Knotted Blanket Stitch
Knotted Blanket Stitch is a decorative variation of the Blanket Stitch that features small knots at the tips of each stitch’s legs. This adds not only decoration, but also extra stability, as the knots hold the stitches in place.
The technique for embroidering Knotted Blanket Stitch is the same as Blanket Stitch, with the addition of a knot, similar to the French knot with a single warp.
On the back side of the fabric, the stitch looks just like traditional Blanket Stitch – a row of vertical stitches.
Applications of the Knotted Blanket Stitch
This hand embroidery technique works everywhere you would use a Blanket Stitch – from outlines to edges, bold borders, or garment decor.
For a more embellished look, you can combine Knotted Blanket Stitch with beads or sequins. This technique works well on straight lines and curves and can be arranged in circles or worked as a Long and Short Blanket Stitch, with legs of various lengths.
More stitches from the Blanket Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Knotted Blanket Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Knotted Blanket Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Knotted Blanket Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two parallel lines for guidance. Bring the needle to the surface at the bottom-left corner. Pull the thread to the surface.
2. Wrap the thread around the needle and push it down to the surface on the upper line, one stitch to the right.
3. Use the sewing method and scoop the fabric with the needle between the marking lines. The thread passes under the tip of the needle, forming the Blanket Stitch, while the wrap that you made in the previous step creates a knot at the base of the leg.
4. Pull the thread through, tighten the knot, and close the loop. Then, move to the next step. Start with a wrap, then stab the needle into the top line.
5. Scoop the fabric, coming up at the bottom marked line.
6. Adjust the thread so the loop goes under the needle tip.
7. Then pull the thread through. This tightens the knot and shapes the Blanket Stitch.
8. Repeat the sequence to embroider the entire row with Knotted Blanket Stitch. Remember to tighten the stitches while the needle is still in the fabric, then pull the thread through.
9. When finished, push the needle to the back side of the fabric and tie off the thread with a knot, or anchor it to the last stitch by weaving the end under the stitches on the back.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.
What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. Decorative stitches, techniques for filling and outlines, borders or mending – all in one place!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
