How to Sew Blanket Stitch

Co-authored by Shaelynn Haning

Last Updated: February 16, 2024 Approved

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Blanket stitch is used for working the edges of table-covers, mantel valances, blankets, etc., or for edging any other material, including clothing. The blanket stitch is similar to the method used for the buttonhole stitch but there is more space between the stitches and a definite requirement for even regularity. This stitch is also quite easy and would be a good project to do with kids!

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Beginning

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Keep in mind the need for regular stitching when sewing blanket stitch. The blanket stitch is as much decoration as it is functional. Regular stitching with the same space between each one will make your finished product look nice and even.
- You can also alter the vertical stitches for a unique look if you choose. For example, you could have one stitch closer to the edge and the next farther from the edge, then closer again and so on.
Because the blanket stitch is decorative it is better to choose a slightly thicker thread. This way it will stand out against your fabric. It should be whichever color you prefer to go along with your fabric.

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Push the thread through the head of the needle to thread it. Leave one end long and the other shorter, about 6- 12 inches (15-30 cm). With kids, it might be better to do a double thread and tie both ends together at the long end. This way they do not get frustrated if the thread comes out of the needle.
This will either be left to right or right to left. Many prefer left to right although either direction will work fine.
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Push the needle through the cloth from back to front about half an inch (1 cm) away from the edge. Use your left thumb to hold down the thread so it does not pull through the needle (if you have knotted both ends of the thread together then this is not necessary). Starting back to front will leave your knot on the back side where it won't be seen easily.
- If you are sewing one layer then the knot should be on the back side of your fabric.
- If you are sewing two layers then the knot should be between the two fabrics where it will not be seen. Once you have finished sewing the knot will be inside and the stitches will thus look neater.
- If you are sewing in from the edge (two pieces of fabric with one on top smaller than the other) then this first stitch should come out along the bottom edge of the fabric on top.^{[1]
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Your first and last stitches should always be two jumps in the same spot. This way the first and last stitches are vertical like the others rather than on a diagonal.
If you are sewing left to right then your needle should be pushed through to the right along the edge of the fabric. The opposite is true if you are sewing right to left. This anchors your thread but is not a true stitch.

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Shaelynn Haning
Professional Tailor & Business Owner
Shaelynn Haning is a Tailor & Business Owner based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Shaelynn is the founder of the highest-rated and most-reviewed alterations and tailoring service in Oklahoma, Tallgrass Tailor, employing a team of skilled craftsmen and women from across the country and the world. Shaelynn is a member of the State of Oklahoma Education Careers and Technologies Board and a member of both the Custom Tailors and Designers Association and the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. She is the host of The Sew Show with Shae, an entertaining and educational sewing channel posting weekly videos on YouTube. Shaelynn earned her BS in Apparel Design and Product Development from Marist College.

Shaelynn Haning
Professional Tailor & Business Owner

Using a sewing machine's blanket stitch requires compatibility. The blanket stitch is common on sewing machines but can't be adjusted if yours doesn't have that capability. Learning the hand-stitched version is more flexible since not all machines have this option. Know what your machine can and can't do for success.

Part 2

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Edge Sewing

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The thread will come out directly below on the lower line.
The loop should be underneath with your thread coming out over the top of it. You have just completed your first true blanket stitch! Proceed with the next stitch by moving to the right and inserting the needle at the upper end of the line once more .
You could stitch down through the same hole as the previous one or simply make a hole on the diagonal.
After poking the needle down, draw it through the loop as you would when stitching along the edge. You will now have completed your corner stitch!
This following stitch can either be in the same hole as the corner stitch and the last one on the preceding edge, or it can be a new hole. It is personal preference as to which option you choose.

Part 3

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Adding a New Thread

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Poke your needle down as if you are beginning a new stitch but do not finish the stitch.
- If you are sewing a single layer along the edge or sewing in from the edge then simply let the thread come out the back of the fabric.
- If you are sewing two layers along the edge then only push the needle through the upper layer, allowing the excess thread to come out between the layers.
This should not be so loose that there will be extra thread nor so tight that your next stitch will not be able to catch the loop as in the basic blanket stitch. You can pull the thread to the side where it would be pulled flat at the end of the stitch to determine how loose you must leave it.
You will want to tie this knot right at the edge of the fabric (either on the back side or in between the two layers) so that the thread cannot become too loose.
You can choose a different color for this next thread to add variety or use the same color thread. Tie a knot in the end of the thread, either in the longer end of the thread or tying both threads together at the end.
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Start by poking through your next thread. This will begin the stitches with your added thread.
- If you are sewing one layer along the edge then you should tie the new thread onto the knot at the end of the old thread, attaching the two together.
- If you are sewing two layers along the edge then your new thread should start in between the two layers and come out through the back of the fabric.
- If you are sewing in from the edge then your new thread should start the same as when you began your first stitch, from back to front along the bottom edge of the fabric.^{[2]
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Sliding your needle under the loose loop will make it seem as though the stitching has not been interrupted. It is as though you are completing the second part of the basic blanket stitch (pulling the thread through the loop) with your new thread.
After pulling the thread tight you will push the needle down along the upper line and pull it through the loop as in the basic blanket stitch.

Part 4

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Finishing

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Connect your last stitch to your first stitch by sliding your needle sideways underneath your first stitch. This completes the edging of all your stitches.
- If you are sewing in from the edge you will not have a stitch to slide under. You can simply poke your needle down through the back on the right side of your last stitch. Then knot the thread at the back of the fabric.
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Poke the needle through the top of the first stitch you made and knot it at the back. This should result in two threads along the same line and complete your blanket stitch.
- If you are sewing two layers along the edge then do not poke your needle through at the top of the first stitch. Rather loop your thread underneath your first stitch once again and before pulling it tight send your needle through the loop to make a knot. Then pull it tight.
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Cut off the extra thread. Cut off any remaining thread to make your stitches look tidy.
- If you are sewing two layers along the edge then you can push your needle between the layers and out through the front about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge. Then cut off the excess thread very close to the top layer of the fabric. The thread should be pulled inside, hiding the knot from view.
Reconnect with a cherished hobby from the past. "It's been over 40 years since I last sewed anything — not since my kids were little! But thanks to this article, I was able to make some dresses for my granddaughters. It brought back so many happy memories. The step-by-step instructions with photos were just what I needed to refresh my memory and give me the confidence to start sewing again. I'm so glad I can now reconnect with this creative hobby from my past." - Jean S.

Refresh your memory on key sewing skills. "I'm getting up there in age, and sometimes I forget sewing stitches I learned back when I was a young woman. I try to keep practicing by doing small sewing and knitting projects each winter. This article was perfect for gently reminding me how to properly do a blanket stitch. The clear instructions and diagrams made it easy. Now, I can repair and decorate projects using this beautiful edging stitch again!" - Fiona R.

Repair clothing effectively. "I had this big hole in my favorite pair of jeans that I wanted to patch up. I know some basic stitches but not how to neatly finish the edges. The instructions and videos here taught me step-by-step how to do a blanket stitch. I carefully followed along and was able to patch the hole perfectly. Now my jeans look great again, thanks to picking up this handy new skill!" - Lee O.

Give your creative gifts with pride. "I wanted to make blankets for my nieces but wasn't too confident in my abilities. This article provided the knowledge and encouragement I needed. The detailed steps for executing the blanket stitch, adding new thread, and finishing were so helpful. I practiced until I really perfected the technique. Now, I can proudly create beautiful handmade blankets, knowing they'll last, thanks to my neat, sturdy edging. It's such a cherished gift I can keep giving for years to come!" - Nolan S.

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Add variety if you choose. Now that you have mastered the blanket stitch you can experiment with new styles for different looks. The blanket stitch may be varied in many ways by:
- Sloping the stitches alternately to right and left
- Working two or three together, and leaving a space between them and the next set; or
- Working a second row around the edge of the cloth over the first with a different shade of wool.

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How can I sew a blanket stitch with a sewing machine?

Shaelynn Haning
Professional Tailor & Business Owner
Shaelynn Haning is a Tailor & Business Owner based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Shaelynn is the founder of the highest-rated and most-reviewed alterations and tailoring service in Oklahoma, Tallgrass Tailor, employing a team of skilled craftsmen and women from across the country and the world. Shaelynn is a member of the State of Oklahoma Education Careers and Technologies Board and a member of both the Custom Tailors and Designers Association and the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. She is the host of The Sew Show with Shae, an entertaining and educational sewing channel posting weekly videos on YouTube. Shaelynn earned her BS in Apparel Design and Product Development from Marist College.

Shaelynn Haning

Professional Tailor & Business Owner

Expert Answer

The sewing machine has to come with that function. You need to look at your sewing machine's diagram and then set it to do a blanket stitch.

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How can I keep the stitches straight and evenly spaced?

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Set your sewing machine to make a long stitch and machine-baste along the edge where you are making the stitches. Use the stitches as a guide to where to place your blanket stitches. Remove the basting when you are done.

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Question

How do I tie the end easily? I always fail it!

PhoebeAmelia24

Community Answer

Just make a loop, then pull the needle through. Then take the needle and pull it through the fabric to hide the end, then cut it off. Of course, you could always do a French knot and cut the end.

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Tips

When blanket stitching around a pointed decoration piece on a quilt, keep the stitches flat by anchoring the stitch at the point on the back of the design on the quilt and bring the thread up as if it is a new thread.

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Thicker thread is usually used for making blanket stitch because the stitch itself is often a decorative element as well as a means by which to finish off the edge of fabric.

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Variations on blanket stitch include knotted blanket stitch, knotted edging, and whipped.

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