How to Sew a Boy's Comforter

A comforter can become a child’s favorite possession.

A comforter is an additional blanket used in a boy’s room that offers extra warmth during the winter, but can also be used as a play mat. Store-bought comforters come in a wide range of designs, but tend to be of standard dimensions and can be quite expensive. Making a comforter at home requires little in terms of sewing skill and can be designed to match a boy's personal tastes. A range of suitably boyish themed fabrics are available with designs of cowboys, spaceships and sports.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Batting
• Zipper
• Buttons
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Decide how large the comforter needs to be. The dimensions of a single bed are the standard size. Add 2 inches to the chosen dimensions on all sides to allow for hemming.

2. Mark out with a fabric pen the dimensions on a sheet of fabric and cut out with sharp scissors. Repeat so there are two identically sized sheets. The fabric can be personalized to the boy, making a homemade comforter more special than one bought in a shop using a themed fabric of a subject he likes.

3. Arrange the sheets as if the comforter was inside out. Place one sheet on top of the other so the brighter top side of the fabric is on the inside.

4. Attach the two sheets together on three sides using a needle and thread or sewing machine. Make the hem 1 inch in from all sides, but leave one of the short ends open so it can be stuffed and sealed later. Use thread that matches the fabric. It is best to used a thick thread as young boys are likely to put a greater strain on the comforter.

5. Turn the comforter cover the right way out and cut out a piece of batting the dimensions of the comforter, minus the additional measurements allowing for the hem. Insert the batting into the comforter cover.

6. Seal up the open end of the comforter. This can be sewed together like the other sides, but this means the comforter will have to be washed in one piece. A zipper can be cut to the length of the open end and sewn on to both sides, but ensure it is attached the right way round. Buttons can be sewn onto one side near the open edge, but this also involves cutting corresponding button holes which need to be sewn around the edges to prevent fraying.

References

• Dummies: Sewing a Quick Duvet Cover
• Design Sponge: Making a Duvet Cover