Creating a fleece blanket is a great way to stay warm during the cold winter months. Not only will you have something cozy to cuddle up in, you’ll also have something to treasure and show off for years to come. With a little bit of creativity, few supplies and a sewing machine, you can transform a simple piece of fleece fabric into your own personalized throw.
The first step to making a fleece blanket is to select the fabric. Fleece is a soft woven fabric with an insulating quality that does not fray, making it the perfect choice for a no-sew, machine-made blanket. Available in a wide range of colors, patterns and textures, you can customize your blanket to match both your decor and your own unique style. When selecting fabric, consider going with a pattern that is easy on the eyes as you’ll be spending a lot of quality time with your finished product.
Once you have the fabric in hand, you’ll need to decide what size you want your blanket to be. Keep in mind that you’ll need four times the length as you do width for the project, so if you want a 40″ by 50″ blanket, you’ll need to purchase fabric that measures 80″ by 100″. When it comes to cutting, use a pair of sharp scissors, cutting mat and ruler to measure and cut your fabric into equal dimensions.
Before taking the fabric to your sewing machine, it’s a good idea to give the pieces a good press. A hot iron with a touch of steam will help ensure that all wrinkles and ripples are efficiently flattened. Once the pieces have been pressed, you can now start to sew.
Be sure to set your machine to the longest and widest stitch to join the two pieces together. Using a 3/8 inch seam allowance, you’ll want to sew a line along the edges of each piece so that they can be joined.
After joining the two ends of the fabric, add a zig zag stitch along either edge of the bottom seam to give it extra durability. This stitch helps to reinforce the edge and prevents fraying. Once the zig zag stitch is added, all that’s left to do is trim off the excess fabric.
The final step is to wrap your new fleece blanket in a bow and give it to someone special. Showing someone you care by taking the time to craft this one-of-a-kind treasure truly demonstrates the power of love.
Other Supplies Needed
Creating a fleece blanket is can be done with a few supplies. Besides the fabric, you’ll need to have the following items in order to complete your DIY project: a pair of sharp scissors, a cutting mat and ruler, a sewing machine, an iron and ironing board.
Animals Love Fleece Too!
Did you know that you can easily make a fleece blanket for your furry friend? It’s a great way to give them something cozy to snuggle up in and express their own unique style. All you need to do is cut the fabric into two or four pieces that are big enough for your pet to sleep inside – use your pet as a measurement marker when shopping for the fabric. Once you have the fabric cut, join the pieces together with a long straight stitch on your sewing machine. Then add a zig zag stitch to the edges to finish off the fleece blanket.
No-Sew Fleece Blankets
If sewing isn’t your forte, don’t worry as there are a number of no-sew fleece crafts projects available. All you need to do is cut the fabric into strips and tie the cut pieces together in a knot. You can make a bigger blanket by adding more fabric strips or use fabric glue to secure the knots. Depending on the size of your fabric strips, no-sew blankets can range from a small lap-sized blanket to a full-sized bed cover.
Making It Your Own
Turning your fleece blanket into a one-of-a-kind treasure is simple. Consider adding a fringe, applique or embroidered designs for an extra bit of flair. You can also use a blanket pin or buttons to keep the edges of your blanket secure. With a little bit of creativity and a sewing machine, you can easily make a personalized throw that will bring warmth and comfort to those who use it.
Using Repurposed Fleece
With a little bit of creativity and imagination, you can also use repurposed fleece fabric to make your cozy project. Instead of throwing away old clothes, consider upcycling them into something useful and unique. Old fleece sweaters and jackets, in particular, make great fabric for crafting a snuggly blanket. All you need to do is combine several pieces of fabric together and join them with a long straight stitch.
Use a Fleece Blanket All Year Round
Winter isn’t the only time to cozy up in a comfy fleece blanket. Fleece is a lightweight fabric, making it perfect for all climates as it is breathable, insulating and good at trapping heat. Take your blanket to the park or the beach for a picnic, or use it as a throw on your sofa or bed for extra warmth during colder months.
