What if I told you that simple stich names could transform your embroidery into a masterpiece? Imagine waves’ gentle rise and fall or the subtle texture of rolling hills. Now, picture bringing that depth and rhythm to your designs. And of that, you can bring with Long and Short Blanket Stitch.
Here is how it is done-
Long & Short Blanket Stitch
To do the Long and Short Blanket Stitch by hand, make long and short stitches along the edge, looping the thread under the needle each time to create a neat and decorative pattern.
Today, I’ll show you how to do this versatile technique effortlessly. Thread your needle, and let’s begin the stitches for sewing.
Main Facts:
- Long and Short Blanket Stitch creates textured patterns.
- Floral designs, animal fur, waves, and nature scenes.
- Keep stitches consistent in length for smooth flow and texture.
Table of Contents
What Kind Of Embroidery Is Used For Long And Short Stitch?
Long and short stitches are commonly used in thread painting (also known as needle painting) embroidery.
This technique is perfect for creating realistic shading and smooth color transitions, making it ideal for floral designs, animal fur, and portrait embroidery.
Instruction To Do Long And Short Blanket Stitch For Beginners
To do long and short blanket stitches, follow 4 steps:
- Sketch Your Design
- Now Hold The Fabric & Lock The Thread
- Push The Needle a Little Bit High
- Make The Short Stitch
- Secure and Finish
Tools For Long And Short Blanket Stitch
Before you start the stitch gather some blanket stitch guide tool.
| Tool | Recommended Type |
| Embroidery Needle | Embroidery needles (Size 7–9 for finer threads; Size 5–7 for thicker threads) |
| Embroidery Thread | Cotton thread (2-ply for a smooth finish) or Silk thread for a shinier effect |
| Fabric | Cotton, linen, or even fabric |
| Embroidery Hoop | Wooden or plastic hoops (between 5 and 8 inches in diameter) |
| Scissors | Small embroidery scissors (Sharp tips help with precision cutting) |
Sketch Your Design
Before we even pick up the needle, let’s set the stage. Take your fabric and lightly draw a pattern using a piece of chalk or a washable marker. It could be a simple wave, a border line, or flower petals. This is your guide—think of it as the map. It will also work as a sewing inspiration. Done? Great! Now, let’s thread that needle.
Now Hold The Fabric & Lock The Thread
Okay, now hold the fabric nice and tight in your 8 inch embroidery hoop—this makes stitching so much smoother.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric to starting a stitch.
Pull it all the way through, but don’t tug too hard—you want the thread to sit nicely on the surface.
Now, make your first stitch! Insert the needle just a tiny bit away from where it came up. This short stitch is like the opening act—small, neat, and ready to anchor the rest.
Tips:
If you’re working with fine threads or small needles, use a needle threader to avoid frustration. It saves time and keeps your eyes happy!
Push The Needle A Little Bit High
Now that you’ve anchored your first short stitch, it’s time to add a bit of flair! Push the needle up through the fabric again, but this time, place it just a little higher along your guideline. Think of it as stepping forward with the purpose of sewing inspo.
Pulling the thread through, make a longer stitch than the first one, like a german knotted blanket stitch. The contrast between the short and long stitches began. The longer stitch adds a sense of flow and movement, like a wave rising above the surface.
Curious about the length of the long stitch?
Well, it depends on you, actually. But I would like to make 1 inch long stitches for long & short blanket stitches.
Tip:
Keep the spacing between the stitches consistent along the edge. The rhythm of alternating lengths is what gives this stitch its unique texture.
Make The Short Stitch
After completing your long stitch, it’s time to bring balance back to the design with a short stitch. Push your needle up through the fabric closer to your guideline than you did for the long stitch.
Insert the needle back into the fabric just a small distance away, pushing the needle a little lower. And pull the thread through gently. This shorter stitch contrasts with the longer ones, adding texture and dimension to your design.
The shorter stitch will be ½ inch. Basically, it’s shorter than a long one. Keep alternating between short and long stitches. It lets each one complement the other as you move along your pattern.
So, What design speaks to you? Waves or flowers? No matter. It sure is an eye-catching design.
A Fun Idea: Imagine the long stitches as the waves and the short ones as the shorelines. Together, they tell a story. You can create many designs using all common blanket stitch types.
Secure & Finish
Once you reach the end of your pattern, it’s time to end a blanket stitch. Bring the needle to the back of the fabric and tie a small knot to secure the thread. Snip off any excess, and voilà—you’ve just completed your first Long and Short Blanket Stitch!
Take a moment to admire how the uneven lengths create depth and visual interest. It’s pretty cool, isn’t it? If you’re new to this stitch, don’t rush! Work in small sections at a time to keep control over your stitches and design.
If you are still confused, then watch this sewing video of Blanket stitch instructions
Long & Short Blanket Stitch / Hand Embroidery
How To Do A Long & Short Stitch Embroidery
Long and short stitch embroidery is used for shading and blending colors. Start by outlining your design, then make long stitches along the edge. Fill in gaps with shorter stitches, overlapping slightly to create a smooth transition. Continue layering stitches, mixing lengths for a natural gradient. If shading, gradually introduce new thread colors. Keep stitches even and consistent for the best results!
Long And Short Blanket Stitch Embroidery
This is perfect for doing any embroidery. That’s why I tried doing a lot of decorative designs with this. Here, have a look at a few-
Long And Short Blanket Stitch Design
This version of the blanket stitch looks stunning, right? So I did various designs with it, too. For example,
Long And Short Blanket Stitch Design Pdf
This is a very fun and eye catchy design, right? The best part is that you can do this design for every kind of project. But if you are a beginner, then you may feel lost. So, I made this PDF with a beginner-friendly pattern here. Download it and practice on it until you are a pro,
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
What Materials Do I Need For Long And Short Blanket Stitch?
You’ll need embroidery thread, a needle (usually size 7-9), fabric (cotton, linen, or any fabric of choice), an embroidery hoop, and a stabilizer (tear-away or cut-away works best).
What Types Of Designs Are Best For Long And Short Blanket Stitch?
This stitch is great for floral patterns, animal fur/feathers, nature scenes (like trees or leaves), and geometric designs. It works well for filling larger areas with a smooth gradient of color.
Can I Use Long And Short Blanket Stitch On Thick Fabrics?
Yes, but thicker fabrics like denim or canvas may require a stronger needle (like a denim needle) and possibly a more substantial stabilizer to avoid puckering.
Outro
That’s how you can do Long And Short Blanket Stitch.
Isn’t it fun and so stunning? Then, try it out and share it with us. We might add this to our sewing book.
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