Definition

Noun: A strong, decorative hand stitch used to reinforce and finish the edges of thick fabrics, especially blankets. It is characterized by a series of spaced, perpendicular stitches that form a line, often resembling a buttonhole stitch in appearance.

Usage

The "blanket stitch" is primarily used in sewing and embroidery. It serves both a functional purpose, to prevent fraying, and a decorative one, often seen on the edges of blankets, appliqué work, and felt projects.

Examples

• She finished the edge of the wool blanket with a neat blanket stitch.
• For the craft project, the children learned how to sew a simple blanket stitch around their felt shapes.
• The tutorial explained that a blanket stitch is ideal for securing appliqué pieces to a background fabric.

Advanced Usage

• As a verb (to blanket-stitch): The action of sewing using this stitch.
  • She decided to blanket-stitch the border for a rustic look.

Variants and Related Words

• Buttonhole Stitch: A very similar and closely related stitch, often more tightly spaced, traditionally used to reinforce the edges of buttonholes.
• Whip Stitch: Another edge-finishing stitch, but it is simpler and lies flat along the edge rather than protruding perpendicularly like the blanket stitch.

Synonyms

• Edge stitch (in a specific, decorative context)
• Overcast stitch (though this is a broader category for edge-finishing)

Related Phrases

• Blanket-stitched edge: An edge that has been finished with this stitch.
  • The blanket-stitched edge gave the tea cozy a charming, handmade quality.

Noun

1. a strong reinforcing stitch for edges of blanket and other thick material; similar to buttonhole stitch