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How to Handsew (Blanket Stitch)

Any fursuit part can be handsewn instead of machine sewn. Handsewing takes longer, but is more precise and is more affordable than purchasing a machine. I handsew a lot of smaller markings that would be eaten up by a machine.

Let's learn how to do the blanket stitch! The blanket stitch is my favorite stitch, it is strong and easy to do.

Table of Contents

Threading the Needle
Doing the Blanket Stitch

You will need:

  • Needle
  • All-purpose thread
  • Scissors
  • Pins or sewing clips
  • Something to sew!

Threading the Needle

Black thread, needle, and two pieces of fur attatched with sewing clips

Start by cutting off a piece of thread that is about as long as your arm.

Piece of cut off thread and a neeld

Keep the ends close to each other to keep track of them.

Close up of a needle with some thread through it

Put one end of the thread through the eye of the needle. This can be tricky at first, but gets easier with practice!

Two ends of a piece of thread brought together

With the needle threaded, bring the two ends together.

Needle sitting at the center of a piece of thread

Pull the needle so it is in the halfway point of the thread. It should look similar to this.

Thread with a loop

Make a loop near the ends of the thread by crossing it over itself.

End of thread being brought through loop

Put the end of the thread through the loop. Don't pull all the way yet!

Thread being wrapped around loop

Put the end back through the loop (wrapping it around) another two or three more times.

Thread with needle and a knot at the end

Pull it tight. Your knot is done! This prevents the thread from slipping through the fabric and strengthens the stitch. Here is a video of the process:



Doing the Blanket Stitch

Needle sitting halfway through two sandwiched pieces of faux fur

Insert the needle through both layers of the fabric. Pull it through.

Needle again sitting halfway through two sandwiched pieces of faux fur

Insert the needle again at roughly the same position. Don't pull it through yet. It's time to do the blanket stitch!

Needle now has thread being wrapped around it

Wrap the thread around the needle and pull it through.

One stitch of the blanket stitch complete

Move the needle a few millimeters over and repeat the process: stick it halfway, wrap the thread around, and pull.

I have another video:



When you're done, or if you've run out of thread, you will need to close it off with another knot. Instead of wrapping the thread around the needle once, wrap it around three times. Slip the needle underneath one of the stitches and wrap it around three times again.



You did it!!! Your blanket stitch is done :) I used black thread because my table and fabric were lightly colored and I wanted it to be visible on camera, but for short fur (such as faces) a similar thread color will be less noticeable.

In the videos, I went at an intentionally very slow pace so it is easy to follow along, but once you get the hang of handsewing you will fall into a good rhythm. Have fun sewing!

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