How to Make a Baby Fleece Blanket

A handmade blanket is the perfect gift for an expectant mother. Blankets are practical items, but the act of making one for a new parent makes it a sentimental gift as well. Fortunately, you don't need sewing skills to make a lovely handmade blanket if you choose the right fabric. Fleece is the perfect baby blanket fabric. It's warm, soft and doesn't fray, which means it's perfect for making a no-sew tie blanket.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 yard of printed fleece 1 yard of fleece in coordinating solid color Rotary cutter Self-healing mat Pins Ruler Scissors

1. Measure and cut both pieces of fleece fabric to size using your rotary cutter and self-healing mat. Be sure to add 4 inches to each side of the blanket to allow for ties. A typical baby blanket is about 40-by-40 inches in size, so if you choose that size you will need to cut your fabric to 44-by-44 inches size.

2. Place the pieces on your work surface with the wrong sides together. Keep in mind that some printed fleeces don't have a wrong side, so you may not have to worry about it. Pin the layers together to prevent the fabric from shifting.

3. Measure and cut a 4-by-4 inch square out of each corner and discard the scraps.

4. Start at one corner and measure out 1 inch. Make a 4-inch cut into the layers from the outer edge. Repeat at 1-inch intervals along all four edges of the blanket to create your ties. You may need to remove pins as you go along if they get in the way of your scissors or rotary cutter.

5. Knot each set of ties together to join both layers first by knotting every other set of ties. Remember to make two overhand knots for your ties. Then turn the blanket over and knot the remaining ties to give the blanket a balanced look and ensure that both sides will look appealing when displayed.

6. Finish the blanket by checking all of the knots to ensure they have been tied properly.