How to Make a No-Sew Cotton Blanket

So you want to make a cotton blanket, but you don't know how to sew and don't own a sewing machine. Don't give up on the project, because you will still be able to do it without sewing skills or a sewing machine. You just need a few items and the skills to cut a straight line and operate an iron.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric Fusible adhesive tape Iron Ironing board Scissors Ribbon tape (optional)

Instructions

Tips on Making a No-Sew Cotton Blanket

1. Decide what size you want your blanket to be. Write down the measurements so you'll have them ready when you purchase your fabric. Size doesn't matter when it comes to this process. You can make anything from a smaller baby blanket, to a blanket big enough to cover yourself in. If you plan on using a ribbon edging on the blanket, you'll also need to know the width and length of the fabric, so you'll be able to purchase enough ribbing material.

2. Purchase your fabric at a local fabric store. They should have all the items you'll need to make your cotton blanket. Besides the fabric, you'll need 2- to 3-inch-wide ribbon, if you plan on using it, and a package of fusible adhesive. Depending on how large your blanket will be, it might be wise to purchase several packages of the fusible adhesive. It's better to have more than you'll need, than to run short in the middle of your project.

3. Set up your ironing board and turn on your iron to get it hot. Read the instructions on the back of the package of fusible adhesive so you won't have your iron too hot, or not hot enough. Proper heat is required when fusing the fabric together, or the adhesive might not stick properly.

4. Cut your fabric to the desired size for the blanket. If you are using ribbon edging, cut it into four equal strips that are an inch longer than the width and length of the blanket. The extra ribbon will be tucked in at the corners of the blanket, when you fuse the ribbon to it.

5. Starting at the edge of your cotton fabric, place a strip of ribbon on the right side of the fabric, with the right side of the ribbon facing out. Let 1/2 inch of the ribbon hang off the edge of the fabric, and place the fabric on the center part of the ribbon. For example, if your ribbon is 3 inches wide, you'd end up with 1.5 inches of ribbon on each side of the cotton blanket fabric. The extra 1/2 inch of ribbon hanging off the edge will be folded over on the side next to it and caught while fusing the adhesive.

6. Place a 12-inch strip of fusible adhesive between the ribbon and the fabric, keeping the adhesive as close to the edge of the ribbon as possible. Iron together for the period of time specified on the instructions of fusion adhesive package. Fold over to the next side the extra 1/2 inch of ribbon that's hanging off the edge. Place another strip of ribbon on top and fuse it together. Once finished, the ribbon should be securely attached to the cotton blanket. Repeat this step until the entire ribbon is fused to all the sides of the cotton blanket. Turn the blanket over and repeat this step on the other side. When fusing the last part of the ribbon section to the blanket, fold the extra 1/2 inch inside to form a clean seam edge, and fuse together.