemming, finishing raw seams, or discreet edges.
Look	Bold, sturdy, and decorative.	Subtle, seamless, and hidden from view.

Grandma said happily, yes, you got the point. Now, you just need to use the perfect stitch in the perfect place.