LUDLOW QUILT AND SEW
Sewing Blanket Stitch
Using blanket stitch in your projects
Blanket stitch was first used, unsurprisingly, along the edges of blankets. Because there is thread running along the edge of the fabric, it is a useful stitch to help prevent fraying, but also is great for embroidery to embellish your project.
Begin by bringing your needle up through the fabric from behind. I usually tie a knot in the end to secure it, although that can make it bulky if you are using a fairly thick embroidery thread.
Put your needle back into the fabric about 1/4" (or whatever size you want the blanket stitches to be) below where the thread comes out. Bring the needle out again where the thread comes out so that you have one vertical stitch. Now put the tip of the needle in slightly to the left of the bottom of the stitch and bring it out again slightly to the left of the top of the stitch.
Make sure that the needle comes out above the thread by holding the thread down against the fabric. Pull the thread gently (not too tight) and the thread will loop around the stitch you have just made. It makes a shape like an upside down U.
Continue sewing blanket stitch in the same way across the fabric.
I used blanket stitch to edge the stag's head applique on the left and the seam on the clutch bag on the right is sewn with blanket stitch.
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rose@ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk
www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk