Blanket Stitch

What you will learn

• Looping thread under the needle
• Keeping stitch height even
• Edging fabric

Materials and tools

• Embroidery or crewel needle (size 5)
• Embroidery floss or pearl cotton, 15 in (38 cm)
• Square of felt, 6 in (15 cm)
• Fabric marker

Before you start

• Mark a line 1/4 in (6 mm) in from the edge with a fabric marker, to guide the stitch height.
• Knot the thread.

1. Bring the needle up from the back right at the edge of the fabric, at the left-hand end of your row. Pull the thread through until the knot stops on the back. Starting at the edge gives the first stitch a square corner.
2. Push the needle down on the marked line, 1/4 in (6 mm) to the right of where the thread came up. Bring the point out behind the fabric, just past the edge and directly below that spot, with the working thread passing under the needle tip.

3. Pull the needle through gently. The loop of thread tightens at the edge of the fabric, forming a little L-shape.
4. Repeat: push down on the line 1/4 in (6 mm) to the right, bring the point out just past the edge, loop the thread under the needle tip, and pull through. Keep each stitch the same height.
5. Stop each stitch with the thread at the edge. The line of stitches forms a neat line along the edge with upright bars.

6. At the end, take a small stitch over the last loop to hold it. Finish with a knot on the back.

Tips for a neat result

• Keep the loop snug but not tight.
• Use a marked line to keep the height even.
• Pull the loop toward the edge so the thread lies against it.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• Upright bars stand at an equal height along the edge.
• The loops sit neatly on the edge without puckering.

Projects that use this