This stitch is simple and easy, yet a beauty. It is called balnket stitch as traditionally, it is used to stitch the edges of blankets. It not only gives the blanket edges a nice look, but also secures it. This stitch is now used used in many other crafting projects as well. This is one of the most sought after stitches.
Blanket stitch is often confused with the buttonhole stitch. Or, rather, it should be said that blanket stitch and buttonhole stitch are oftern considered to be the same. While, some extensive research would logically explain that they are not.
While both stitches are used to secure edges, buttonhole stitch is a sturdier stitch to secure edges of buttonholes. So, traditionally, tailors would use the buttonhole stitch to hand sew the edges of buttonholes.
Blanket stitch can be sewn from left to right or right to left. I prefer the left to right direction. I have illustrated this stitch between two horizontally parallel stitch lines.
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| Fig 1: Bring the needle out through A. Take the needle in through B. Take it out through C, a point in the same stitch line as A. Loop the thread under the needle as shown. | Fig 2: Pull out the needle. Continue with this process till the end of the line. | |
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Fig 3: A portion of the finished blanket stitch would reveal like this. | |
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Fig 4: The blanket stitch can be given an interesting look by just altering the length of the vertical stitch as shown. |
Tags: blanket stitch, blankets, buttonhole stitch, edging stitch, embroidery tutorial, hand embroidery
This website is very helpful. I learned to do embroidery from my Aunts and Grandmother. I live in Labrador and alot of women embroider a ” Labrador Quilt” which I am currently working on; its essiantly 40 squares that have pictures drawn on them of Labrador scenes and animals that you embroider over. This website will hopefully help me in creating my quilt. Thanks,
Amanda
It was good to learn about the Labrador quilts from you. Do share a sample of what you have done with us once you are finished with the project. We would love to see it.
Hi Sarah,
Very impressive website!! Well, I am a beginner in embroidery and I forgot my knotted blanket stitch. Its a blanket stitch with a french knot on the inner side of the design outline. If you have a link or a tutorial for it I would be grateful!! Thanks!
Sravani
Dear Sravani,
Thanks.
I am right now dealing with the blanket stitch family, so the knotted blanket stitch tutorial will be put up soon. You can google to find other tutorials on this stitch too.
Sara
I have been working a table cloth. The four corners and one edge is over. Blanket stitch is used for the flower and the edge. Have a look.
Thank you.
Shami Immanuel.
Wow Shami, this is totally awesome!! One of your best works I guess.
I really love what you have done here. The selection of colors is nice.
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this was a wonderful site….very very helpful….thank you for the help……connie
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I want to thank you for publishing this, they are so helpful!
Hi Sarah,
Can you tell us how to do mirror work? It was taught to us in school….but now i remember only bits n pieces.. that i think it was done using chain or/and blanket???! It would really help if you can post a tutorial on it.
And I will soon post my work which I have done after learning from your website also very soon
Thanks.
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This is a very nice and classic way of using the stitch for appliques.
Thanks for sharing.
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