Preparation Steps
Before beginning to make a blanket with a sewing machine, it is essential to prepare the materials and equipment. The fabric used for the project should match the type and weight of the sewing machine in order to avoid a faulty stitch. A few materials needed includes fabric, thread, straight pins, ruler, scissors, pins and chalk. Furthermore, one should also prepare the sewing machine by winding the bobbin, selecting the presser foot, stitching length and width and tension. Once all the materials and equipment are ready, one can start making a blanket.
It is also beneficial to know a few stitches which are useful in making a blanket. Blanket stitches are the best choice to create an even, secure edge. Making blanket stitches by hand is a bit difficult so it is easier to do it with a sewing machine. Straight or zigzag stitches are also used for attaching two pieces of fabric together. These stitches need to be strong and should also be secure.
Steps to Making a Blanket
Making a blanket with a sewing machine requires a few simple steps which can be completed in about two hours. The first step is to cut the pieces of fabric for the blanket, depending on the size of the bed. The pieces should be cut in squares or rectangles, with a few extra inches on either side. The second step is to pin the two layers of fabric together. The fabric should be placed face-to-face and pinned through both the layers. Once everything is pinned, one can then begin stitching the pieces together.
The next step is to adjust the sewing machine according to the type and thickness of the fabric. Furthermore, the presser foot should be adjusted to the right pressure. The edges should also be folded inwards before starting to sew. The seam allowances should be considered when stitching the two pieces together. The right stitch should be chosen according to the type of fabric used for the blanket. The sewing machine should be set to a lower speed when stitching around the edges of the blanket.
The last step is to finish the edges. A serger machine can be used to finish the edges and make the blanket look neat. If a serger machine is not available, one can use straight or zigzag stitches to secure all the sides. Finally, trim off any extra fabric and turn the blanket around.
Tips for Making a Blanket
Making a blanket with a sewing machine requires a few tips, which can help in better results. Firstly, it is important to select the right fabrics for the project. Fleece or wool fabrics are the best choice for a blanket. Moreover, one should select the right thread color and type according to the fabric. The needle should also be checked before attaching it to the sewing machine.
It is also important to go slow while sewing and make sure that fabric does not end up getting bunched up. With projects like this, it is beneficial to have a good quality machine as this will provide better results. Furthermore, one should also test a few stitches on a fabric scrap before attaching it to the blanket.
Common Mistakes
It is natural to make a few mistakes when making a blanket with a sewing machine. One of the most common mistakes is to not cut the fabric correctly. This results in a blanket of uneven size and it does not fit properly. It is also a common mistake to not use enough pins when attaching two layers of fabric. When this happens, the thread constantly gets stuck or breaks.
The most foolish mistake one could make is to not check the sewing machine. One should make sure that the bobbin and stitch settings are set to the right type and tension. It is also important to check whether the needle is new, sharp and appropriate for the fabric. Once all these points are taken care of, one can start making the blanket.
Additional Tips and Tricks
In order to make the process of making a blanket easier, one can use additional tips and tricks. To start off, one can use a rotary cutter to cut the fabric accurately and quickly. Secondly, having a layout table or large surface to work on is always beneficial. It is also helpful to use paper patterns to cut out the correct size for each piece.
Lastly, one should always check the direction of the fabric. This is important to ensure that everything is going in the right direction. In addition to this, pins should be placed close together and in a straight line. Also, these pins can be used to make a pleat or pattern in the fabric when stitching.
Pressing Techniques
Once the blanket is ready, it is important to press it properly. Pressing the blanket properly after sewing will make it look neater. This can be done by placing a cloth over the blanket and pressing it with an iron. The settings of the iron should be checked according to the fabric used for the project. Furthermore, one should press both the directions to avoid any creases or wrinkles. Once the blanket has been pressed, it can be used for the bed.
In order to make a blanket last longer, it is essential to use quality materials and threads. The fabric used should be durable and well made. Premium threads should also be used to provide more strength. By using quality materials, one can make a blanket which lasts longer and is also comfortable.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is important when making a blanket with a sewing machine. It is wise to have a plan before beginning the project. One should also select the right colors and fabrics as they play a major part in the end results. The threads should also be selected carefully and a few samples should be tested prior to the project. This helps in avoiding last minute changes which can waste time and fabric.
It is also beneficial to measure the bed beforehand and list the exact measurements of the fabric. This helps in cutting out the fabric accurately and also allows one to save time. Furthermore, one should also plan the stitches before starting to work with the fabric. This can also save fabric and help in making the project easier.
Practice Makes Perfect
It is beneficial to practice making a blanket with a sewing machine before proceeding with the actual project. This is a simple way to learn and understand how the process works. A few fabric scraps should be used to practice and develop one’s skill. One should practice all the stitches and the steps involved, before starting on the final product.
Practicing allows one to experiment with various colors and fabrics. Making a few sample quilts can also help in understanding the method better. Once the practice is complete, one should have complete knowledge of the process and should be ready to make the bedding.
Extra Decorations
In order to make a blanket look more attractive, one can use a few extra decorations. Ribbons and trims can be used on the edges of the blanket. Embroidery is also a great idea for making the bedding look more interesting. Moreover, one can also use stencils for designing the blanket and make it look more appealing.
Adding buttons is also great for making bedding more attractive. It is easy to attach the buttons with a few stitches. One can also add ruffles to the blanket to give it an extra style. This allows one to create a unique style and make the blanket stand out.
Conclusion
Making a blanket with a sewing machine requires a few simple steps and techniques. All the materials must be ready before starting the project and the right stitches must be chosen. Once the blanket is finished, it should be pressed properly to make it look better. Moreover, additional trims and decorations can be added to make the blanket look more attractive. With the right techniques and practice, anyone can create beautiful blankets at home.
