I was doing embroidery with blanket stitches that day. I wanted to add some knotted effect. But I don’t understand how I can do it. 😐 so I ran to Grandma and asked her about the solution. She said, ‘You can try German knotted blanket stitch.’
That’s new! I ask her to show me how to do it. She threaded the needle and said-
German Knotted Stitch
To do the German Knotted Blanket Stitch, create a basic blanket stitch and add a knot to each loop by wrapping the thread around the needle before tightening.
Umm, that’s interesting! I insisted her show me this blanket stitch style in detail. So she began explaining.
Key Takeaways:
- The German Knotted Blanket Stitch is a classic sewing types of blanket stitch.
- Use a size 24 chenille needle and size 3 or 8 embroidery floss for best results.
- Medium-weight fabrics like cotton or linen work well.
Table of Contents
German Knotted Blanket Stitch Let’s Do Embroidery With
German knotted blanket stitch is basically a blanket stitch but with a knot on the top as you can tell by sewing stitch names. The technique is even easier, as the definition sounds easy.
Basically, to do a German knotted blanket stitch, you just need to follow 4 steps.
- Step 1: Draw A Straight Baseline
- Step 2: Anchor The Thread
- Step 3: Move A Short Distance & Push The Needle
- Step 4: Make Another Stitch Close To 1st Stitch
- Step 5: Slide The Needle Under 2 Stitch
Tools For German Knotted Blanket Stitch
To start a stitch, you need a few tools. Such as:
| Tools | Details |
| Embroidery Needle | Ideally, use a size 24 chenille needle |
| Thread | a size 3 or 8 embroidery floss as a single strand |
| Fabric | Select any fabric suitable for embroidery, such as cotton, linen, or canvas. |
| Embroidery Hoop | Optional but helps keep the fabric stable. If you want to hoop, then use a 15-18cm hoop. |
Draw A Straight Baseline
The first thing you’ll want to do is draw a straight baseline on your fabric. Don’t worry, this part is super easy and helps keep your stitches neat and aligned.
Lay your fabric flat (or secure it in an embroidery hoop if you prefer) and mark out a straight line where you want your stitches to go. It can make it even easier to space your stitches evenly.
Trust me, taking a few extra minutes to set this up will make your stitching process smoother! You can do this to blanket stitch all steps.
Use a washable fabric marker and a clear ruler for precise, smudge-free baselines and evenly spaced stitches.
Grandma tips
Anchor The Thread
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at your starting point.
Pull the thread through until the knot at the end of the thread rests locked against the back of the fabric. This creates a secure starting point for your stitch and keeps everything neat. If you’re working without a knot.
For example, when you want to avoid bumps on the backside.
Grandma Says-
Relax Your Hands– Keep your hands loose and steady; tight hands can pull stitches too hard or distort the fabric.
Move A Short Distance & Push The Needle
Move on to the next stitch; simply push your needle a short distance away, about ¼ inch, like double blanket stitching.
Now, insert the needle font through the fabric and push it back in through below line. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first; the magic happens when you practice!
Gently pull the thread through, keeping the loop loose enough for the next steps. This will create the 1st line of blanket stitch. Like you would do for long and short blanket stitches.
Make Another Stitch Close To 1st Stitch
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, positioning it close to the first stitch—just a small distance away, around 1 inch or the spacing you’ve decided on. This closeness is important to maintain a consistent and polished look.
So, Insert the needle down into the fabric again. Ensure the placement lines up evenly with the previous stitch. Keep your movements smooth and controlled. Then, pull the thread gently to avoid puckering the fabric.
The goal is to create a clean, continuous line of stitches that flow naturally along your guideline.
Grandma Tips for blanket stitching:
Use a ruler or fabric marking pen to lightly draw evenly spaced dots or lines to guide consistent stitch placement.
Slide The Needle Under 2 Stitch
To add the distinctive knot detail, slide the needle carefully under the two threads of the previous stitch.
Gently guide the needle through without piercing the fabric, ensuring it glides smoothly under both threads.
Grandma tips-
Thread Has a Mind of Its Own– Always guide your thread with gentle fingers. Pull it slowly to avoid tangles or loops that misbehave.
Pull it all through until it knots the 2 stitches down. That’s the knot that makes it the German knotted blanket stitch.
Now, keep repeating the swipe gestures until the end. And at the end, give it a knot to secure it.
My grandma explained the whole process pretty easily, but if you are still confused then here is a video tutorial for you Knotted Blanket Stitch
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The German Knotted Blanket Stitch Used For?
This variation of blanket stitch is perfect for decorative borders, edging fabrics, and adding texture to embroidery projects. It’s both functional and artistic, making it ideal for enhancing your designs.
Can Beginners Learn The German Knotted Blanket Stitch?
Absolutely! Adding the knot is a simple next step if you’re familiar with basic blanket stitches. With a bit of practice, beginners can master it quickly.
Final Thought
Grandma always gives me sewing inspiration. So, learning from her never goes wasted, and I love what she teaches. After learning from her, I never got stuck anywhere. So when I tried the German knotted blanket stitch, it went smoothly.
If you want more embroidery tutorial like this, then you can check out our book.
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