Mastering the Blanket Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
The blanket stitch is a beautiful and functional embroidery technique that’s perfect for edging fabric, adding decorative flair to sewing projects, or securing appliqués. If you’re embellishing a handmade quilt, finishing a felt ornament, or crafting a personalized gift, the blanket stitch combines durability with elegance. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a perfect blanket stitch on fabric—even if you’re a complete beginner.
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What Is the Blanket Stitch?
The blanket stitch is a type of hand stitch that loops thread along the edge of fabric. It’s most commonly used for decorative edging, especially on thick materials like felt, fleece, or wool. While it's decorative, it also helps prevent fraying and gives your work a neat, finished look.
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What You’ll Need
Fabric – Choose a fabric with a stable edge. Felt and wool work well.
Embroidery floss or thread – Use contrasting colors for a decorative effect.
Embroidery needle – Make sure the eye is large enough for your thread.
Scissors
Fabric marker or chalk (optional) – To draw a guide line.
Embroidery hoop (optional) – Helps keep fabric taut and easier to work with.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Thread
Cut a length of embroidery floss (about 18 inches is manageable). Thread your needle and knot the end of the floss.
Step 2: Anchor the Thread
Start from the back of the fabric and push your needle to the front at the bottom corner of the edge. Pull the thread through until the knot catches.
Step 3: Create the First Stitch
1. Insert your needle from the front to the back about 1/4 inch to the right along the edge.
2. Bring the needle back up directly below that point, near the edge.
3. Before pulling the needle all the way through, loop the thread under the needle tip.
4. Pull the needle through gently. You should see a horizontal bar of thread forming along the edge.
Step 4: Continue Stitching
Repeat the process:
Insert the needle a short distance (about 1/4 inch) to the right of your last stitch.
Come up at the edge directly below.
Loop the thread under the needle and pull through.
Continue this stitch evenly along the edge of the fabric. Keep the length and spacing of the stitches consistent for a neat finish.
Step 5: Ending the Stitch
To finish:
Make your last stitch as usual.
Anchor it by inserting the needle just behind the last stitch and make a tiny knot or backstitch on the underside.
Trim excess thread.
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Tips for a Perfect Blanket Stitch
Spacing matters: Keep your stitch lengths and gaps consistent.
Use a guide: Lightly draw a line for even stitch placement.
Practice on scrap fabric: Before working on your final piece.
Use an embroidery hoop: It keeps fabric taut and easier to handle.
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Common Uses of the Blanket Stitch
Appliqué work – Secures fabric patches decoratively.
Edge finishing – Prevents fraying on handmade blankets, scarves, and more.
Decorative embroidery – Adds a handmade touch to DIY projects.
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The blanket stitch is both charming and practical, offering clean edges and a handmade aesthetic. With a little practice, you’ll find it easy to add this classic stitch to your crafting toolkit. If you’re embellishing a cozy fleece blanket or crafting a felt toy, the blanket stitch brings texture, strength, and beauty to your fabric projects.
Happy stitching!