Make Flannel Baby Blankets

Parents need a large store of baby blankets, so that they can throw them in the wash when needed and take them out of the house on outings. Many store-bought blankets are not very thick. Instead of buying receiving or crib blankets for your baby or for gifts, you can make flannel baby blankets that feature colors, patterns, and cartoon characters of your choosing. Flannel is an excellent choice for homemade blankets because it is soft and lint-free. It is easy to customize this project for the baby room or preferences of the parents. You can choose to make a simple blanket from 2 types of flannel or a patchwork blanket with 3 pieces of flannel. Read on to find out how to make flannel baby blankets.

Steps

Simple Flannel Blanket

  1. Buy 2 yards (1.8 m) of flannel in different but complementary colors or patterns. A good way to create an attractive combination is to choose 1 pattern and 1 color for the opposing sides. Wash the flannel before sewing the blanket.
  2. Choose a size. To make a square blanket, you can choose a size that fits the size of the baby. For example, if it is a newborn, make a blanket that is 34 inches (0.9 m) square, and if the baby is older, make a 44 inch (1.1 m) square blanket.
  3. Measure and cut the 2 pieces of flannel so that they are the same size. Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and self-healing mat.
  4. Place the front sides together. You will sew the blanket inside out and then turn it around. Pin the flannel together at the corners and around the edges, so that it doesn't move while you sew.
  5. Thread your sewing machine. Choose a color of thread that will look good on both sides of the fabric.
  6. Top stitch around the perimeter of the flannel with a 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) seam allowance. Start at the middle of 1 side, sew around the flannel and leave a 5 inch (12.7 cm) space for turning on your original side.
  7. Clip the corners of the blanket. This small diagonal cut will ensure that you have sharp corners when you turn it.
  8. Turn the blanket right side out by pulling it through the 5 inch (12.7 cm) turning gap. Use a knitting needle to make sharp points in the corners.
  9. Iron the blanket flat once it is turned right side out. This will help it lay flat and ensure you don't have any permanent wrinkles in your project.
  10. Use a decorative stitch at 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) around the perimeter of your blanket. This will ensure that the blanket stays put together when it is washed and it will close the turning hole.

Patchwork Flannel Blanket

  1. Buy 3 complementary types of flannel. You will need 1 yard (0.9 m) of each color or pattern.
  2. Cut your flannel into strips using a rotary cutter and a self healing mat. Align a plastic ruler for easy cutting.
    • Cut 1 color into 8 strips that are 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) wide. Cut another color of flannel into 6 strips that are 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide. Cut the third color into 4 strips that are 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide.
  3. Begin sewing your strips together. Take strips that are the same color or pattern and lay them together with the back sides touching. Pin and sew a 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) seam around the perimeter of each pair of strips.
    • Repeat this with all the strips. When you finish you will have 4 4.5 inch (11.4 cm) strips, 3 6 inch (15.2 cm) strips and 2 9 inch (22.9 cm) strips.
  4. Align the strips in a pattern on your craft table. They should be aligned in this order: 6 inch strip, 4.5 inch strip, 9 inch (22.9 cm) strip, 4.5 inch (11.4 cm) strip, 6 inch (15.2 cm) strip, 4.5 inch (11.4 cm) strip, 9 inch (22.9 cm) strip, 4.5 inch (11.4 cm) strip and 6 inch (15.2 cm) strip.
  5. Overlap the seams in the same direction and pin them together in the order above. Sew the strips together 2 at a time using a top stitch.
  6. Trim any uneven seams with fabric scissors. You will have extra fabric from the seams.
  7. Make fringed edges around your strips. Clip the outer edge of all the seams, interior and exterior. Clip perpendicularly toward the seam every 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
    • Make sure you do not clip past the thread, or your work may unravel. When you clip all the seams, fluff the fringe. It is ready to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Flannel
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Fabric scissors
  • Knitting needle
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Washing machine
  • Plastic ruler
  • Rotary cutter
  • Self-healing mat

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Sources and Citations

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