Blanket Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Blanket stitch is one of the most useful hand embroidery stitches for edging fabric, applique, felt projects, and decorative embroidery. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to do blanket stitch step by step, including corners and applique techniques.

What Is a Blanket Stitch?

Blanket stitch is a type of hand stitch used on the edge of thicker materials such as felt and wool. It can be decorative, such as the pretty edges of blankets, or it can be used to join edges together in felt toys and sewing projects. This stitch is often used to applique fabric as it gives a nice edge while preventing fraying. It is great for joining felt pieces to make softies, Christmas decorations, and home decor.

For more beginner stitches, check our guide to hand stitching.

How to Do a Blanket Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Enjoy this video I made of how to blanket stitch. It also shows you how to sew corners, and change threads. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for more weekly sewing and craft videos.

1. Start the Blanket Stitch

When starting blanket stitch, the first stitch needs to be done slightly differently so an anchor is created for the first stitch. To do so, knot the end of your thread. It can be double or single, depending on the look you would like to achieve and the thickness of your thread.

2. Create the Starting Stitch

Bring the needle down to the bottom layer and then push it up through the same hole the thread first came through.

Pull gently but stop before the thread is fully tightened. A loose loop will form.

This first starter stitch anchors the stitching. Make sure the thread is pulled toward the outside edge of the applique.

3. Continue the Blanket Stitch

Pass the needle from point 1 and come out at point 2. Point 2 should be positioned on the edge of the applique. Then, pass the thread underneath the needle tip before pulling through.

Pull the thread toward the outside edge to tighten the stitch.

Repeat the process to create an even row of blanket stitches.

What will you be sewing now you know how to do a blanket embroidery stitch?

How to Sew Blanket Stitch Corners

One of the most common challenges beginners face is creating neat corners. So, here’s how to do it:

1. Work the stitches evenly until you reach the corner.
2. Place one stitch directly into the corner point before turning your work and continuing along the next side. This helps maintain a sharp, clean corner without gaps.
3. Now you can keep stitching the next side as per normal.

See below how there are 3 stitches all going into the same hole at the corner.

How to Change Thread in Blanket Stitch

When your thread runs out, finish the last stitch neatly on the back of your work. You can do this by putting the needle through the fabric close to the edge, and then before you pull the thread tight, put the needle through the loop. Pull tight.

Then, start the new thread underneath an existing stitch so the join remains invisible from the front.

Put the two pieces of fabric back together and there is the new thread ready to keep sewing as you were previously.

Continue stitching normally while maintaining the same stitch spacing.

Here is my finished sample complete with straight stitches, a corner, and a change of color!

How to Blanket Stitch Applique

Blanket stitch is one of the most popular applique stitches because it secures raw edges while creating a decorative finish. The stitch works especially well on felt applique since felt does not fray and creates beautifully defined stitch lines.

Here’s how to do it:

Place the applique shape on the background fabric and pin or glue it in place to prevent shifting. Then, bring the needle up from the back of the background fabric at the edge of the applique.

Next, insert the needle through both layers close to the applique edge. Keep the working thread under the needle before pulling through to create the looped edge.

Repeat the stitch at even intervals around the shape. The straight part of each stitch should sit on the applique while the loops line the edge.

Here is our finished blanket stitch applique. The same techniques can be used to change threads and turn corners.

How to Blanket Stitch for Hems

The blanket embroidery stitch can also be used as an attractive hem finish. Because it looks decorative on both the front and back of the fabric, it is especially popular for blanket edging, fleece projects, and handmade home decor.

1. Press or fold the hem, either single or double. Fabrics that do not fray, such as polar fleece, often only require a single fold.
2. On the wrong side of the fabric, bring the needle down through the hem and toward the folded edge.
3. Keep the working thread under the tip of the needle before pulling through. This creates the characteristic blanket stitch loop along the edge.
4. Repeat the stitch at even intervals until the entire hem is finished.

Blanket Embroidery Stitch Projects

Blanket stitch can be used decoratively in embroidery projects, including:

• Floral borders
• Decorative edging
• Felt ornaments
• Christmas decorations
• Baby blankets
• Quilts
• Tea towels
• Handmade gifts

Tips for Perfect Blanket Stitch

This embroidery stitch looks best when you:

• Keep your stitch spacing as even as possible. Consistent spacing creates a professional-looking finish and helps decorative edges appear balanced.
• Avoid pulling the thread too tightly. Excess tension can distort the fabric edge and make the stitches appear uneven.
• Practice on felt first. Felt is stable, easy to handle, and allows beginners to focus on stitch formation without worrying about fraying fabric.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Learning how to do blanket embroidery stitch opens up endless possibilities for embroidery, applique, felt crafts, blankets, and decorative sewing projects. Once you master the simple looping motion, you’ll be able to create beautiful finished edges that are both practical and decorative.

You May Also Like:

• Hand Stitching Guide
• How to Sew Whip Stitch
• How to Make Running Stitch
• How to Backstitch
• How to Sew a Ladder Stitch for an Invisible Closure
• How to Do Buttonhole Stitch