Sewing a Border on a Blanket

Stitching on a border is a quick process.

Adding a border on a blanket is a good way to improve its appearance and durability at the same time. Whether you are making a brand new blanket, or simply want to increase the quality of a blanket you already own, a border can be applied in a matter of hours with a basic knowledge of sewing and some supplies. In order to efficiently add a border to your blanket, you will need to own a sewing machine and understand how to operate it. Borders come in a variety of materials and they can accent any blanket material that you have.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket
• Border material
• Tape measure
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the width and height of the blanket. Multiply the width and height by two and add both numbers together for the total perimeter of the blanket.

2. Fold your border material in half and measure the width. Subtract half an inch from the measured width of the material. Multiply your calculated number by four and add it to the perimeter.

3. Cut the border material to a length equal to the value you just found.

4. Lay the blanket out flat on your work surface and slide the border material underneath the edge of the blanket that you want to start working on.

5. Line one end of the border up with your starting edge of the blanket and begin folding the border around the blanket edge so that a half-inch of material is overlapping the blanket on either side.

6. Pin the border in place and sew it to the blanket using a straight stitch. Back stitch the first end of the blanket. Keep the stitch line as close to the edge of the blanket as possible to avoid any fraying. Back stitch the other end of your first side of the blanket and cut the thread but not the border material.

7. Fold the border around the blanket so that you have a neat looking corner and the border is running along the next edge straight. Sew the next edge as you did the first, and fold around the corner once again. Continue this process until every edge has been sewn together, and you have a neat border surrounding your blanket.

References

• Utah State University; Mitered Corner Blanket; 2007
• Wrights; Applying Blanket Binding
• Husqvarna: Orange Blanket with Border