Quick answer: To blanket stitch, bring the needle up from the back about ¼ inch in from the fabric edge. Insert it again a short distance to the right at the same height, and bring the tip out right at the edge. Loop the thread under the needle tip before pulling through. The loop forms a neat line along the edge. Repeat at even spacing to create a row of "L"-shaped stitches.
The blanket stitch is a classic hand stitch used to finish blanket edges, attach appliqués and patches, and add a decorative border to felt crafts. It stops edges from fraying and looks charming on handmade projects. Here's exactly how to do it, plus variations and tips for perfect spacing.
What Is a Blanket Stitch Used For?
- Finishing and preventing fraying on blanket and fleece edges
- Attaching appliqués and sew-on patches
- Joining two pieces of felt, for example on ornaments and plush toys
- Decorative borders on tea towels, pillows and clothing
What You Need
- Embroidery floss, perle cotton or yarn (thicker thread gives a bolder edge)
- An embroidery or chenille needle with an eye large enough for your thread
- Fabric, felt or fleece
- Optional: a ruler and washable marker to mark even spacing
How to Do a Blanket Stitch: Step by Step
- Anchor the thread. Tie a small knot and bring the needle up from the back, about ¼ inch (6 mm) from the edge. If you're joining two layers, hide the knot between them.
- Make the first loop. Take the needle around the edge and come up through the same hole again. This makes a small anchoring stitch over the edge.
- Start the stitch. Move about ¼ inch to the right. Insert the needle from the front at the same depth, pointing toward the edge.
- Catch the loop. Before pulling the needle all the way through, make sure the working thread passes behind the needle tip.
- Pull snug. Pull the thread through gently so the loop sits right on the fabric edge. You'll see an "L" shape.
- Repeat. Continue with even spacing and depth along the edge.
- Finish. Make a tiny stitch over the last loop to lock it, then weave the tail between layers or under stitches on the back.
How Do You Blanket Stitch Around a Corner?
When you reach a corner, work 3 stitches into the same corner hole: one on the first side, one diagonally out from the corner, and one on the new side. This fans the stitches around the corner so the edge stays fully covered.
Blanket Stitch vs. Buttonhole Stitch
The two look similar, but blanket stitches are spaced apart, while buttonhole stitches are worked very close together, sometimes with an extra knot at the edge. The buttonhole stitch makes a dense, durable edge for buttonholes. The blanket stitch is quicker and more decorative.
Blanket Stitch Variations to Try
- Closed blanket stitch: pairs of stitches slant toward each other to form triangles.
- Long-and-short blanket stitch: alternating stitch heights create a decorative, scalloped look.
- Circular blanket stitch: worked around a center point to make flowers and wheels.
- Double blanket stitch: a second row interlocks with the first for a thicker border.
Tips for Even Blanket Stitches
- Mark evenly spaced dots with a washable marker before you start.
- Keep the stitch depth consistent. Use the fabric's weave or a ruler as a guide.
- Pull each stitch snug but not tight, or the edge will curl.
- Use thicker thread, such as 6 strands of floss or perle cotton, so the stitches stand out on fleece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should blanket stitches be?
About ¼ inch (6 mm) apart and ¼ inch deep is a good default. Use smaller spacing for small felt projects, and wider spacing for thick fleece blankets.
Can you blanket stitch by hand on fleece?
Yes. Fleece doesn't fray, so blanket stitch is mainly decorative there. Use yarn or perle cotton with a large-eye needle.
Which direction do you blanket stitch?
Right-handed stitchers usually work left to right, and left-handed stitchers work right to left. Either works if you're consistent.
Is blanket stitch the same as whip stitch?
No. A whip stitch simply wraps diagonally over the edge. A blanket stitch catches a loop that forms a straight line along the edge, which looks neater.
Finish Your Edges Beautifully
The blanket stitch is easy to learn and useful for dozens of projects, from baby blankets to patches. Practice on scrap felt first, and you'll have even stitches in minutes.
Looking for ready-made stitched style? Shop our embroidered hats and caps and embroidered hoodies.
