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How to Hand Sew a Blanket Stitch or Buttonhole Stitch

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com

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How to start sewing a blanket stitch

Start Sewing a Blanket Stitch

Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
A blanket stitch is commonly used to decorate the edge of fabric that is not prone to ravel to create a blanket. It is purely decorative and does not protect the fabric from raveling.

Many people detest hand sewing... It can be enjoyable! Hand sewing is a great way to pass time while waiting in a doctors waiting room, waiting in the car for the kids to be done with their various activities or while watching TV.
A needle, thread and a small pair of scissors to cut the thread are all you need to start hand sewing.
Simple thread and needle are not your only possibility though! Experiment with yarn or decorative thread depending on what you are sewing for interesting effects.

Starting the Blanket Stitch

  • Thread the needle and knot the thread.
  • Bring your knot to the back side of the fabric, anchoring the thread so the needle will come out of the fabric on the edge.

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