I just saw my blanket raw edge come off. I didn’t want to throw it away, as it is my favourite blanket. That’s when the sewing blanket stitches came to my mind.
So, I decided to learn how to hand sew a blanket stitch. So, I ran to Grandma’s house and asked her to teach me.
She said-
Hand Sew A Blanket Stitch
To hand sew a blanket stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric edge, loop the thread behind the needle, and pull through to create a series of evenly spaced loops along the edge.
-Just it, Grandma?
-No, There is more to the process. Stay with me to learn how to sew a blanket stitch?
In Short Blanket Stitch Process:
Decide your direction, thread your needle, stitch at a 45-degree angle 1/4 inch above the fabric edge, and wrap around. Then, move to the right for subsequent stitches, adjust the corners, and finish by hiding the thread end between layers of fabric for a perfect blanket stitch.
Table of Contents
Blanket Stitch Step By Step With Pictures At A Glance
If you want to see the blanket stitch process in images then here you go.This will give you a glance at the definition of blanket stitch.
I have describe the whole process in the below.
Get ready for a fun, engaging read—just like the joy of stitching each thread into place.
How To Hand Sew A Blanket Stitch?
To hand sew a blanket stitch, follow 7 steps.
-Let me show blanket sewing projects.
- Blanket Stitch Starting Process
- Thread The Needle
- Stick The Needle
- Continue The Blanket Stitch
- Decide The Blanket Stitch Shape
- Stitch According To The Shape
- End Blanket Stitch
Blanket Stitch Starting Process
First, decide if you want to make a blanket stitch by hand from left to right or right to left.
Most people stitch from left to right row of blanket stitches, but it totally depends on personal preference.
-Which way do you start, Grandma?
-I normally start from the left side. 🧵
Either way, you can do a blanket decorative stitch to join 2 pieces together with embroidery hoops.
Thread The Needle
Thread your 12 size needle with Valdani Perle cotton thread and tie a knot at the end of your thread. Just like you would do it while doing an hand overcast stitch. Push the thread through the needle’s head to thread it.
Leave one end nice and long, and trim the other to about 6 to 12 inches, depending on what you’re comfortable with.
– How do you thread a needle for blanket stitch, Grandma?
-Just thread your needle useal the way.
Stick The Needle
Then, stick the needle through the pieces of fabric at a 45-degree angle from the back to the front. This needle angle is also required in doing slip stitches.
And that should be a 1\4 inches gap above the straight edge of the fabric for basic blanket stitch. You can also apply this trick on back stitching.
That’s how to start blanket stitch!
If you’re worried about the thread slipping, hold down the thread with your left thumb. If you’ve tied both ends of the thread together, you can skip this part.
Continue The Blanket Stitch
If you’re sewing stitch 1 layer leave the knot on the back. If it’s 2 layers, hide the knot between them. This way, your stitches will look neat with the knot tucked inside. Just like the back stitch would look.
Then, wrap the thread around the fabric edge and bring it back through the same spot as the first stitch. Always make your first and last stitches in the same spot. This keeps them nice and straight, blending in with the rest.
After completing your first true blanket stitch, move a bit to the right (or left if you’re sewing stitches in the opposite direction).
If you insert the needle at 45 degrees in the upper end of the line, it will come out directly below the lower line.
Pull the needle through the loose loop that’s formed at a depth of 1\4 inches raw.
The loop should be underneath, with your thread coming out over the top. That’s your first proper blanket stitch done.
That’s the starting point of hand stitched blanket, so make sure to do it the right way.
Decide The Blanket Stitch Shape
Keep going by moving to the right and inserting the needle at the upper end of the line again.
When you hit the corner, poke your needle diagonally across from it. You can stitch down through the same hole as before or make a new one as per your choice. You can do a cross and square or closed blanket stitch.
-Which shape do you normally use, Grandma?
-I normally use a square shape. 🥴 this creates a nice look of blanket stitch.
Stitch According To The Shape
Then, keeping that shape in mind, pull your extra thread sthrough the loop. Just maintain a 5 mm distance between. After poking the needle down, draw it through the loop as usual. That’s your corner stitch complete. This will help you do sewing a straight line by hand.
Push the thread through vertically on the next edge. You can either use the same hole as the corner stitch and the last one on the previous edge or make a new one. It’s up to you. Continue it until you are done.
End Blanket Stitch
Now, it’s time to end the blanket stitch perfectly. To finish the blanket hand stitch, first, go under the first stitch, and gently pull the floss. Then, go under the horizontal (360 degree) part of the stitch and tug the floss up.
Make a 0.25 knot by bringing the needle up through the horizontal part of the stitch and pulling it through the loop.
Tighten the knot gently. However, don’t make too much thread tight. To hide the floss end, run the needle down between the 2 fabric pieces.
Then, bring it up through the top fabric, a little away from the stitching. Finally, cut the excess thread, and the end is hidden between the fabric layers. That’s how do you secure a blanket stitch. And that’s it! You have got a beautiful blanket stitch.
Are you curious to learn more about stitching techniques? Then read out our sewing technique of how to sew a buttonhole by hand.
Blanket Stitch Step By Step With Pictures Pdf
I explained the process in detail but if you wanna see those steps virtually then here is a pdf of the step-by-step process.
If you are passionate about sewing and want to learn it more deeply, then read my sewing book. It will give you all the details.
Thread & Needle For Blanket Stitch
For blanket stitch pick a size 24 chenille or embroidery needle, as they’re sharp and glide smoothly. But that also depends on the blanket stitch pattern.
Choose thicker embroidery thread, like yarn or embroidery floss. Only 2 strands of embroidery floss are enough for a blanket project.
-ok, Grandma, I got it. But what needle and thread do you use normally?
—Okay, I use Valdani Perle cotton thread for blanket stitching. I usually go for size 12 needles because they add a nice dimension without looking bulky on smaller pieces. Plus, they’re guaranteed 100% colourfast. I’ve tested and even used this for every previous stitch.
– How do you thread a needle for blanket stitch, Grandma?
-Just thread the needle in use in ways I have already taught you.
How To Sew A Blanket Stitch By Hand Video?
Practice With Blanket Stitch Variations
-Thank you for teaching me blanket stitch, grandma. But I read in practical embroidery that there are 22 types of blanket stitch. Is that true?
-Those are just an idea. It can be more depending on your skill. But as a beginner, you can practice with-
The whipped blanket stitch is great for adding borders. You can use the same color for the whipping to make horizontal lines pop or mix it up with contrasting colors for a cool two-tone effect. You can even do tacking stitch by hand. If you’re into quilting, the closed blanket stitch is your go-to. It gives edges a clean finish, hiding any wonky cuts like a champ. Feeling fancy? Try the crossed blanket stitch for some decorative flair.
Blanket Stitch Applique
Blanket stitch is not just for blankets. Once you become an expert, you can even make beautiful applique with it.
– how do you hand sew a blanket stitch applique, Grandma?
-That’s easy. To hand sew a blanket stitch appliqué, first, cut out your shape and pin it onto the fabric. Thread your needle, knot the end, and start stitching by bringing the needle up through the fabric’s edge and then back down. Before pulling tight, pass the needle through the loop to secure the stitch.
Repeat this process, spacing your stitches evenly until you’ve outlined the entire shape. Finish with a final stitch and knot on the wrong side of the fabric.
Here are a few of my blanket stitch applique works:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Blanket Stitch Used For?
The blanket stitch is a pretty stitch used to tidy up the edges of blankets and fabric. Sometimes, it’s called a cable stitch or crochet stitch. You can see this stitch on both sides of the blanket. It’s also handy for holding down folded hems.
What Hand Stitch Is Also Called A Blanket Stitch?
The blanket stitch, also called open buttonhole, cable, or crochet stitch, is a simple sewing stitch where you make spaced loops. It’s used to tidy up edges, strengthen thick fabrics, and stop them from fraying. You can do it by hand or with a sewing machine.
Is A Blanket Stitch Secure?
Yes, a blanket stitch is generally secure. It’s often used to bind the edges of fabric together, providing both a decorative finish and functional reinforcement.
Final Thought
Thanks, Grandma, for teaching me how to hand sew a blanket stitch.
I think now I can do blanket stitching occasionally.
However, if you are still in doubt, feel free to reach out to us.
We will answer your question.
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