How to Finish the Edge of Fleece Blankets
One convenient thing about working with fleece fabric is that it doesn't ravel. It's not absolutely necessary to finish the edges of a fleece blanket, but you'll probably want to try one of these easy finishing techniques. Although it doesn't fray, fleece can be very elastic and a finished edge will keep the blanket from pulling out of shape. Any of these easy finishing techniques will also provide a customized, decorative touch to your blanket.
Things You'll Need
- Fleece blanket or fleece yardage
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter (optional)
- Sewing machine
- Packaged blanket binding
- Yarn
- Large-eye darning needle
Instructions
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No-Sew Options
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Fringe the edges of the blanket by making cuts all the way around. Cut into the fleece using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. You can make the cuts any size you wish, but take into consideration the size of the blanket. The smaller the blanket, the smaller the cuts should be. Space the cuts about 1/2 inch to an inch apart. You can make them a bit wider if you wish, but if they are closer together, you risk cutting into adjacent pieces of fringe.
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Enhance a fleece blanket with fringe and beads. Cut long, thin fringes. Tie two or three together. You might want to thread a small bead onto one or more of the fringes before making your knot. Or, string a bead on every other fringe, tying a knot just below the bead to hold it in place. Pull gently when you tie a knot, or you risk tearing the fleece. Wooden beads add a rustic touch to a plaid blanket, while sparkly beads would thrill any little girl. Do not use beads on blankets intended for young children, as these could pose a choking hazard.
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Layer two fleece blankets on top of each other. A pleasing contrast of colors works best. Cut through both layers to create fringe around the edges of both blankets. Tie two fringes together, using one from each blanket. This makes a reversible cover that also provides extra warmth. It's an especially good technique to use with fleece layers that might be too thin to use as blankets on their own.
Sewing Options
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Use the yarn and darning needle to add decorative stitching to the edges of the fleece. The blanket stitch was created just for this purpose and it's an easy stitch to learn. You can finish an entire blanket in an evening. Choose a yarn that provides high contrast to your fleece fabric. You can also use perl cotton or six strands of embroidery thread for a nice, chunky stitch.
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Follow manufacturer's directions and apply packaged blanket hem tape. The tape is available in many colors and some prints at most fabric stores. It's usually made of polyester satin and is best applied with your sewing machine.
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Topstitch through a single or double layer of fleece. You can topstitch by hand using yarn, perl cotton, or embroidery floss. You can also use a serger or a straight or zigzag stitch on your regular sewing machine. You may even have a sewing machine with options for decorative stitching. Choosing a contrasting color and a long stitch length will give you best results. Take care not to stretch the fleece as you stitch.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sleep sleep image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com Old faded blue tartan blanket close up image by Scott Latham from Fotolia.com
