Slowstitches - Blanket Stitch

This video is part of the series Slowstitches where I share my favourite stitches to use in my slowstitch work. This time it's blanket stitch used as a decorative stitch on an open area of cloth.
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Thank you for watching, happy stitching!
#handstitch #slowstitch #slowstitching #blanketstitch

[@justplaintara9028]

Close to 60 years of blanket stitching and it never occurred to me to vary lengths, widths, direction, or purpose! Oh the masterpieces I could have been producing! Thank you for freeing up a bit of whimsy 🙃

[@caroleminvielle9554]

Hear, hear!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Oh yes, I love a bit of whimsy 😁❤️

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Same here. You're very talented, Kathryn.

[@carmengloriaveramorales5596]

Quizás tú momento de liberar tu fantasía es ahora, y también estará bien... Felicidades!

[@donnadees1971]

Iam amazed at how many artist-types have so many examples of this so called slow stitching. Wow.

[@sheilabennett3289]

Silver thread on a landscape scene... I can see spider webs emerging 😂. Thank you for another brilliant tutorial ❤

[@Sue_70]

I had no idea blanket stitch was so versatile. I'm excited to experiment and see what happens. Thanks for this lovely tutorial. ❤

[@loribaca9065]

I would never have thought of this. The blanket stitch was the 1st stitch I was ever taught 50+ years ago.

[@Jill-the-Meatlover]

Love the insight on using stitches in a different manner. Your channel has blossomed in a short 2 months! Congratulations. Just goes to show how beautiful your work is. Thank you

[@k3n.clothtales]

I know, I can't quite believe it. 😊 thank you ❤️

[@debzehr3244]

Love the thought of using blanket stitch decoratively as well as a utilitarian stitch. Thank you Kathryn. 💖💖💖

[@joysedgwick812]

I love being given permission to allow some stitches to be wonky, the need for perfectly even stitches made me hate blanket stitch at school! Thank you for showing us how to focus in too, I had no idea 😂and it works so well.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I think some needle work teachers have a lot to answer for, I know mine seemed to be on a mission to make us all hate sewing with a passion. 😉

[@barbarapurcell7296]

Isn't it sad that after all these years we need permission to be extra creative, wonky! Wonky is now a word in my vocabulary!! Makes it easier to start a project when I don't have to be perfect! And to enjoy doing something between barn chores and house chores! "Sorry dear! But this is my wonky time! See you later"

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@barbarapurcell7296 love it 😁♥️

[@annrubino6252]

Finally, I've got a formula in my head for blanket stitch - the triangle! Thank you K.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Glad it was helpful!

[@montserratferre3362]

Wow! I've used blanket stitch so many times but never thought about doing it this way! I really love the effect and your piece in white is just BEAUTIFUL! Thanks so much, once again

[@kb9847]

I"ve never thought of using the blanket stitch randomly like that and not just to edge. I will do that pronto. haha

[@k3n.clothtales]

😁 happy stitching ❤️

[@joycefisher8785]

Brilliant once again and such a pleasure to see another video mid week before next Mondays new project.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Joyce, and I am spoiling you this week because tomorrow there will be a video of a studio tour as promised, including some bonus footage of Fredfred and Stella having a wrestling match 😁❤️

[@karenkettering1725]

At 66, I've been embroidering one piece ore another for 60 years and I've never thought of the blanket stitch as anything but an edging. Thank you for dragging me out of my box!

[@fionahaigh708]

Having only blanket stitched around edges, your demonstration and examples open up so many possibilities to create interesting stitched effects. Thank you.

[@debrahmorris3955]

The piece of work you showed in the exhibition catalogue looked absolutely amazing !

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you ❤️

[@JeniferKopaszRoos]

That little quilty bookmark is everything!!! 😍😍😍

[@martaaldama6419]

A quilt for a mouse, marvelous. It reminds me of the Bramly Hedge books Jill Barkley.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I made it about 20 years ago, I don't even remember why... Probably just to prove I could 😂❤️

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@martaaldama6419 I love those books ❤️

[@JeniferKopaszRoos]

@@k3n.clothtales I think I will make one using your weaving process and then turn the back fabric over to the front as the binding. I am making a meditation spool now and love it! Will post a pic when done on ig and Facebook group. 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@JeniferKopaszRoos maybe I will do it as one of the weeks projects, or do you think people will implode if I ask them to piece half inch finished blocks? 🤔😁❤️

[@martaaldama6419]

I also like stitching without a hoop. 😊

[@paulinedonnelly6077]

At long last, I will be able to blanket stitch correctly ... great tutorial 😊 TFS 😊😊

[@conniebraaten8945]

Wow! So many different effects of the blanket stitch! I am so excited to explore these! Thank you!

[@dailydoseofpaper]

Love this stitch, always forget how to start it somehow. But now i know😊 What a beautiful quilt you made!!!!!💖🍀

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Machteld ❤️

[@c0ldlight1]

I’ve never made a spiral with a blanket stitch that way- I’ve done it opposite though, with all the little legs facing in. What a lovely stitch! I always learn new things and get so inspired by you videos.

[@MyMeriArt]

What an interesting interpretation of the blanket stitch🌷🌷🌷

[@scamandra]

Thank you! Looking forward to trying these approaches. Your work is very inspiring, and that quilt is magnificent!

[@michellesocialbutterfly9517]

Thank you Kathryn, I have never been shown how to do this type of design with this stitch. I LOVE IT! Oh, what fun.

[@ksims830]

I love/hate blanket stitch because I’m awful at spatial cognition and I cannot FOR MY LIFE ever remember how to start it correctly and how to predict the direction. You showing it “upside down“ (which is just sensibly working from the interior out to the edge of a given piece…so why has no one ever shown it that way?) and describes a triangle vs an “L” have legitimately made this stitch worlds easier for me. Thank you! Also you could read the phone book aloud and I’d be delighted to listen; you have one of those voices to me

[@k3n.clothtales]

thank you for that, lovely to hear that it helped... and if I run out of ideas for videos, I will pull out the phone book 😁❤️

[@tinahem7211]

I so agree. The number of times I've started a blanket stitch going the wrong way! The "L" is such a good way to teach this

[@elizabethlampi7667]

Beautiful quilt, I can only imagine how much more beautiful in person it would be. Thanks for sharing the possibilities of taking a basic stitch and going wonky (rouge if you like) to create a brilliant piece of art. I have varied the stitch length/height and used it for more then just edging but stopped there. The spirals and using this stitch to fill in an area is brilliant.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, my pleasure, have fun playing 😁❤️

[@damienk5011]

Hiya 🌞, love how you've given everyone the freedom to" do you"! Blanket stitch is my go to for appliques and on the edges of when l hand turn voile scarves etc( or spiders webs when l do pictures!)thanks for sharing. Keep well and content 😊J.I.M.K Mrs. Brisbane, Australia 🇦🇺 ❤ 😀 🪃 Julia

[@thecourtlyalchemist]

The spiralling blanet stitch looks like dragonfly wings- beautiful!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you ♥️

[@cathiespalding2083]

This is the first time I gave ever seen the blanket stitch used like this .. who would have thought???? Lovely and thanks for sharing!

[@kathleenogilvie617]

Your video answered the question I asked myself about frayed edges. Thank you. I am working on a boro style piece and stitched one patch in a outward to inward circle. Now I know why I should stitch from the center outwards. I made a little sombrero😂. Slow stitching and slow unstitching.

[@Auntie7024]

I love this stitch and the freedom to use it in various ways. Brilliant! Your quilt in the exhibition is so wonderful. ❤😊

[@healgrowlovecommunity8397]

I've always loved blanket stitch but I can't believe I never saw the design opportunities! The one on the cream backing has me drooling! I'm so looking forward to playing with this one - thank you Kathryn. Mary x

[@heathertroynak9041]

This is perfect timing as I’m heading towards construction of my journal cover. I know I’ll make good use of your teaching there! And very likely inside the journal as well 😊 Back to quiet stitching before the house wakes up 🤗🩷

[@SusanMJB45]

Wonderful !!! Thank you so much for the Slowstitches series. I have watched them all and will watch them all again. What I love about this series is that in addition to teaching us the basic stitch, you then go on and show us some amazing variations that I never would have thought of and that I haven't seen before. And you explain it all so well. Thank you. I am learning so much from your teachings.......

[@k3n.clothtales]

Glad you like them!

[@aileenmartinez15]

I love the blanket stitch.

[@sandybeach4343]

Hi 👋 I have been watching your site for about a week now and am enjoying it very much. This one was the best because I could never figure out how to start the blanket stitch and you showed it perfectly. Thank you so much. I also loved the piece that you showed in the ❤book. Absolutely gorgeous. I will keep watching and learning. ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you so happy it was helpful ☺️

[@pamelasorrells2187]

Love how the stitch on that white cloth looks like cobble stones to me! I can’t wait to try that style out. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stitiching works.

[@Bunefoo401]

@1:38, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the woven white fabrics with the spiral blanket stitching. Reminds me so much of a cut edge of a log.

[@k3n.clothtales]

thank you 😊 a couple of others have seen crazed pottery, isn't it interesting how we see things differently? I must do something with that little piece ❤️

[@dagmarleuenberger-swift8646]

Thank Kathryn, I really learned something today, I will go to bed much smarter tonight❤️🇨🇦

[@lindaschillers6405]

thanks so much for this very clear instructional video. very helpful to see the variations of this neat stitch.

[@brendadeveau8852]

Absolutely love this!! Thank you so much for this fabulous inspirational idea!!👏🏻👏🏻👍🤗🤗

[@michelledonnelly1305]

I am so glad you did this tutorial! I have really struggled with the blanket stitch and have tried to follow others on KZbin but only got more confused! Your way of doing this makes so much sense and I love the idea of using it as a decorative stitch! Thank you Kathryn!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thepenclw]

Thank you, I never realized that you can do so much with the Blakey stitch.

[@user-un6ys2wx1y]

Смотрю из России, очень благодарна за все ваши уроки! Очень жаль, что не знаю ваш язык, хорошо, что в комментариях есть перевод, но так хотелось бы послушать о чем вы рассказываете, приходится только догадываться. Катрин, спасибо вам огромное!

[@k3n.clothtales]

thank you you can get subtitles by clicking CC then Settings Captions and auto translate then choose your language from the menu 😉

[@cherylfaetanini5683]

One of my favorite stitches ❤️ I like how you did that’s stitch in a circle! Thank you Kathryn

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure 😊

[@leonasdesigns]

Thank you! I have watched a few videos on how to do a blanket stitch and I got confused every time, but yours makes it look so easy to me! I can't wait to try doing it!

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent

[@alisonharris7130]

WOW!!! I love blanket stitch. Thank you

[@suebrown3194]

I love playing with the blanket stitch. I seem to always have to stop and think hard about how to get it going though. What I really want to learn is how to create that honeycomb look with the blanket stitch, like the white bit you showed us from the show catalog.

[@k3n.clothtales]

It's exactly the same, except put the needle through the leg of the stitch above. I should have shown that, I am sorry. 🤭 Maybe I will do a part two 😁

[@superawesomejunkmonk]

I just learned to do this flat the other day. I love it! Thank you for this great video :)

[@elizabethmaria821]

I love the work that you d9. Thank you so much for sharing that.

[@ItsOnlyMe13]

I’ve just only heard of slow stitching since happening upon your videos in the past few weeks. This will be my go-to when I’m sitting watching TV in the evening ps this winter. This week I grabbed some scrap fabrics I saved when I deconstructed old clothes that weren’t fit to donate. I’m making a pouch to carry my pens, pencils and a few small paint brushes so they don’t get damaged or lost in my big art bag. The blanket stitch looks beautiful done on a flat surface! I’ll definitely add this to some cloth ❣️ Thank you so much for sharing your passion.

[@k3n.clothtales]

my pleasure have fun 😊

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

I actually use this stitch a lot, but almost always as a utilitarian stitch, and when I use it for embellishment it’s always in “square” or “rectangle” shapes, and this looks so beautiful, and it does resemble a spider web, which I find amazing. I’m definitely going to do this, and I love it wonky! No perfect lines for me 😂! The wonkier the better 😂♥️💚💙🩷💛🤍🤎🩵💜🧡

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yeay for wonky 😉❤

[@zefugainspe]

My nephews got spiderweb coasters for Christmas- i wove some flowery strips together (like in your first weekly project) and then put some (very very wonky) blanket stitches on it so the spiderwebs were not overly brand new😂 it's funny how things align🤩 And also - your woven sheet piece with almost crackle effect is stunning.

[@k3n.clothtales]

perfect 😁

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦 😎 cool ...the ever useful functionality.... button holes. I like how one can adapt to suit 🎉

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello, I would love to visit that side of Canada one day. As a child I lived for two years in New Brunswick 😁❤️

[@margueritemitchell1829]

@@k3n.clothtales I have not traveled much .. my children even traveled airplane cross the country before I did.

[@anniefranklin1731]

Fabulous again! Thank you Kathryn!

[@melissamiller5553]

I love this! Thank you so much for your tutorials. They are wonderful.

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure 😊

[@annemcdonald5602]

I'm really enjoying your tutorials - Thank you!

[@elizabethbuttke2224]

Very helpful! Doesn't look as difficult, and I'm left handed 😊

[@inezharrell4339]

❤ Good Morning enjoying your videos are delightful. Taking another look at the blanket stitch. Your voice is a comforting sound when a early morning flare-up comes for a visit and decides to stay for a while. Giving me so many beautiful ideas 💡 Thanks for sharing ❤ InezArnetta 🌹

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure and thank you 🙏😊

[@juliegolub2602]

I can't wait to try this! Thank you for expanding my creative thoughts!

[@myhillsidegarden3998]

Thank you for sharing. I've only used it as an edge, I love the idea of using it elsewhere. Enjoy your day. Catherine

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you ❤️

[@lindamorgan3069]

Wonderful. Thank you ♥️

[@user-vy3kj4hq3k]

Waoooo.. perfecto 🙏🙏🙏🙏💖.. gracias, gracias, graciassss!!!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure 😊

[@jayneelinor]

I recently learned how to do blanket stitch in a circle after seeing it some where and I had to search high and low to figure out what it was. I did a few spirals with it and love the look. I see there is even more that can be done! Your piece from the exhibition is absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure 😊

[@paulawilliams9645]

So interesting. I have been using blanket stitch on some applique this week.

[@jeanwhiley6571]

Loved, loved, loved this video, I feel stupid to admit it but I have only ever used blanket stitch as an edging stitch, it never occurred to me to use it the way you have just shown, what a revelation. I love the look of this stitch in this new way, so effective, thank you so much for sharing this

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure Jean, don't feel stupid, I only used it as an edging stitch for years too 😁❤️

[@HannahHann1984]

Great inspiration thankyou

[@BarbaraEaves-vz1vl]

Oh, dear. Now I must make a mouse blanket...

[@marysanders3860]

And I need a quilty bookmark...

[@k3n.clothtales]

Of course you must, somewhere there is a cold mouse 🥶❤😂

[@caroleminvielle9554]

Fascinating. I did a little blanket stitch round the edge of a circle just yesterday, but with the “legs” pointing to the centre in the regular way. I never thought of this! I love the effect.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, yes you get a different effect stitching 'legs in', I should have shown that, oh well too late, next time. I always stitch it legs out, I guess it's just habit, or maybe because of the way I hold the cloth and work the stitch. 🤔❤️

[@montanakath7987]

I have recently attempted some wool projects and my blanket stitching has been dismal and I took it all out. I relegated those projects to “another day” pile. You have just revolutionized my journey. Thank you so much! Love what your sharing

[@montanakath7987]

You’re! Unfortunately the your was not spell check just a small brain fart.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Wonderful!

[@k3n.clothtales]

😂

[@lindamarshall-ur9tk]

Thank you 😊

[@carolynwebb9760]

I absolutely love this! I am going to be starting a "Things that go Bump in the Night" junk journal and can't wait to use the blanket stitch to give the illusion of a spider web! I may even incorporate it in the fabric cover. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Hugs

[@k3n.clothtales]

Brilliant, and your last name is perfect 😉❤️

[@carolynwebb9760]

hahaha

[@carolynwebb9760]

My journal inspiration came from a vintage magazine with an advertisement for the debut of The Birds. lol

[@shazmac334]

awesome . Love this thank you

[@kathleenmarch5211]

I am deeply drawn to the piece in spiral form. I saw rugged Galician walls or circular houses. Thank you.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you 😊

[@judymarkel8029]

I love blanket stitch. It has so many variations. Thank you

[@Turtledovegrove]

Helle my french friend...what a lovely pile of goodies to see first up...oh the blanket stich soso under apreciated......keep war out there , wont you, 40oc here today...hot hot hot...i did stich and share on ig...for your inspection...😂...

[@k3n.clothtales]

I did see, along with the cutlery tray you stole from me 😂❤️

[@pamfrank3962]

Will you show us how to achieve the red circle with waves or flame shown on exhibit blanket. Your workmanship was exquisite on the exhibit piece. Of course all your stitches are beautifully crafted. Thank you for sharing your talent and flair ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Pam, the red circle is eyelet stitch and then around it is the stacked running stitch and split backstitch from the Solar Eclipse week of the Slowstitch project. I hope that is helpful. ❤️

[@carmengloriaveramorales5596]

Muchas gracias... Al comienzo, vi videos cuyo trasfondo no comprendí. De a poco lo estoy logrando... Éste me gustó mucho también. Gracias!💫✨️

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello, you can get subtitles on any video by clicking CC then Settings Captions Auto translate and select your language from the menu. ❤

[@maz3002]

Who would've thought you could create such beautiful patterns with the humble blanket stitch. The white sampler is beautiful, and your exhibition piece is stunning. It's interesting, i do my blanket stitch the opposite way to you - mirror image if you like, and i don't like using a hoop either.

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Hi Kathryn. I did 'thumbs up' before watching. Blanket stitch is one of my most favourite stitches!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Oh that was you was it 😂 after I had published, I went to my channel to check it looked ok and saw the like already 😁 thank you for your confidence in me, the video might have been rubbish! 🤣❤️

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

@@k3n.clothtales no, I wasn't the first one. Btw even if it's 'rubbish' I like your videos ☺

[@k3n.clothtales]

😂😂😂

[@Angela_Mahler]

Thank you so much for making this video. I’ve been thinking about experimenting with a blanket stitch spiral for a while now, but haven’t quite figured out how to start it. So you’ve sold that for me among other things. I would love to join your group if possible on Facebook. Thanks again!

[@k3n.clothtales]

hi there, hope you have managed to join the group, there is a link under the video ❤️

[@Angela_Mahler]

I did, thank you@@k3n.clothtales

[@deborahbaroff272]

this circular blanket stitch is different than others. But I like it much better. Don't give up practicing - it took me quite a while! 🙄

[@BB-sk9hf]

Lovely video, so interesting to see the different effects of this stitch ❤

[@Jookie723]

❤❤❤

[@CarolynHeldon-fl3to]

I’m going to do a spiral on week two project!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes! 😁❤️

[@carolfarney-creativethough2725]

Love watching your videos. I am new at learning slow-stitching and you make it look and feel so easy. I'm working on a project now that I am going to need the blanket stitch. How did you know?!😏

[@k3n.clothtales]

It's a gift 😂❤

[@kathavalon19]

I was glad of the needling tip last week when a fellow student kindly offered me some fabric. I tried your tip and quickly realised it would be too stiff to stitch comfortably 🤔

[@k3n.clothtales]

It is really useful isn't it? A tip I got from another friend a few years ago and happy to pass it on 🥰

[@elzbietabiernacik7682]

🌷

[@jenniferreed7881]

That woven piece looks like crazed pottery

[@k3n.clothtales]

yes it does doesn't it? just love what you can do with a needle and some thread 😁❤️

[@pamelavandy290]

Love the cobwebs and honeycomb effect that your blanket stitch produced. Never thought to play with this stitch in this way! What size tulip needle do you use for your embroidery? I have just bought size 11 tulip embroidery needles and find them very fine. Thank you 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, I use an #8 or #9 for embroidery with two strands of embroidery floss. I use #11 for piecing with fine cotton. 😊

[@nancydale7367]

This is probably the twentieth re-watching for me, but it occurred to me to ask - because i'm having issues of my own - how do you get the tension to make it look honeycomb-ish without puckering the cloth? Mine always end up changing my fabric! I LOVE the piece you show in the book - so so so gorgeous

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Nancy, you might enjoy Monday's video, spoiler alert 😁 regarding the puckering, one way is to work on a sound backing, for example some wool felt or flannel behind your top cloth. Many use a hoop though I don't because I don't enjoy the process of stitching through a hoop. Otherwise it's just practice I am afraid, pulling the stitches gently so they lay flat but not taut. ❤️

[@nancydale7367]

@@k3n.clothtales Thank you, I thought that might be your answer lol!! Well, I have to say, I'm definitely practicing, so hopefully I'll get better! I can't WAIT for Monday's video!! :D

[@gailfirenze4760]

🙋🏼‍♀️🇦🇺

[@prisknits2585]

So happy to have found you. I am just starting a stitching journey. And I have a question: is it possible that the feather stitch is about the same thing as the blanket stitch you showed, just using different angles?

[@k3n.clothtales]

it does look similar but feather stitch is worked slightly differently. there is also Cretan stitch which I love and will show soon, which is similar again ❤️

[@prisknits2585]

Looking forward to seeing how it's done.@@k3n.clothtales

[@gonerustic]

Could you please tell us where to buy the book? It looks really interesting …

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hi Rita, it's the exhibition catalogue from my group CQWest, from our last round of exhibitions. I am sorry, I don't think there are any left. 😔❤️

[@donnadees1971]

Why is there a faded - ness to script? Can barely see

[@k3n.clothtales]

Which script are you referring to?

[@paulad2527]

I am a new to stitch work. Since discovering your channel, thanks to a recommendation from Rachel @roxycreations , I have been watching all of your videos. I am in awe of your talent and artistry. Thank you so much for these videos. You are a pleasure to watch and a joy to listen to. I am learning so much!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, Rachel is so kind to recommend me, I love her channel ♥️