How to Make a Horse Turn Out Blanket

A turn out blanket is an item of horse tack meant to withstand the elements. Turn out blankets can protect from heat, cold or insects. In this article, learn how to measure for and create your own turn out blanket.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pattern drafting paper or old, flat bedsheet
• Waterproof fabric for outer shell
• Durable fabric for lining
• Polyfill or cotton batting
• Wide webbing for straps
• Fasteners or buckles for closing the front
• Elastic webbing, D-rings, and clips for the leg straps

Instructions

How to Design and Make Your Own Blanket

1. Measure your horse from the center point of his chest to the point of the hindquarters. This is the blanket size. Next, measure the center back measurement from the withers to the tail. This is the back size of the blanket. Last, measure from the point of the withers to just below the barrel of the chest. This gives you the length. Add 1 inch to all measurements for the seam allowance.

2. 

   Create your pattern. Lay out your pattern drafting paper or sheet. Set down the center back measurement first. Next, create the rear of the blanket by setting down the length.

   Now that the length is measured, you will see that you have a short line on top, a connecting line at the rear, and a longer line on the bottom. Measure the length of the blanket and mark the halfway point. Then at the front of the blanket, create a curve to connect the half-length mark to the front of the center back measurement. This is for the horse's neck.

3. Choose your fabric. The outer layer should be a durable and waterproof fabric because turnout blankets are worn out of doors. If you plan to line the blanket, the lining should be durable and breathable.

4. Double the outer layer fabric, if possible, and they lay the back measurement of the pattern along the center fold. Pin the pattern here and cut carefully. If you are unable to double the fabric, cut two of the pattern pieces and stitch together along the back seam only. Check the fit of the outer layer now, and then repeat this for the lining fabric and for any filling you may be using. Once the fit is correct, place the outer side of the lining and top sheet together and stitch along the border with a 5/8 inch seam allowance. If you are filling the rug, stitch the sides first, add polyfill or cotton batting, then continue to stitch it closed.

5. Sew the binding to the edges of the blanket. If there is a seam along the center back, a strip of binding sewn here can add extra durability. You will need at minimum one surcingle strap and a tail or leg straps. A fastener buckle or Velcro to close the front of the blanket is also necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose your fabric carefully. Fabrics with 1200 denier strength and above are ideal for the outer layer. Notions such as surcingle straps, leg straps, or tail rope can usually be purchased from a tack shop ready-made. Testing the pattern using a cheap material can save you both time and money.

• Make certain your blanket is secure before leaving your horse out unsupervised for any length of time.