Step-by-step Instructions on How to Make a Fleece Blanket: No Sewing Skills Required
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As the air gets nippy, do you wish you have a throw on your sofa to snuggle in? Are you looking for a blanket to take to your son’s football game? Or do you suffer from blanket envy when your friends show off their hand quilted blankets with fancy bows and designs? If you’re, you’ve come to the right place—you can make your own fleece blanket in one hour and you’re learning it from someone who hates to sew so much, she would rather pull out weeds in the garden. In short, this is making fleece blanket for dummies (now, I’m not suggesting you’re one) but I’m one, for sure.
Not too long ago, when Haiti was devastated by earthquake, there was an effort to make blankets to send away. They were making blankets but what can I do?—I totally, absolutely hate sewing. The lady in charge assures me that there is place for people like me—she will show me how to make fleece blankets—no needles, just a pair of hands, some nimble tying skills and if I can operate a pair of scissors—then, no excuse, really.
That effort turns into an ongoing project. So, every first Saturday of the month, I join a bunch of ladies to make quilts/fleece blankets to send off to wherever there is a need....Chile, Ecuador or a foster home in Los Angeles.
Now, if you’re looking to make one for your own use, for a family member, a friend or the homeless down the street, this project is totally easy. Forget the snuggies you are going to get this Christmas. Let’s get going:
You’ll need:
- One 2 yard by 2 yard fleece fabric ( You can easily get this at the crafts or fabric store..and you can stipulate your own size of fleece fabric too).
- 1 good pair of scissors
- One 5” by 5” square cutout (good idea if you plan on making more than one blanket as it serves as your measuring guide). Using sturdy cardboard paper, draw a 5’” by 5” square, mark one inch off the edge to use as a guide when cutting fringe. We will designate this cutout as the "green card" for easy reference. This will momentarily become clearer.
First cut out edge of fleece material as it is bumpy and will present a challenge when cutting fringe. There is usually one on each side of the fleece material.
Step 1
Put the green card on corner of fleece fabric and use scissors to cut out a square. You should cut out all four corners.
Step 2
Starting on one side, place square cutout one inch from the edge and cut along it.
Step 3
Continue cutting along one side of fleece until you make a fringe with one inch interval. It should look like this:
Step 4
Once you’re done cutting all the fringes around 4 sides of the fleece, take one strip and tie it into a knot. Continue tying all the strips into knots, so they look nice and finished.
Step 5
Your blanket is ready. Needed: One cold body in need of some cuddly warmth.
Finished Specimen--Blanket good enough to show off.
If you want to separate yourself from the dummies, you may want to consider these professional tools:
- Cutting mat
- Rotary Cutter (cuts like pizza cutter, resulting in straight lines)
- Measuring tape
If you want to personalize the blanket, there are many motifs to choose from:
- Animals (dogs, cats, etc—appropriate for pet lovers)
- Seasons (Christmas, winter, spring, fall)
- Nature (flowers, landscape)
- Games (softball, football, soccer, basketball)
- More….
If you prefer a warmer fleece blanket:
Instead of one piece of fleece material, use two at one go. Line the two pieces up and proceed with the same instructions.
Warning:
Making fleece blanket my be addictive....proceed only after due consideration.But rest assured, it's a happy healthy habit.
Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.
