Blanket Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step
Blanket Stitch is a beginner-level hand embroidery stitch that makes edge-finishing line of L shapes. Stitchers use it for applique edges, felt, blanket edges. To start, come up on the lower line and go down a step to the right on the upper line. It is usually learned alongside feather stitch.
Blanket Stitch is a beginner-level hand embroidery stitch that makes edge-finishing line of L shapes. Makers use it for applique edges, felt, blanket edges.
The table below sums up blanket stitch in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Hand embroidery |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Edge-finishing line of L shapes |
| Best for | Applique edges, Felt, Blanket edges |
How do you work blanket stitch?
- Work from left to right. Bring the needle up on the lower line (or at the fabric edge).
- Insert the needle on the upper line, a step to the right.
- Bring the needle up directly below on the lower line, with the working thread under the needle tip.
- Pull through to form an L.
- Repeat with even spacing and height.
Blanket Stitch is one of the stitches covered in applique for beginners. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the embroidery hoop size calculator will pick a hoop for the piece you are edging.
What are the most common blanket stitch mistakes?
- Thread not under the needle, so no loop catches
- Uneven spacing on corners
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does blanket stitch lead next? Herringbone Stitch is the natural step up: herringbone stitch finishes a hem or a crazy quilt seam with a crossed band.
Which stitches are related to blanket stitch?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of blanket stitch, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feather Stitch | n/a | Intermediate | Branching zigzag of open loops |
| Fly Stitch | n/a | Beginner | Open V or Y shape anchored at the base |
| Herringbone Stitch | n/a | Intermediate | Crossed zigzag band between two lines |
What other beginner hand embroidery stitches should you learn?
- Running Stitch: outlines, sashiko
- Backstitch: lettering, outlines in cross stitch
- Split Stitch: outlines, padding under satin stitch
- Stem Stitch: stems and vines, curved outlines
- Outline Stitch: outlines, redwork
- Chain Stitch: bold outlines, lettering
- Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain): flower petals, leaves
- Fly Stitch: leaves, grass
- Cross Stitch: counted designs on aida and evenweave, samplers
- Couching: metallic threads, yarn and cord
- Seed Stitch (Embroidery): textured fills, shading
Tools for hand embroidery
Morgan No-Slip Embroidery Hoops, 5, 7 and 9-Inch Set
Under $50No-slip hoops keep fabric drum tight so stitches sit evenly.
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DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
Under $100One hundred colors of six-strand cotton floss for any design.
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Gingher 3.5-Inch Stork Embroidery Scissors
Under $25Small, sharp scissors for trimming threads close to the fabric.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is blanket stitch?
Blanket Stitch is a hand embroidery stitch that makes edge-finishing line of L shapes. Makers reach for it for applique edges, felt, blanket edges. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do blanket stitch step by step?
1. Work from left to right. Bring the needle up on the lower line (or at the fabric edge). 2. Insert the needle on the upper line, a step to the right. 3. Bring the needle up directly below on the lower line, with the working thread under the needle tip. 4. Pull through to form an L. 5. Repeat with even spacing and height. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What projects use blanket stitch?
Blanket Stitch suits applique edges, felt, blanket edges. To size a project before you start, the embroidery hoop size calculator will pick a hoop for the piece you are edging, and applique for beginners walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with blanket stitch?
The most common problems are: thread not under the needle, so no loop catches; uneven spacing on corners. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after blanket stitch?
Herringbone Stitch is the usual next step, because herringbone stitch finishes a hem or a crazy quilt seam with a crossed band. It is rated intermediate here, against beginner for blanket stitch. Its own step-by-step page is at herringbone stitch.
What stitches are similar to blanket stitch?
Stitches closely related to blanket stitch include Feather Stitch, Fly Stitch, Herringbone Stitch. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
