After learning to make a blanket stitch from grandma, I gave it an extra touch. So that’s why I wanted to learn how to blanket stitch applique. This is the easiest way to do embroidery with it. That’s why I decided to give it a try.
Appliqué is a fun needlework technique where you sew fabric patches onto a larger piece to create pictures or patterns. You can do basic different types of stitches on it. With this thought, I went to the market to buy applique. But when I reached, there are many types of applique such as:
- Reverse Applique
- Raw Edge Applique
- Fused Applique
- Smooth Edge Appliqué
- Round Applique
All those options confused me. 😐 Wouldn’t decide which one to get.
So, after thinking for quite some time, I decided to go with a round applique. This is even perfect for Long And Short Blanket Stitch or overcast stitch.
Since it’s my first, I decided to go easy with it. So I grabbed the round one and went to grab thread & needle. And that’s another struggle! 😑For appliqué, you can use different types of threads depending on your needs and sewing stitch names.
- Polyester
- Monofilament
- Rasant
- Aurifil
Among those, I chose polyester 100wt and threaded the needle with 24-size needle. Pull 3 strands of embroidery floss and cut them to 18 inches. You can even do a leather blanket stitch with it.
So, let’s start with
How To Blanket Stitch An Applique
To start the blanket stitch applique, I place the applique on the fabric.
Place it while keeping in mind your design. Cause the placement will define your whole design. Since I’m making this sewing book, it should be perfect.
And to hold the applique to the fabric, pin it down the applique.
And then iron it at 350°F for 20 seconds or 375°F for 15 seconds. This will stick the applique with fabric.
Alright, now let’s get start a sewing needle! Push the needle through the base fabric just below the edge of the appliqué.
Then, pull the needle through until the knot stops it. This Blanket stitch techniques is same on all Blanket stitch shape.
Now, bring the needle up through the edge of the appliqué fabric.
You want to ensure the needle comes up right at the edge of the shape so it forms a little loop of thread above it.
But wait! 🫷
Don’t pull the needle all the way through just yet! Leave that little loop in place. You’re setting up the first blanket stitch.
Ready for the next part? Let’s keep going to inspire you to sew 😛
Next, bring the needle down into the base fabric,
just a tiny bit below where you brought it up. This creates the stitch that anchors the loop in place.
As you pull the needle through, you’ll notice the thread forming that beautiful little loop above the appliqué shape.
Keep the loop nice and tight but not too tight—it should sit flat and neat on the fabric.
If you run out of thread, just put it in and continue the stitch.
As you keep stitching, you might notice the loops aren’t as even as you want them to be—that’s normal!
Here’s how you can adjust them:
If the loops look too loose, gently pull on the thread to tighten them up . You want the loops to sit snugly against the appliqué, not too tight, or they might distort the fabric. If the loops are too tight, give the thread a little slack.
Also, keep an eye on the spacing between each stitch. Keep them consistent in size so your blanket stitch looks neat and even around the appliqué.
I usually keep my stitches about ⅙ inch from the edge of the felt.
Now, repeat this process along the edge, and you’ll see the blanket stitch come to life! If you are still confused, then watch this video. It’ll give you a clear guideline.
How to: Blanket Stitch AppliquéSo that’s it for today! Come back next time if you wanna learn more. Sewing inspo got all things covered. 😎
And if you wanna try something different, then try doing blanket stitch with felt.
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