Hand Sewing Lesson: Blanket Stitch | How to Sew a Hem & Corners & Scallop Edge, by Rokolee DIY on YouTube. 10 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Use a thread close in colour to the fabric, or a contrasting colour if you want the stitch to show as decoration.
Mark your stitch line. For a plain edge, draw a line a few millimetres in from the raw edge, or fold the fabric under and press it first.
Bring the needle up through the fabric from the back, right on the marked line. Pull the thread through until the knot sits against the back.
Take the needle down through the fabric a short distance to the right of the first point, then bring it back up on the marked line. Keep the space even, about 5 to 10 mm.
Before you pull the thread tight, pass the needle through the loop of thread you have just made. Pull gently so the thread lies flat along the edge.
Repeat along the edge, keeping the spacing and depth of each stitch the same. The thread should sit along the raw edge, not pull it tight.
To stitch over a hem, fold the fabric under first, then work the blanket stitch through both layers so the loop wraps the folded edge.
For a scalloped edge, mark a row of even curves along the fabric and work the stitches following each curve. Grade the curves from small to large for a graded look.
Finish by taking the needle to the back and making a small stitch through the last loop. Knot the thread and trim the end.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the tension loose so the edge stays flat and does not pucker.
Use felt or fleece for your first try, since these fabrics do not fray.
Mark the spacing with a ruler or a row of dots so the stitches stay even.
Use sharp scissors and take care when cutting close to the edge.
Questions
What fabric is best for a blanket stitch?
Non-fraying fabrics like felt and fleece work best because the stitch is meant to sit on the raw edge. You can use it on other fabrics, but finish the edge first so it does not fray.
How far apart should the stitches be?
Aim for even spacing of about 5 to 10 mm. The exact size is your choice, but keep it the same along the whole edge for a neat result.
Can I use a blanket stitch to sew a hem?
Yes. Fold the hem under, then work the stitch through both layers so the loop wraps the folded edge. This gives a decorative finish as well as holding the hem.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
