What is a Blanket Stitch

Today stitching has been made simpler due to the technology and methods. You have access to almost everything related to stitching today. Whether it is a sewing machine with a different foot or a variety of stitches, you can find help from possibly anything.

Stitching is not just limited to just patching up fabrics; it has now become a way of decorating and embellishing things altogether. There are plenty of stitches that can help you with that. From hand stitches to the embroidery stitches, you can find a galore of stitches to work on.

In this article, we will talk about a popular stitch, i.e., blanket stitch. You can use different types of fabrics. Blanket stitch can be either done with hand or with a sewing machine. All you need is to master the right way to sew this stitch. So, if you are interested in knowing more, just keep scrolling and exploring.

What is a Blanket Stitch?

It is a famous stitching method used for appliques. You can use it to decorate your fabric or simply add a boundary to your cloth. There are plenty of uses of a blanket stitch. It is created with a straight stitch along the applique edges, succeeded by a perpendicular stitch. There are plenty of sewing machines that offer blanket stitch options. Learning blanket stitch for hand sewing is also easy as it can be.

Step-By-Step Guide to Do Blanket Stitch

Making a blanket stitch is the simplest process of all. Just follow the below steps, and you will get there-:

Supplies you will need

For a normal blanket stitch, you will need a sewing needle and a thread. If you are using it for decorative purposes, then you would need an embroidery needle and thread. If you are going to stitch on some hard fabric like a blanket, it is better to use a thick wool yarn for it. For joining the blanket stitch, you require an all-purpose thread that has several strands intertwined between each other.

Step 1 – Start the Knot

Blanket stitch is all about creating knots. When you start the knot, make sure to make it work as an anchor to the next one. You need to knot the end, be it single or double. Take the needle from the middle and bring it up to the two layers. Your knot should conceal the layers.

Step 2 – Start the Stitch

After prepping the knot, you need to start the stitch. Take the needle down to the bottom and bring it up through the same hole. This way, you will be able to form a loop with thread. Now do the same process and put the needle back through the same loop. Tighten the thread before proceeding.

Step 3 – First Stitch

The first stitch is the most important one, and you would not want to ruin it. Take the needle through the layers of the fabric from top-down. Now wrap the thread beneath the needle. The thread wrapping can get a bit confusing; you just need to wrap it under the needle’s tips. Stitching left to right is one of the preferred ways to go about, but you can choose according to your convenience.

Step 4 – Repeat the Steps

Now you need to repeat the steps until you get a perfect edging of the blanket stitch. You need to use the same thread from top to bottom with thread underneath. You can also use a ruler to get the perfect measurement between the stitches. All the stitches must be in the same measurement.

Different Types of Blanket Stitches to Try

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of blanket stitch that you can learn according to your need. Being a decorative stitch, the blanket stitch can be created in different ways.

Uneven Blanket Stitch

As the name suggests, it is a blanket stitch where the stitch gap is uneven, and there is no ruler measurement while making the stitch. Generally, people make alternate stitches smaller to create the unevenness.

Closely Packed Blanket Stitch

This type of stitch looks good on handkerchiefs and scarves. It is also called the buttonhole stitch that makes the buttonholes. These are done by closely knotting the stitching.

Double Blanket Stitch

It is a type of stitch where you create a parallel blanket stitch giving it a look of teeth. The stitch will look more attractive when done with different color threads. It is a great decorative stitch for the scarfs and other small fabrics.

Boxed Blanket Stitch

Abiding by its name, it is a simple running stitch that looks like boxes. After doing the blanket stitch, you need to run the stitches and connect the consecutive stitches. Leave the alternative stitches so that you can get the perfect boxes.

Closed Blanket Stitch

It is a diagonally made blanket stitch. Consecutive threads will make a triangle. It is simple yet gives a vogue look. You can use it as border stitches or decorative stitch on the cushion covers.

Whipped Blanket Stitch

It is a decorative form of blanket stitch where you compliment the thread on the bottom with a different color. It is a great way to revamp the basic stitch and give it a new identity.

Crossed Blanket Stitch

It is a basic blanket stitch with alternated diagonal stitch making a series of crossed stitches. When you are creating the stitch, make sure your thread is under the needle.

Long and Short Blanket Stitch

Just like the name implies, this blanket stitch looks like a scallop. Just mark the potions you need to stitch and then divide it in equal proportions. The tallest stitch must come between the shorter one. You can draw parallel lines to complete the stitches.

Decorative Blanket Stitch

It is a closely packed blanket stitch completed in two or more groups. It is similar to the ordinary stitch; you just need to make it closely packed.

Pinwheels

It is a decorative blanket stitch where you can make small pinwheel-like designs with the stitches. Pinwheel gives a look of flowers that you can add to your garments. Pinwheels are ideal for creating chromatic designs on fabrics; you can also use wool yarn.

Blanket stitch can be used differently depending upon your purpose. Whether you want to decorate your fabric or fence the edges, the blanket stitch is multipurpose. All you need is to learn it properly and make its right use. The guide mentioned above will help you in learning more about this amazing stitch.

Related Questions

Does blanket stitch stop fraying?

Blanket stitch is for the edge of the fabric that is great to mend the edges and prevent fraying. Though the primary use of blanket stitch is for applique, people have been using it to stop the fraying. So, yes, if you are frustrated by the fabric fraying running your fabric, you can try out a blanket stitch anytime.

Is blanket stitch hard to learn?

Blanket stitch is one of the easiest stitches that you can try. Even if you are a beginner, you can easily try out a blanket stitch. There are different types of blanket stitch that you can try out, but the basic one is quite simple, and you can get hands-on it within a few days. Try checking out YouTube Tutorials to learn about the right way to learn the blanket stitch.

Is chain stitch similar to blanket stitch?

No, both chain stitch and blanket stitch are different but meant for the same purposes. Both chain stitch and blanket stitch are for sewing the fabric’s edges and giving it a proper finish. They both help to prevent the fraying from the edges. It is a great way of securing your fabric.