🖤 Learn 10 easy blanket stitch variations in this embroidery stitch tutorial that will elevate your embroidery projects. These versatile variations aren’t just for edging anymore! You can use them to create beautiful design elements, add embellishments, and even craft stunning flowers. The blanket stitch is perfect for any embroidery enthusiast because of its flexibility—it can be used in so many different ways to transform your designs. While it’s often used to add a felt backing or work with felt appliqué, these blanket stitch variations open up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
In this cozy craft, mastering a variety of blanket stitch variations will take your embroidery to the next level. I’ll guide you through a basic blanket stitch tutorial, and then introduce each variation in detail so you can see how they build upon the basic version. Whether you’re looking to embellish a project or try out something new, these variations will inspire your creativity and give you endless ways to enhance your embroidery work. Plus, with the step-by-step video tutorial, you’ll be able to see the technique in action. Ready to add some new stitches to your repertoire? Let’s get started!
Table of contents
- Long and Short Blanket Stitch
- Uneven
- Double
- German Knotted
- Closed
- Crossed
- Boxed
- Whipped
- Pinwheel
- Looped Blanket Flower Stitch
- Video
Basic Blanket Stitch
To create a loose stitch, begin by bringing your needle up at point A, then return to the back at point B. Next, bring your needle back up to the top at point C, passing it under the loose stitch. As you pull it tight, this will form a right angle. Repeat the same steps by returning to the back at point D to create another loose stitch, and continue this pattern.
QUICK TIP: to keep your stitches nice and neat it helps to gently hold your thread down near C as you create your next stitch.
Repeat until you’re happy with the length of your back stitch.
Now that you understand the basic steps that create the groundwork for the following blanket stitch variations, let’s get started!
1. Long & Short Blanket Stitch
The long and short and the uneven blanket stitch are similar but often confused or used interchangeably, sometimes even called by other names. Don’t worry too much about the names, as it can get confusing — it certainly did for me when I first learned them. To keep this tutorial simple, I’ll stick with the names I learned when I first encountered these stitches.
Follow the same steps as the basic version, but vary the height of your stitches for a scalloped effect. In my version, I use three heights: short, medium, long, then back to medium and short, but you can adjust as you like.
Repeat the pattern until you’re happy with the look!
2. Uneven Blanket Stitch
This variation is just like the long and short blanket stitch except this time you’ll only have 2 varying heights, one short and one tall, which alternate.
Just follow the same steps as the basic version but alternate from short to long.
Here you can compare the variations I just covered.
3. Double Blanket Stitch
This version is just 2 basic blanket stitches with one on top and the other created just below it turned upside-down. It’s also slightly offset. You can use the same color thread or mix it up with contrasting colors for a fun effect!
The two sets can touch but they can also be set slightly away from each other. It really depends on what you’re going for.
4. German Knotted
Once again, start with one basic blanket stitch. Then, create another but this time stitch it a bit close to your first one.
Next, slip your needle under your two stitches, then pull your thread through to create a knot at the top.
Repeat these steps until you’re happy with the length of your stitch.
5. Closed Blanket Stitch
This version looks like a row of triangles which are all hanging on a line… or perhaps they look more like a row of little monster teeth?
Start with the basic blanket stitch but when you come up at C it should be closer to A so it’s not directly above B. This will create an angle to help create the left side of the triangle.
To form the right side of your triangle, use your finger to hold the thread in place at C. Return to the back at B (keep thread slightly loose on top) then come up at D under your loose thread.
Let’s create your 2nd closed blanket stitch: Return to the back at E (keep it slightly loose on top). Come up at F below your loose thread. Return to the back at E, keeping your thread loose on top. Come up at G under your loose thread & gently pull your thread tight. Repeat,
6. Crossed Blanket Stitch
This variation will look like a row of X’s which are attached to each other along a line at the top. Start the same way as the closed blanket stitch.
Form a loose stitch: come up at A then down at B. Come up at C so it’s a bit closer to A and under the loose stitch.
Hold your thread down near C, then return to the back at D to form a loose stitch. Come up at E below your loose thread & pull tight to form the ‘X’ shape.
Repeat these steps until you’re happy with the length, and to end your stitch add a little stitch at the top right or make it a little longer to mirror the beginning of your stitch.
7. Boxed Blanket Stitch
The boxed blanket stitch is a combination of the basic blanket stitch and the running stitch. First create your basic blanket stitch (in orange). Make a row of them and then add your running stitch (in blue) at every other open end to create little boxes.
8. Whipped Blanket Stitch
This one is also a combination of two stitches… your basic blanket stitch and the whipped running stitch. Use contrasting thread colors so you can see the whipped stitch.
Create your row using the basic blanket stitch. Next add a whipped stitch along the top. A whipped stitch just slips the thread around your existing stitch like a spiral.
The next two blanket stitch variations make lovely flowers!
9. Pinwheel
The pinwheel is essentially the basic blanket stitch created around a central point instead of a line. I’ve drawn in a circle with a dot for the center to use as guides.
Start on the circle and come up at A. Return to the back at B (keep your thread slightly loose on top). Then come up at C below the loose stitch, then gently tighten.
Repeat: Hold thread down at C with your finger, then return to the back at B & keep the thread loose on top. Come up at D, below your loose thread, then tighten.
Each time you return to the back you’ll always do so at B, the center of your circle. Each time you return to the front you’ll do so along the circle. Repeat steps all the way around the circle.
10. Looped Blanket Flower Stitch
While it’s not exactly a blanket stitch it kind of is since the steps are similar. Loose blanket stitches are used to create loops that overlap each other along several layers of circles to create a 3-dimensional flower.
- Draw a template consisting of a circle and 3 or 4 rings around the center. Fill the center with the satin stitch or french knots.
- You can start from the circle closest to the center and work your way out but I think it’s actually easier in my experience to start from the outside.
- Come up at A then return to the back at B and create a little loop. Push the loop towards the outside so it’s out of the way for the next step.
- Return to the front between A and B, (at C) so your needle is in front of the loop.
- Gently pull your needle and thread up carefully so you don’t pull your loop to the back.
- Make another loop by returning to the back at D.
- Push your loop towards the outside so it’s out of the way.
- Return to the front next to B (and in front of your loop), then gently pull your needle and thread up.
- Repeat all the way around the circle.
Repeat this for each circle, then fluff your petals. Once finished, your flower will look like the one on the left. You can cut and trim the loops carefully to get something like the one on the right.
I hope you enjoyed this embroidery stitch tutorial!
Blanket Stitch Variations Video Tutorial
I hope you enjoyed this embroidery stitch tutorial! It’s always so satisfying to add new techniques to your embroidery skills, and I’m sure these blanket stitch variations will bring a fresh touch to your next project. Whether you’re stitching for a creative outlet or as a way to unwind, cozy crafts like these are perfect for practicing self-care and finding a moment of relaxation. Happy stitching!
