Blanket stitching is a basic, popular embroidery stitch that can be used as a surface embroidery stitch, a decorative frame or border or an embroidery stitch on the material along the edges of a fabric hem. This is done by using open half-loops of stitching that are similar to hand-worked buttonhole stitches.
These stitches can be worked along straight or curved lines on the fabric surfaces. It can be used along the edges of the fabric as an edge end, or to attach the application.
Modifications to the embroidered version of this stitch include buttonhole stitches, which work side by side, are well spaced, as well as closed or cross blanket stitches and more.
To work the blanket, pull the needle up from the bottom left edge and sert your index through the embroidery fabric at the top of the first stitch position.
Make a vertical stitch and bring the tip of the needle through the fabric at a short distance below the entry point. If working with a marked line, the needle tip is brought forward through the fabric. If it is worked to an edge, the tip of the needle extends beyond the edge of the fabric.
Draw the needle to create an L-shaped half loop using an embroidered thread. At regular intervals, keep gaps at a distance and continue sewing.
To finish, go right to the last stitch.
When approaching an angle, work the last stitch along the stitch length from one of the corners. Work the next stitch in the right hand corner with the vertical line at a 45 degree angle.
Turn the corner and do the first stitching of one stitch length from the corner to the new one. It should create a square with a diagonal line in the middle.
Adding Variety to Blanket Stitch
To change the look of this stitch, you don't even have to look at what the true variations are supposed to be. Instead, play around by changing the stitch length or changing the height.
For example, make a pattern of long and short stitches, or tie multiple stitches together, then create a space and then repeat.
One variation useful for flower stitching is known as buttonhole wheel stitching. This version originally worked the blanket stitch in a circle, with all the vertical stitches now matching at the center.
Example of Blanket Stitch in Use
Not all patterns are appropriate for working with blanket knitting, but some types of designs call for this stitch in practice. A cactus looks great because you are able to sew outlines and needles at the same time.
That said, you can use this stitch to use some interesting textures on your embroidery patterns!
The sample above shows that the blanket stitching works like a piece around your epic piece, used as a way to replace the stitches that are filled in your embroidery. Regardless of how you are using the blanket stitch, the look of the original version is essentially the same.
The blanket stitch blends well with your own or other stitches. Try sewing two rows of blanket stitches so that the vertical lines face each other and tie the nest in the gaps in the opposite row. This is referred to as double blanket stitching.
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