How to Blanket Stitch an Applique
A blanket stitch is a bold type of stitching often done with embroidery thread. It is used either to add an edge to an object like a blanket, or to applique one piece of fabric onto another. Using the blanket stitch gives your work a special handcrafted look and the stitch can even be used as a design element on your applique project. Blanket stitching your applique will create a solid border around your motif with beautiful vertical stitches at intervals.
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Things You'll Need
- Fusible webbing
- Applique fabric
- Iron
- Base fabric
- Embroidery thread
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Trace a mirror image of your applique shape, also called a motif, onto the paper side of lightweight fusible webbing and cut loosely around your tracing. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service suggests that performing an applique using the blanket stitch is best done using fusible interfacing.
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2
Attach your applique fabric to the non-paper side of the webbing using an iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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3
Cut out your motif and attach it to your base fabric, again using the fusible webbing manufacturer's instructions.
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4
Thread your embroidery needle with your chosen color of embroidery thread and tie a secure knot in the end of the thread.
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5
Insert the needle from the back of the project up through the front side just off of the edge of your fused-on motif.
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6
Insert your needle from the front to the back side of your piece about a quarter inch to the right of where your thread is and a quarter inch to the inside of your applique, then poke your needle back out onto the front side just off the edge of the motif so that the needle forms a line perpendicular to the edge.
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7
Pull your needle all the way through the fabric, keeping your needle and thread on the inside of the stitch as you pull it tight. This will cause your thread to catch the stitch and begin to form the blanket stitch border around your applique piece.
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8
Repeat steps six and seven until you have stitched all the way around your applique.
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9
Tie a knot in your thread on the back side of the project and cut the thread. Trim any loose threads for a finished look.
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Tips & Warnings
You can adjust the look of your blanket stitch by increasing or reducing the distance between stitches and how far your vertical stitch goes toward the inside of your applique.
