Instructions for a Fleece Dog Blanket
Dog blankets are a creature comfort. Even the thinnest blanket lends your pup warmth during cold months. Arthritic dogs and skinny dogs can benefit from the extra padding between their bodies and the floor. Owners may opt to layer a dog blanket over their own beds to reduce the amount of pet hair shed onto bedding. Polar fleece is ideal for a dog blanket -- it's machine washable and dryable. Dog owners with little to no sewing experience can create a fleece blanket without sewing a stitch. Because of the way it's made, polar fleece doesn't unravel when cut.
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Instructions
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Cut two pieces of fleece. The size is determined by the size of your dog. Two 24 inch square pieces of fleece are suitable for most small to medium dogs. 36 inch square fleeces are suitable for medium to large dogs. Use a 40 inch square measurement for extra large dogs.
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Lay the fleece squares one on top of the other. Cut a 4 inch square out of each corner of each piece of fleece.
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Measure and mark 1 inch intervals around the squares. Use tailor's chalk to mark the fleece.
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Cut each mark to the length of 4 inches. This makes fringe around the fleece that is 4 inches long and 1 inch wide.
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Knot two pieces of fringe together. Use one strand from the top square of fleece and one from the bottom.
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Do this for each strip of fringe around the blanket. Knot each strip to the corresponding strip on the opposite square of fleece. Leave one side of the squares unknotted.
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Slide a layer of polyester fiber batting between the two layers of fleece, inserting it through the unknotted side of the blanket.
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Close the blanket by knotting the strips of fringe together. When all strips are knotted, the blanket is finished.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut through both layers of polar fleece at the same time to ensure the fringe strips are identical on each square.
Ambitious crafters can sew through all three layers to quilt the blanket. Quilting secures the batting in place so it doesn't slide around or bunch up between the layers of fleece when the dog uses it. Sewing can be done by hand or machine and in any direction or method you prefer.
Embellish the blanket with applique, iron-on patches or stencils and fabric paint. Avoid adding decorations that could pose a choking hazard to your dog, such as bows or bobbles. Similarly, lace trim should be avoided to prevent snagged claws.
If working with patterned fleece, make sure the squares are aligned so that the patterned side of the fleece is facing outward when the project is finished.
Fleece dog blankets can be ripped apart by curious pups. Supervise your dog when using a fleece blanket to ensure it isn't destroyed. Small pieces of fabric or batting pose a choking hazard to dogs.
References
- Photo Credit dog looking at the camera image by itay uri from Fotolia.com
