How to Make Couch Throws

Sew your own fabric throw blankets for your couch.

Throw blankets made from plush fabrics are inviting and comfortable accessories for your couch, adding color and texture to your decor. Designer throws are expensive, and you may not be able to find the style or pattern you want. You can easily make your own throw blankets for your couch out of the fabric of your choice. Warm wool, rich microfleece and lush cashmere all make appealing lap-size throw blankets for your couch. These blankets are a simple sewing project that even beginning sewers can complete with ease.

Things You'll Need

• 1-1/2 yards fabric, 44 inches wide
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Coordinating thread
• Sewing machine
• 2-1/2 yards fringe

Instructions

1. Wash, dry and iron your fabric if indicated by the manufacturer. Unfold the fabric and cut all edges so these are straight.

2. Fold each long edge over 1/2 inch and iron if your fabric allows ironing. If not, press a seam into the fabric with your fingers. Fold the fabric over an additional inch on each long edge and iron or finger press. Use straight pins to hold the folded edges in place.

3. Repeat Step 2 for each short edge.

4. Thread your sewing machine and set the stitch length for a medium-long stitch. Sew along all four of your pinned edges. Use a straight stitch and a 1/2-inch seam allowance to secure the folded edges down. Remove the pins when done sewing and cut off loose threads.

5. Cut your fringed trim so you have two pieces, each being 1 inch longer than your short blanket edge. Fold under 1/2 inch each raw edge of your fringed trim. Pin each piece of fringed trim into place on one of the short ends of the blanket with the folded-under edge of the fringe facing down on the folded-up hem.

   Line up the edge of the fringe so it's parallel with the edge of the blanket. The fringe should hang off the edges of the blanket.

6. Sew the fringe into place using a medium-length straight stitch. Backstitch at both ends of the seam to secure the fringe in place. Remove the pins and trim the threads. Fold your blanket and arrange it on your couch.

References

• Design Sponge; Sewing 101: Wool Throw; Brett Bara; November 2010
• The Painted Hive; DIY Linen Throw; October 2010