Blanket Stitch Vs. Slip Stitch| A Crafting Showdown

Recently, I invented a sewing book. That’s why I’m always researching different types of sewing stitches. I often sit with Grandma to discuss sewing stitches. Today isn’t any different. I am stitching with her and ask her about blanket stitch vs slip stitch. Cause I am confused about it.

So I ask her to describe it. She said both are different kinds of stitches, and the  main difference between them is-

Not really slip stitch is normally used in: hemming garments, finishing and closing things like collars & waistbands, and the edge of the fabric. Since it is invisible. You can use it where you need a stitch but don’t want it to be visible.

And

The blanket stitch keeps edges from fraying, strong and steady, like a little safeguard. However, the purpose of this switch keeps changing decorative blanket stitch variations.

Ok, then, what about the looks? Is slip stitch and blanket stitch look the same?

Not quite, dear. They might seem similar at first glance because both use a needle and thread, but they’re very different in how they work and what they’re meant to do.

Really? But they both look like little loops, don’t they?

They do, but the hand sewn blanket is much more visible. You use it on the edges of things, like a blanket or a quilt, to keep the fabric from fraying. It’s strong, steady, and proud. You can see each loop, and it really holds the fabric together.

And the slip stitch?

It works behind the scenes, sneaking under the fabric, holding it together without anyone noticing. The slip stitch doesn’t make a big fuss like the blanket stitch. It stays hidden all the time.

So, one’s bold, and the other’s sneaky? 😜😜

Haha! Exactly!  Both have their place and looks.

Ok, now let’s explain the process technique. Cause I wouldn’t understand how the invisible things work on slip stitch. 🫡

Alright, for the blanket stitch, you start at the edge of your fabric, push the needle through from the back to the front, and loop it over the edge before pulling it through. You keep repeating this. It will make little loops along the edge. It’s bold and meant to be seen. The stitch length definition will depend on it.

So, does it make a line of loops on the edge?

Exactly! Now, for the slip stitch, you’re attaching two pieces of fabric, but the stitch stays hidden. You slip the needle just under the fabric on the front, pull it through to the back, and repeat, but only catch a tiny bit of fabric each time.

The stitch stays on the back, so it’s invisible on the front. That’s the difference between blanket stitch vs slip stitch. Got?

What are you doing with your notepad? 😒 Grandma asks me with an annoying face. I said-

Oh, I was taking notes of the difference between blanket stitch vs slip stitch. So that I can look back whenever I feel confused. Or I can share it with my sewing inspo readers. 😉 here, have a look-

Feature	Blanket Stitch	Slip Stitch
Purpose	To reinforce and finish the edges of the fabric	To join two pieces of fabric together invisibly
Visibility	Visible loops along the fabric edge	Invisible on the front, with stitches only seen on the back
Technique	The needle loops over the edge of the fabric, creating a strong, visible stitch	Needle slips under fabric on the front, with tiny stitches on the back
Use	Common in quilting, appliqué, or finishing edges	Used for hemming, attaching linings, or discreet finishes
Look	Bold, sturdy, and decorative	Subtle, seamless, and hidden from view

Haha, it’s so on point. You sure are very prepared.

What are you impressed already? Wait, I have more! I also created a Blanket stitch vs slip stitch pdf. 😎 This PDF gives you the inside scoop on the Blanket Stitch vs. the Slip Stitch 2 stitches with very different personalities! 

So after all those talks with Grandma and research of my own, now I can identify them apart. So next time, I’ll choose the right one and use it in the right place.

Wanna compare blanket stitch and then read out blanket stitch vs overlock stitch.