How to Sew a Fleece Blanket With Sleeves
Soft, comfortable fleece takes the chill off a cold day, and a fleece blanket with sleeves can help you save money on your heating bills. The fleece blanket keeps you warm while the sleeves allow you freedom to move to work on the computer, read, operate the remote for the television or do needlework. Similar blankets are sold under various brand names, but you can make your own Snuggie or Slanket and tailor it for a custom fit. Or, make one as a gift and personalize it by choosing fabric in the recipient's favorite color or a print that reflects something she enjoys, such as sports or flowers.
Things You'll Need
- 3 yards of fleece, 60 inches wide
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Fold the fleece in half, matching the long sides. Measure 24 inches from the bottom and cut off this section. Cut this section again on the fold. You should be left with three pieces of fabric: two 24 by 30 inch sections and a larger section 60 inches wide. These will be your sleeves and the blanket, respectively.
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2
Fold each of the sleeve sections in half, long sides matching and right sides (the side you want facing out) together. Sew a 1/2-inch straight seam in each. You now have two fabric tubes. Set them aside.
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3
Fold the large blanket section of fleece in half, long sides matching, right sides of the fabric together. Find the center of the top (short) edge of this folded piece and measure down 14 inches. Mark this point with a small X.
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4
Draw a line from the X to a point 9 inches below it. Make marks at 9 inches and at 4 1/2 inches along this line. Measure 3 inches to either side of the 4 1/2-inch mark and mark these points also. Trace an oval to connect all the markings. Cut out the oval through both layers of the folded fabric. These are your arm holes.
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5
Pin one sleeve to an armhole, right sides out, and sew a 1/2-inch seam all the way around to attach the sleeve. Repeat for the other sleeve.
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6
Turn the blanket right side out. Wrap the blanket around you and slip your arms through the sleeves. If they're too long, hem them or fold them back into cuffs.
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Tips & Warnings
Fleece does not fray, so you don't need to finish seams or even hem the blanket.
Use a slightly longer stitch than normal when sewing fleece to avoid bunching.
