One of the easiest embroidery techniques for beginners to learn is the blanket stitch. It can be applied to the hem’s edge, done as surface embroidery, utilized as a pretty frame or border, or used to secure other embroidered project components in place. Even the edges of the fabric can be finished with it.
Its stitching is made up of open half-loops that are spaced wider apart than a hand-worked buttonhole stitch and resemble an L in reverse. Work them in straight or curved lines, make them bend corners, or arrange them back to back on the fabric’s surface. This stitch can be used for a variety of purposes.
What is “Blanket Stitch’’
A hand stitch called blanket stitch is used on the edge of heavier materials like felt and wool. It can be ornamental, like the attractive borders on blankets, or it can be used to stitch edges of felt toys and other objects together. Embroidery is a sewing technique.
How to do a Blanket Stitch Embroidery? Techniques & Instructions
1- Making Prepared
Mark a few practice lines on your fabric if you are still learning to sew. To indicate where to place your stitches, draw short lines parallel to the main line that is the desired stitch length or work between two lines. Use a ruler and a pencil or water-soluble pen.
Fill the hoop with the fabric. Thread the stitching needle with a length of six-strand embroidery floss that is 12 to 14 inches long. Knot the opposite end.
2- Working the Line as a Stitch
At the start of the main line, bring the needle up through the back of the fabric to the front.
- Lower the needle into the fabric at the top of the initial stitch site (at the top of the first short stitch line if you marked your fabric).
- Wait to draw the needle through; raise the tip in a straight vertical line down from where you inserted it and a short way down the main line.
- As shown, position the working thread behind the needle. Pull the needle through to form a reverse L.
Continue sewing in the same way, separating each thread at regular intervals and ensuring that they are all uniform in size.
3- Circumnavigating Shapes
Blanket stitch is frequently used around the perimeter of shapes, necessitating corner turns.
- Work the last stitch on a side one stitch length from the corner when you reach a corner.
- Work the next stitch with the vertical line at a 45-degree angle, directly at the corner.
Work the first stitch on the new side, one from the corner, after rotating your project 90 degrees. This should result in a square with a diagonal line running across it.
4- Stitch and space length variations
You don’t even need to think about natural variations to alter the appearance of this stitch. Try experimenting with modifying the stitch length or the height instead.
Make taller and shorter stitches in a single or repeated pattern, for instance, or group numerous stitches closely together, leave a space and then repeat.
The buttonhole wheel stitch is one version that works well for sewing flowers. With all the vertical stitches coming together in the middle, this variation is simply a blanket stitch knitted in a circle.
How many threads does blanket stitch require?
You can pick from a variety of thread alternatives. Give a few a try during this lesson.
Use two strands of crewel wool in a big tapestry needle for working chunky blanket stitches along a blanket’s edge.
The normal selection for a size 5 pearl cotton Blanket Stitch Embroidery around a Hardanger design would be a non-divisible size 5. If you’re making needlelace, choose a fine lacemaking or tatting thread that won’t unravel as you work.