How To Sew A Blanket Stitch On A Sewing Machine

Stitching is not just a way to mend your clothes and fabrics, but it is also a great way to make things beautiful. Yes, with different stitching techniques, you can add more elegance and style to your fabric or apparel.

There are plenty of stitching techniques that are primarily used to give a different look to your fabric. One such unique stitching technique is the blanket stitch. Unlike the name suggests, a blanket stitch is not only reserved for a blanket, but you can try it on different fabrics, materials, and apparel. Primarily a blanket stitch is all about edging the blankets, but there are various ways in which you can use a blanket stitch to decorate your fabrics.

In this article, you will learn more about the blanket stitch and how you can use it in your sewing endeavors.

How To Sew A Blanket Stitch on a Sewing Machine?

how to sew a blanket stitch on a sewing machine 

Choose a suitable thread, and set your machine in a blanket stitch. Take a corner of the fabric to start with. Slowly paddle the machine, and to see the forward thread going down, picking up a J and coming back. You must be aware of where your machine is going, so it is advised to take it slow and gradually move with your machine. Practice the stitch regularly to get better.

Steps to Make Blanket Stitch on A Machine

Blanket stitch is one of the embroidery stitches that people use for decorative and functional purposes. It helps in hemming the edges of the fabric and providing an embellished look as well. Blanket stitch can be done on blankets, tea towels, soft toys, tea towels, and everything that is made of some fabric.

Generally, a blanket stitch is a hand stitch that people with the knack of embroidery does. But, today, modern sewing machines have made stitching uncomplicated than ever. Today you can find stitching settings on the machine that lets you try multiple techniques. To do a blanket stitch with a machine, you need to buy one that has a blanket stitch setting.

Follow the below steps to get the blanket stitch right with your sewing machine.

Step – 1 Add The Thread

add the thread

First, you need to choose a thread to do the stitch. You can use embroidery thread as well (if your sewing machine supports). There are many embroidery sewing machines.

Step 2 – Adjust Your Machine Setting

Check for the blanket stitch setting on the sewing machine and turn it on. Before trying it on your fabric, it is essential to try it on a spare fabric just to be sure that the stitch is working correctly.

Step 3 – Set Your Fabric

set your fabric

Once you have turned the blanket stitch on your machine, you need to put your fabric in. Take an edge from where you need to begin and point the needle above that area.

Step – 4 Let The Machine Do The Magic

Slowly press the paddle, so that machine starts stitching. It will start making stitches, you can see the forward thread going down, making a J, and then coming back up. The speed should be slow just to keep the stitch accurate.

Step 5 – Turn the Edge Properly

When it comes to changing the edges without moving the fabric out of the machine, you need to be extra careful as it can ruin your stitch. Let the needle complete the J, stop the paddle, and slowly move the fabric accordingly.

Blanket stitch is more comfortable with a sewing machine; all you need is little patience and practice to master it as a bit of mistake can ruin your entire fabric. Follow the above-mentioned steps to get it right.

How To Sew Blanket Stitch With Hand?

Blanket stitch is conventionally done with hands. Here are a few steps that you must follow to do the blanket stitch with hands-:

  • Take your thread, put it in the needle eye, and tie a knot at the end.
  • Push up the needle to the fabric from the bottom and bring it back from the same hole.
  • Pull gently and stop before you pull the thread completely
  • Bring the needle back through the created loop. Straighten the thread tightly to ensure your first stitch.
  • Make the similar stitches at a specific distance on your fabric.

How To Stitch Corners With Blanket Stitch

how to stitch corners with blanket stitch

A blanket stitch is the best technique to stitch the corners. Sew normally till you reach the corner and stop. You need to prepare beforehand and adjust the spacing. Go to your last stitch from the bottom and bring the needle out diagonally to the corner. Go back to the bottom and pull out the thread at a 90-degree angle.

How To Blanket Stitch Applique

Blanket stitch is all about creating beautiful designs with your threads. To create alluring edges on the applique, you can use the blanket stitch with your hand or machine. Also, blanket stitch applique helps in preventing fraying with the thread lined along the edge of the cut-out fabric.

If you are going to applique woven fabric, it is essential to add interfacing to add body and avoid frays. It not only gives stability but also helps in holding the shape right.

The blanket stitch applique is quite similar to stitch two fabric together. Start with hiding the knotted thread between the layers of the fabric. Create the first stitch as if you are sewing the two pieces together.

Bring up the needle and pull to get a loop. Now, put your needle through the loop and pull it towards the edges. The first stitch is the anchor stitch that holds the applique.

Now start sewing the blanket stitch just like you do. Make sure to be attentive to the direction of the needle; it should not stray away from the edges of the applique.

What Supplies Do You Need For Blanket Stitch

what supplies do you need for blanket stitch

Whether you are sewing with hand or machines, there are some essential things that you would need to complete your stitch properly. Here is a list of things that you would need.

For Decorative Blanket Stitch

  • Embroidery Thread: These threads are made for embroidery and used for hand stitching.
  • Embroidery Needle: There are different types of embroidery threads available in the market. It might be quite challenging to get the embroidery thread through the needle eye, make sure to use a bigger needle.

For Joining Blanket Stitch

  • An all-purpose thread is a great option to provide a thicker look to your thread. For instance, you can use embroidery thread that comes in intertwined strands.
  • You would also need a hand sewing needle. Choose a needle according to the thread. For instance, if you are using a normal thread, you can go with the small-sized needle. In case, you are using embroidery thread; you might need a bigger needle.

Related Questions

Can You Change Threads Between The Blanket Stitch?

can you change threads between the blanket stitch

Blanket stitch is an embroidery stitch, so you would need to make it as attractive as possible. Changing the threads in blanket stitch is possible with both hand and machine stitch.

For hand stitch, you need to knot off the last stitch with the first thread, take a small stitch from where you left with a new thread. Keep sewing until you want to change the thread again.

With a machine, you need to follow the same step. Complete a row of stitches and do a knot stitch where you want to end the thread. Now open the thread tray and add a new thread. Start from where you left and go slow with the stitches.

Which Thread To Use in Blanket Stitch?

You can use different threads to do a blanket stitch. It can be done with six-strand embroidery floss, yarn, pearl cotton, and many other conventional threads used for sewing. Being an embroidery stitch, you can try different types of threads to make your stitch more beautiful.

Jessica

Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress. Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years. I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills. It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.

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