How to Make a Fleece Blanket

Everyone likes a fleece blanket. They are colorful, warm, soft and cuddly. The easy-to-care-for fabric now comes in a wide variety of colors and designs sure to please men and women alike. Making a fleece blanket has never been easier. Just follow a few simple steps and you will have the perfect gift for any occasion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 to 2 yards of fleece fabric
• Scissors
• Pinking shears or craft shears with designed edges
• Tape measure
• Fabric pen
• White cotton rope
• White base tape
• Tassels
• Flat surface

1. Select a pattern and choose a thick, tightly woven fleece. Personalize your fleece blanket by picking a pattern, color or design that suits the recipient. Fleece can be found in most craft and fabric stores, or can be ordered online.

2. Determine how much fabric you will need. Recommended amounts are: 1 to 1½ yards for babies or toddlers; 1¾ yards for a child, and 2 yards for a teenager or adult. Blankets can also be made to fit a particular bed size. In that case, allow for overhang by adding 10 to 12 inches to both dimensions. Another 12 inches should be added to the top, bottom and sides if you plan to add fringe.

3. Assemble the blanket by placing the fleece upside down on a flat surface. Trim the edges evenly. You may decide to finish the edges by hemming it all around with a half-inch hem, a blanket stitch or you can serge the edge. If you're not adding fringe your fleece blanket is completed!

4. Make the fringe. Draw horizontal lines six inches from each blanket edge. Using a fabric pen, draw vertical lines that are ½ to ¾ inches down from the horizontal markings. Cut along each edge with pinking or craft shears. Repeat on all four sides.

5. Add some elegance to your fleece blanket for a luxurious look! Trim the sides with white cotton rope or base tape instead of adding fringe. Another option is to attach a colorful tassel to each corner.

6. Personalize your blanket. Pay a visit to your local sports store and have them embroider the recipient's initials, a logo or design on one corner.

Tips & Warnings

• Try out shears with different edge finishes.
• Be sure there is enough material at the edge to cut the fringe without cutting into the pattern.
• Machine wash gentle cycle and dry on low heat.

[LSpradlin]

on 12/17/2008 Very well written article, thank you!