I know it’s easier to buy blankets or throws at the department store as gifts, but there’s just something special about a homemade, custom designed blanket that says “Hey! I know what you like, and I love you enough to make it by hand.”

Approximately 16 years ago, my oldest daughter took a HS Home Economics class. She learned a lot of helpful things like cooking and sewing. I had not had any home economics class since the 80’s but after seeing the things my daughter made, I thought “Huh! I think I might try my hand at sewing again”.

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Now when I had Home Economics in high school, some things I learned stayed with me like crocheting. (That’s another blog for another time.) So, my daughter made some pillows. Very simple and easy to make. I loved them! Then I thought I would try to do the same. So, I bought a Brother Sewing Machine, some material and other things and tried it.

Since this project was so simple, I started making blankets using the same technique. When I worked at a medical clinic, found out what my co-workers liked (such as butterflies, deer, etc.) and made a blanket for each of them as Christmas gifts. Since there were about 8-10 co-workers, I had to start sewing about 3-4 months before Christmas.

Now I LOVE to give homemade Christmas gifts! When I have time, I like to make these blankets.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Who Is The Blanket For?

Decide who will receive your special gift. What are their favorite colors? What do they like? Tractors? Butterflies? Deer? Ladybugs? You can ask another relative or their spouse to gather this information. Or maybe you have been to their house so much you already know the answer.  I would list about 5 things that special person likes just in case you cannot find the exact material you are looking for.

Do I Have The Right Sewing Machine?

If you have one already, it may be the only one you need. Later, if you like to use very fancy stitching and want to do more with your crafts, I recommend a sewing machine that has several wonderful features!

I have 3 sewing machines which includes the first one I started with when I began to sew. To see a Brother Sewing Machine like mine, click here: https://amzn.to/4ggGiLU (*paid link)

 Which Fabric Should I Use?

Now we are going to camp here for a bit. I have made several types of throws. You are going to need two pieces of fabric: one for the front and one for the back.

 I prefer to use cotton fabrics because they are easier to work with. If this is your first time, I wouldn’t use any fancy, more expensive fabric until you feel comfortable sewing blankets. You may even find some clearance or discounted fabric at a local store.

If you are making a summer blanket, I would use two pieces of cotton fabric. If you are making a winter blanket, you could still use cotton or choose a fleece fabric for the back of the blanket. I have made one with fleece before and it is VERY warm. I made a cotton/fleece blanket for my bed, and it’s got to be extremely cold for me to use it. It’s great for parades and other winter outdoor events.

You can even use cotton fabric for one side and flannel for the other side. I haven’t used flannel yet so that may be another blog in the future.

When working with some fabrics, you will need an iron to remove any wrinkles and creases.

How much fabric will you need?

This will depend on who the blanket is for. The normal size “throw” is 50” x 60”.  Now I am a “fluffy” woman so I would need more material for my blanket. 

Here is a list of some blanket sizes:

Throw blanket = 50’ x 60’’

Twin blanket = 60” x 90”

Full / Queen blanket – 90” x 96”

Use a tape measure or ruler to determine how much material you want to get. Also, when you purchase the material, get a few extra inches to have room for possible mistakes. If the fabric clerk is experienced, he or she can tell you how much fabric to purchase. If you are fortunate like I am to marry into a family of experienced crafters, that’s even better! Ask for help.

To batting or not to batting? 

Batting is used when you want to make your blanket warmer and thicker. Since I want to keep this tutorial simple, I will save the batting topic for another blog.

Don’t forget the thread!

Get PLENTY of tread that matches the main colors of your blanket. I have been lazy in the past and just used white or black thread, depending on which one blends in more with the fabric colors. I would rather have extra thread than to run out of it, go to the store where I purchased the last thread only to find out they are out of it go somewhere else and HOPE I can find the same or similar color or type of thread. Whew! Just buy extra and not have a headache. For projects like this, I like buying the cones of thread.

Have Plenty Of Stickpins!

There will be a lot of pinning to keep everything in place. If you plan to make other sewing projects in the future, I would recommend this sewing kit: https://amzn.to/3T8P0Sm (*paid link)

Can You CUT it?

I have two pairs of scissors that I use when doing sewing projects.

One set of scissors can cut through almost any material I use. I haven’t had to sharpen them at all.  You can purchase a pair here: https://amzn.to/3X7E1d3 (*paid link)

So now you have everything you need and ready to make your blanket!

In my pictures, I am using fabric quarters and a gold thread to demonstrate the steps in making a blanket.

  1. Iron the cotton fabric to remove wrinkles.

2. Place the right sides of the fabric together. Wrong sides facing outward.

3. Pin the two pieces of fabric together on all four sides. Make sure the fabric pieces are the same size.

4. Start at one corner and sew a ¼” seam on 3 sides of the blanket.

5. On the 4th side, leave about opening big enough to turn the blanket inside out (possibly 8-10 in).

6. Examine your blanket and make sure you have sewn the pieces together.

7. Pull the blanket inside out through the hole you left on the fourth side.

8. Take a pencil or slender object and make sure the corners are pushed out.

  1. Lay your blanket flat and examine it. Smooth the fabric with your hands on a flat surface. Check the stitches. Make sure everything looks good and even.

There are multiple ways to close the opening that was used to turn the blanket inside out.

Let’s make it easy.

Fold the fabric inward (at the opening) so it matches the rest of the side of the blanket. Pin the opening. Iron the fabric at the opening flat and iron the edges as well.  

Do a ¼” stitch all the way around the blanket. Depending on the type of fabric you used, you could even use a decorative stitch.

YOU DID IT!

Now you have a beautiful handmade blanket for your loved one! Congratulations! Let me know if you make one too. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to share.