How to Make Picture Blankets

Photo blankets turn a standard gift or bed covering into a work of art that will be cherished for years to come. No sewing is required to complete a simple yet attractive keepsake photo blanket. Photo blankets can bring memories back to life while adding warmth and comfort to the recipient.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton blanket or quilt of desired size
• Photos
• Computer
• Scanner or photos saved to a computer file
• Photo-processing software
• Photo transfer paper
• Printer
• Scissors
• Permanent marker or masking tape
• Iron
• Ironing board or hard flat surface
• Pillowcase

1. Select the size and style of blanket to be used for the photo blanket.

2. Select photos for the project.

3. Edit the photos with photo-processing software.

4. Print photos in the desired sizes on photo transfer paper per manufacturer's instructions. Allow each sheet to dry for at least one hour before stacking or using.

5. Trim excess transfer paper from each photo sheet. Place photos on the blanket to design the display. Remove the photos and mark their places with a permanent marker or piece of masking tape.

6. Place the blanket on an ironing board or hard flat surface. Put a photo facedown on the blanket, then place a pillowcase on top of the transfer sheet. Follow the transfer-sheet package instructions for heat settings and ironing times.

7. Slowly and gently peel the transfer sheet away from the blanket when it is lukewarm to the touch. Firmly hold the blanket near the transfer sheet in place with one hand while removing the sheet. Repeat this step for each photo used.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice using photo transfer paper on scrap material to get a grasp on how to remove the paper smoothly and reveal good photo. Quilt blankets or throws work well as blanket choices. Standard photo programs allow users to crop remove shadows, change the photo into black and white or sepia tone, as well as adding borders and text to the image.

References

• Instructions for Using Inkjet Photo Transfer Paper
• How to Make a Photo Transfer Tote Bag