What does a blanket stitch mean? It is a basic sewing stitch used for sewing stretch fabrics, seam edges and binding hems. It can be used to make intricate designs and is often used in decorative quilts, rag dolls and some kinds of clothing. It is one of the most popular hand sewing stitches and has been used for centuries by both professional and amateur seamstresses to produce beautiful pieces of clothing and other projects.
Can a sewing machine do blanket stitch? Generally speaking, most modern sewing machines are capable of producing a blanket stitch. The stitch is slightly different from the hand-sewing version because the needle runs parallel to the fabric edge whereas with hand stitching the needle makes a series of alternating perpendicular stitches. Manual machines may require separate attachments to produce the blanket stitch, where as computerized machines may have a selection of patterns that include the blanket stitch.
To achieve the perfect blanket stitch on a sewing machine, the correct presser foot should be used. Most presser feet are designed to accommodate standard straight or zigzag stitches, which makes it difficult to achieve a perfect blanket stitch. However, there are special presser feet available which allows the needle to move in a perpendicular direction to the fabric, which is necessary for creating the blanket stitch.
The tension of the thread is also important for producing a successful blanket stitch. The thread should be tight enough to ensure the stitch is pulled taut against the fabric edges but not so tight that it creates puckers or uneven edges. The stitch length should also be adjusted to suit the fabric and the project, as some fabrics may require a shorter stitch for a neater finish.
When using a computerised machine to produce a blanket stitch, it pays to practice on some scraps of fabric first. This will enable you to experiment and test out different techniques, presser feet and tension settings until the perfect blanket stitch is achieved. It is also important to read the instruction manual that comes with the machine in order to find out how to set up and use the blanket stitch feature.
It is important to remember that if a sewing machine is used to produce a blanket stitch, it is important to reinforce the seams properly with a backstitch or wail-stitch. This will ensure the seams remain secure, as it will be less prone to fraying or coming undone than a hand sewn blanket stitch. Whilst a sewing machine can produce quick and accurate blanket stitches, it is still possible to get good results with hand stitching.
Thread Type and Colour
Another important factor to consider when creating a blanket stitch is the type of thread and colour used. If a decorative project is being made then a contrasting thread colour can be used, however for clothing or bed linen it is important to choose a thread in a colour that will blend in with the fabric. This will ensure the stitch does not stand out and ruin the appearance of the project. In order for the thread to hold and stay strong when sewing the blanket stitch, it is important to remember to use the correct type of thread for the job.
When using a closely woven fabric, it is important to use a
