|

How to Sew a Decorative Blanket Stitch on Clothing Edges

Have a plain shirt that needs a little extra personality? A decorative blanket stitch is an easy hand sewing technique that can completely transform simple clothing into something unique and handmade.

This pretty stitched edge adds texture, color, and a custom look to everyday basic garments like tank tops, sleeves, collars, and hems. It’s beginner-friendly, requires only a few basic supplies, and is a fun way to personalize clothing you already own.

Whether you want to add a subtle texture detail with matching thread or create a bold statement with colorful embroidery floss, this decorative stitch is a simple sewing project with a big impact.

Supplies You’ll Need

To sew a decorative blanket stitch, you only need a few basic supplies:

I recommend using embroidery floss or pearl cotton instead of regular sewing thread. The thicker thread creates a beautiful textured edge that really stands out. Perle cotton is definitely the easiest option, and I perfect 8wt personally but anything from 5 – 12 is great!


If you have embroidery floss or perle cotton already on hand, I would use that. If not, I love a set like this one to have a wide selection of color options!

How to Sew a Decorative Blanket Stitch

This decorative blanket stitch is a variation of the traditional blanket stitch. Instead of using it primarily as a functional edge finish, this version is meant to add a fun handmade detail to your sewing projects.

Watch the Video

Check out the full video tutorial for the step-by-step of how to do this stitch!

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

Before you begin stitching, decide where you want your decorative edge to go.

Some fun places to add this stitch include:

  • Around a tank top neckline
  • Along sleeve hems
  • Around a shirt collar
  • On a pocket edge
  • Along the bottom hem of a shirt
  • Along the hem of shorts or pants

If you are embellishing a finished garment, wash and dry it first so your stitches stay neat after laundering.

You can also mark small dots along the edge to help keep your stitches evenly spaced. This step is optional, but it can be helpful when you are first learning.

Step 2: Thread Your Needle

Cut a manageable length of embroidery floss. A piece that is about 26 inches long is usually a good starting point.

I prefer using longer pieces of thread so that I do not have to start new pieces as often, but they do tend to tangle more easily as you stitch. So, keep that in mind and go a bit shorter to avoid tangles.

Thread your needle and knot the end of your thread.

For a bolder look, you can use all six strands of embroidery floss. For a more delicate look, separate the floss and use fewer strands. Likewise, size 5 perle cotton will be thicker and stand out more than size 12.

Step 3: Make Your First Stitch

Insert your needle from the back side of your fabric so your knot is hidden.

Bring the needle through to the front, then create your first stitch near the edge of your fabric.

As you pull the thread through, leave a small loop of thread. This loop is what creates the signature blanket stitch look.

Pass your needle through the loop before pulling the stitch snug.

Your first stitch will create the foundation for the decorative edge.

Step 4: Continue Stitching Along the Edge

Continue making stitches along your fabric edge, keeping your spacing as consistent as possible.

Try to keep:

  • The stitch height the same
  • The spacing between stitches even
  • The thread tension relaxed

If you are stitching around a curve, such as a neckline or sleeve opening, take your time and adjust your stitch spacing as needed.

A slightly smaller stitch around curves will help the edge lay smoothly.

Note: You can space your stitches however you like! A classic blanket stitch is beautiful, where all stitches are spaced exactly evenly. However, the stitches in my samples involve putting them into groups of 3 stitches for a unique triangle look to the stitches.

Step 5: Changing Thread

When the thread gets to be a bit too short, it’s time to add a new piece.

You can secure the thread tail by knotting the thread into the existing stitch and then burying the thread into the project.

Thread a new needle, and pick up the stitching exactly where you left off by tieing a knot at the end of the new piece and pulling it up through the hem of your garment and then through the knot in your previous stitch.

Step 6: Finish Your Stitching

When you reach the end of your stitching line, secure your thread on the back side of your fabric.

Bury the thread tail into the hem of the garment, then trim away the excess.

Your finished edge should have a row of decorative loops that add texture and a handmade touch.

Tips for Beautiful Decorative Blanket Stitching

Here are a few tips to help your stitches look polished:

Practice on Scrap Fabric First

If this is your first time trying a decorative blanket stitch, practice on a scrap piece of fabric before stitching on your favorite shirt.

This gives you a chance to experiment with thread colors, spacing, and stitch size.

Avoid Pulling Your Thread Too Tight

One of the biggest mistakes with decorative stitching is pulling the thread too tightly.

Your stitches should sit comfortably on the fabric without puckering the edge.

This is especially important when embellishing knit fabrics like t-shirts and tank tops.

Let Your Thread Untwist

Embroidery floss can twist as you stitch. Every few stitches, let your needle hang freely and allow the thread to untwist.

This will help prevent knots and tangles.

Use a Contrasting Thread Color

A decorative stitch is a perfect opportunity to play with color.

Try:

  • Bright embroidery floss on a neutral shirt
  • Matching thread for a subtle detail
  • Variegated floss for a colorful effect
  • Multiple colors for a rainbow border

Choosing the Best Thread and Fabric

What Thread Works Best?

Several types of thread can work well for decorative blanket stitching.

Embroidery floss:
The most common choice because it comes in hundreds of colors and creates a bold decorative look.

Pearl cotton:
A great option if you want a thicker, more dimensional stitch. Wonderfil Eleganza is a great choice!

Regular sewing thread:
Works for a subtle look, but the decorative effect will be less noticeable.

What Fabrics Can You Use?

This stitch works beautifully on many fabrics, including:

  • Cotton
  • Linen
  • Chambray
  • Denim
  • Canvas
  • Knit shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Baby clothing

For stretchy fabrics, be careful not to pull your stitches too tightly so the fabric can still stretch comfortably.

Decorative Blanket Stitch Ideas

Once you learn this stitch, there are so many ways to use it!

Try adding a decorative edge to:

Clothing

  • Tank tops
  • T-shirts
  • Sleeves
  • Collars
  • Dresses
  • Children’s clothing
  • Pockets

Home Sewing Projects

  • Cloth napkins
  • Tea towels
  • Pillow covers
  • Fabric baskets
  • Tote bags

Quilting Projects

  • Quilt labels
  • AppliquĂ© pieces
  • Fabric postcards
  • Mini quilts

Ways to Customize Your Decorative Stitch

The fun part about this technique is that no two projects have to look the same.

Experiment with:

  • Different thread colors
  • Larger or smaller stitches
  • Wider spacing
  • Multiple rows of stitching
  • Mixing thread colors
  • Metallic embroidery floss

A simple solid-colored shirt can become a completely personalized handmade piece with just a little stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a decorative blanket stitch?

A decorative blanket stitch is a variation of the traditional blanket stitch that is used to create a textured stitched edge on fabric. It is often used to embellish clothing, sewing projects, and fabric crafts.

Is blanket stitching beginner friendly?

Yes! Decorative blanket stitching is a great beginner sewing project because it uses simple hand sewing techniques and only requires basic supplies.

Can I use a blanket stitch on clothing?

Yes. Decorative blanket stitches work beautifully on clothing edges like necklines, sleeves, collars, and hems.

How do I keep my blanket stitches even?

Marking your stitch placement before sewing can help keep your stitches evenly spaced. Taking your time and maintaining consistent stitch height will also create a cleaner finished look.

Can I wash clothing with decorative stitching?

Yes. Hand-stitched clothing can usually be washed normally, but gentle washing and air drying will help preserve the decorative threadwork.

Final Thoughts

Adding a decorative blanket stitch is such a simple way to make everyday clothing feel more special. With just a needle, thread, and a little creativity, you can turn a basic garment into something completely unique.

Start with a small project like a tank top neckline or sleeve edge, then experiment with different colors and stitch patterns as you gain confidence. This simple hand sewing technique is a beautiful reminder that small details can make a big difference.

Similar Posts