Fleece blankets

[RSJ5]

My kids received some fleece blankets as gifts for Christmas and I was wondering if anyone knew how to make them. They are the tied ends kind ( no sewing involved). I appreciate any help, Thanks.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

These are really simple. Most fabric stores have mounds of bolts of this type of material. Although maybe not so much right now as in November!

Anyway, figure out how big you want the finished blanket - ie: crib, afghan, or twin bed. Most of these are about 54" wide so the width is set - the selvage edges eliminate the need to sew the sides so don't make them narrower. Add to the length you want the length of the fringe plus a little bit for the knot.

So for instance if you wanted a throw for a 6 foot tall teenage boy that plays football do the following.

1. Go to the fabric store and select a fabric.
2. This is a tall person so I'd make it about 2 yards of finished, solid fabric. Plus fringing so let's call it 2.5 yards.
3. Take it home and wash the fabric.
4. Lay it out on a surface so that the end you're fringing is laying flat.
5. Cut into the fabric with good sharp shears about 8".
6. Tie a knot tight to the fabric where the fringe cut stops.
7. Switch it around to the other end and repeat steps 4-6

Viola'! Finished blanket. The length adjusts, and the fringe length is a matter of personal preference. Another way to do this is select the length you want plus about 2" and then do a turned hem on each end that you sew with a regular machine stitch or you can do the blanket stitch.

Most fabric stores have flyers available that show that stitch in a step by step illustrated manner.

Have fun!
Deb

 

[Rajah]

I actually put together a web page with instructions since several of my friends were asking for instructions. Assuming the link works (our internet has been down sporadically since Christmas, but this weekend was acting right again so hopefully the problem has been fixed, but if the link doesn't work, try again later) here's what I put together, complete with photos:

http://www.stardustdreams.net/images/blanket/

 

[MontanaCowgirl]

They also sell fabric panels with designs specifically made for these blankets now! How neat is that? They make for great pillows too! Just cut your fleece 4 inches bigger than your pillow form all the way around. Tie 3 sides, put the pillow form in & voila`! You have a pillow!

I actually took a class on this for a fun thing to do with my DD & they had us put masking tape across to mark where to stop cutting. I found that the tape tended to pull the fabric & stretch it a lot. Now I use a quilting air-erase pen to mark it. It disappears in an hour or so. Perfect for this project! They also make a wet-erase pen that will last long enough to do the blankets. All you need to do is rub the line very lightly with a wet cotton swab & it disappears! That's if you can even see it after you tie your blanket!

 

[Snow White]

Wow Rajah, the link really gave great instructions! Your throws turned out really pretty! And the cats are way too cute!

 

[lisajl]

Ok----guess what I did. I was going to make a blanket stitch all the way around ours. I got frustrated and took pinking shears to them!!
The ends won't fray, the kids don't care! The blankets kept them warm all the way to Disney World!


Lisajl

 

[MinnieMe2]

Rajah, great web site. I've printed it out and plan to buy some fleece on my way home from work tonite!

By the way, your cats are gorgeous and absolutely darling. I'm sure I'll have similar 'help' when I get started. If I work in my livingroom, the two cats will be there. And if I work in the family room, I'll have 60 lbs. of basset hound all over me and the fabric !

 

[chessie]

Rajah,

Great instructions for the fleece blankets. I have never seen one of these blankets. It looks like a great project to do when my Mom comes to visit. I think I might try one.

chessie

PS: Love the cats

 

[yummy72]

I think I may try to make one for DH and one for DD for Valentine's Day. I saw lots of great fleece at our Hancock's. I intended to make them at Christmas, and even pm's MerryPoppins for help, but just never got around to making them. Now that Rajah has posted these great instructions I'm inspired again. Thanks so much, I'm a visual person and it helped me so much to see each step pictured!

--Candi

 

[Rajah]

You're welcome, everyone.

 

[beccab]

Great instructions... visuals are so much better. (for me at least)