How To: Sew a Blanket Stitch

Check out our companion instructions for how to sew a blanket stitch overlay design.

These instructions use felt. It's fun and versatile for lots of projects.

The blanket stitch adds a beautiful edge to sewn felt designs.

This project shows how to sew a blanket stitch by sewing two round pieces of felt together with a small amount of stuffing added.

Begin with a threaded needle which has a knot tied in one end of the thread (or yarn in this case).

The blanket stitches are sewn from the front of the design.

The first stitch hides the knot.

From between the two pieces of felt, push the needle through the back piece of felt.

Pull the thread until the knot catches on the felt.

The stitches are sewn roughly 1/8 inch from the outer edge.
How to sew blanket stitch step 1 first stitch
For the next stitch, position the two pieces of felt together.

From the top of the design, push the needle through both pieces of felt at the same distance from the edge as the first stitch.

The stitch should be roughly that same distance to the left of where the first stitch came out the back.
How to sew blanket stitch step 2 second stitch from top
This is the back view showing the needle coming through both pieces of felt.
How to sew blanket stitch step 3 second stitch shown from the back
While the needle is still in the felt and with the top of the design facing up, wrap the yarn from right to left UNDER the needle.

(These instructions for how to blanket stitch are for a right-handed person. If you are left-handed, reverse the direction of the instructions.)
How to sew blanket stitch step 4 second stitch wrap thread under needle
Pull the thread taut but not so tight that the felt is pinched or the thread pulls.

This view shows the first full stitch from the top or the visible front of the design.
How to sew blanket stitch step 5 second stitch pulled through
The back view shows how the thread wraps and how it begins to develop the blanket edge of the stitch.

The first stitch will not be fully formed into the blanket edge until the circle is finished and the last stitch meets the first.
How to sew blanket stitch step 6 second stitch pulled through shown from back
From the top, make the next stitch to the left of the previous, wrapping the thread from the right to the left under the needle. Evenly space your stitches.
How to sew blanket stitch step 7 add third stitch and wrap needle
Here, the stitches show the blanket edge as it is formed by wrapping the thread under the needle.
How to sew blanket stitch step 8 several stitches shown from edge view
From the underside or back view, the first stitch to the right of the picture continues to look odd.

The other stitches consistently build the decorative blanket edge.

Note: After several stitches, the yarn will become twisted and difficult to pull.

When this happens, hold the needle up and untwist the yarn or thread.

If your project is small, hold the project up by the needle and thread and let it untwist the yarn naturally. 
How to sew blanket stitch step 9 several stitches shown from the back view
Repeat the stitches enclosing the space between the pieces of felt for the filling.

In our how to blanket stitch exercise, we add polyester fiberfill to form a three dimensional shape like you would for a stuffed toy or ornament.

While a small area remains open, stop to stuff the shape. Do not remove your needle and thread.
How to sew blanket stitch step 10 add more stitches and stop to stuff
Add just enough filling to make a gently curved shape.
How to sew blanket stitch step 11 gently stuff shape
Holding the edges between your thumb and finger, continue the stitches until you are near the first stitch.
How to sew blanket stitch step 12 almost closed
This is a back view of connecting the last stitch to the first.

Put your needle under that first stitch to join the blanket edge.

Normally, the needle making the last stitch from the top should go through the felt in the same hole as the first hidden knot stitch.

Here, for illustration the stitch is slightly to the right. 
How to sew blanket stitch step 13 connect last stitch to first stitch
This back view shows the thread going under that first stitch. 
How to sew blanket stitch step 14 last stitch connected to first shown from the back view
Make another loop in the thread by putting your needle through the edge again.

While the loop is still open, pass your needle through the loop.

This will make a knot in the thread.
How to sew blanket stitch step 15 tie end knot
Pull the thread such that the knot stays close to the stitching.

Use your fingers to help the knot stay near the edge.
How to sew blanket stitch step 16 pull to tighten end knot
The thread should not be cut outside the edge.

Instead, near the knot, push the needle between the pieces of felt and through the stuffing to come out in the middle of the piece of felt.
How to sew blanket stitch step 17 hide end thread
Pull the thread through the shape until it is snug. 
How to sew blanket stitch step 18 thread pulled through to cut
Trim the thread at the felt being careful not to cut the felt as you cut the thread.
How to sew blanket stitch step 19 finished after cutting thread
That's it for how to blanket stitch! See, that's easy.

And, it's especially easy when you use felt. You don't have to worry about fraying edges or about a right and wrong side of the fabric.

You can enjoy making many fun and easy projects with these simple how to blanket stitch instructions.

Visit our how to sew a blanket stitch overlay design for more instructions or sign up for our randomly produced newsletter to receive a link to the free How to Sew Stitches e-book..
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Learn how to blanket stitch and have fun making lots of different projects.