How to Make a Baby Blanket

Expectant mothers and new parents love to receive thoughtful, handmade gifts for their baby. A handmade baby blanket is both practical and sentimental, and makes the perfect baby shower gift.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 yard patterned fabric
• 1 yard coordinating soft solid fabric (satin, flannel, velour, minky or chenille)
• 1 yard cotton batting
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Straight pins

1. Cut the patterned fabric, solid fabric and cotton batting to a 29-inch square.

2. Layer the fabric and batting so the batting is on the bottom and the two fabric squares are on top with the right sides facing each other. Pin the layers together.

3. Sew the three layers together with a ½-inch seam, leaving a 6-inch wide opening.

4. Trim the excess fabric from the seams and clip the corners.

5. Turn the blanket right side out then slip stitch the opening closed.

6. Top stitch the blanket ¼ inch from the edges for a finished look using a straight stitch or one of your sewing machine’s decorative stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a pastel baby print for a traditional blanket or use a novelty fabric for a fun, whimsical blanket.