Make a Fleece Tie Blanket
You've admired fleece tie blankets and throws because they are soft, warm, and comforting. Instead of going out and buying one, why not make your own? This article will show you how to make one.
10 Second Summary
1. Get two pieces of fleece.
2. Stack the two pieces together, wrong sides together.
3. Cut a rectangle out of each corner. Be sure to cut through both layers.
4. Cut slits into each edge, 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) apart.
5. Tie the top strips to the bottom strips.
Steps
- Select your fleece blankets. Use two different fleece patterns or two solid fleece blankets that complement each other. Alternately, use a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other.
- Try different combinations. Some patterns that don't seem they would go together actually complement each other quite well. You never know what will look good until you try it out in person.
- Purchase anywhere from 1.5 to 3 yards (1.3-2.7 meters) of each fleece. 1.5 yards makes a decent size throw, 2.5-3 yards (2.3-2.7 meters) makes a nice twin size blanket.
- Spread out the material. Spread it out so that the softer or more brightly colored sides face out, matching both up at one end and the sides as far as they lay flat. Trim if needed.
- Consider the area you have available to spread out your material. If you don't have room to spread out the whole material or you can't physically crawl around on the floor, you can adapt by using a kitchen table or available floor room to cut and tie your fleece.
- Consider how you will measure the cuts to make the ties. They don't have to be exact. When cutting against the nap (usually the narrower end) the strips need to be a little longer (about 4-5 inches/11-14 cm) than along the long sides, (about 2.5-3 inches/7-9 cm) because they don't stretch as much while tying.
- Cut out a rectangle from both corners with a pair of scissors (see tips). Make sure you are cutting through both pieces of fleece.
- Use something rectangular in shape to measure. If you have trouble seeing the graduations on a ruler, a card cut to the right measurements (for instance 3"x5"/9x14 cm) is easier to use to make corner cuts even and strips uniform in length. Use the long edge of the card for the longer strips and the short edge for the shorter ones.
- Start cutting strips. Cut strips of approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from each corner down the end and the sides for as long as the material lies flat.
- These strips don't have to be exactly uniform, but they should be approximately the same size. Small irregularities will not be noticeable in the finished product.
- An easy way to measure is by using your thumb. If your fingers are larger, use the width of your thumb, if your fingers are smaller, use from tip to first knuckle.
- Tie the corner strips together. Using a simple knot, attach the bottom layer to the top layer.
- Tighten the knot. If you have trouble getting the knot tight due to arthritic or weak fingers, hold the end of one tail of the knotted pair with one hand and slide the fingers of the other hand up to push the knot tighter.
- Tie the strips at the end between the two corners next in the same way. Don't worry if the fleece puckers.
- Flatten the fleece out. Use flat hands to stretch and smooth the material so it lies flat again.
- Tie the strips down each side for the length of the blanket. Flatten as needed.
- Fold the tied portion up. Move the fleece down so that more of the material lies flat (trimming if needed) and repeat steps #6 through #8 until about 2/3 of the blanket is tied.
- Turn the blanket around. Spread the blanket out so that the remaining end is flat.
- Trim end and sides as needed. Repeat from step #5 until blanket is finished.
- Notice how all those little imperfections seem to magically blend into the pattern.
- Fold blanket, place into gift bag(see tips), and tie handles together with ribbon.
- Give it someone who will appreciate it, or give it to yourself and make good use of it.
- Finished.
Tips
- People often think that if they can't follow the instructions perfectly, they can't attempt a project. Luckily this is a project that is very forgiving.
- When choosing patterns, try to make it a pattern that will reflect something the person receiving the blanket likes. For instance, give someone a blanket with their favorite sports team, favorite cartoon or movie character, pattern of dogs, cats, etc, or something you know will go well with a specific bedroom or living room color scheme.
- Make sure your knots are tight. They can easily be retied, but if it's for a gift, you want it to be together entirely when you gift it.
- Cuts don't have to be completely straight to look good at the end, but the straighter and less jagged the better, so take your time.
- If you have trouble cutting through the material, try using a pair of kitchen poultry shears instead of general use or sewing shears. Whatever type you use, make sure they are not dull.
- If your hands are painful, try soaking them in warm water for a few minutes prior to beginning work on the blanket.
- If you have trouble keeping both pieces of fleece to lay flat and not bunch up underneath, you can use a couple of dinner plates to keep the underside flat while you lay out the top, and then place the plates on top while you cut to keep the material from sliding around.
- If your store doesn't have a particular pattern in stock, they may be able to order it in from another outlet. It can't hurt to ask, but be prepared to wait at least a couple of weeks.
- For an environmentally friendly option, use a reusable bag from any store instead of a gift bag and colored string instead of ribbon.
Warnings
- Be sure that you find fleece that are of similar nap, weight, or quality. Different quality (usually you can tell by the price, but if in doubt, ask your store clerk) cloth tends to stretch and shrink differently during tying and washing.
Things You'll Need
- The proper amount of fleece for the size blanket you wish to make.
- An area at least as wide as the narrowest part of the cloth.
- A ruler or card cut to preferred measurements.
- A pen or pencil to mark the card to your measurements.
- A pair of sharp scissors.
- An equal measure of self-esteem and patience.
- Two dinner plates.(opt)
- A gift or reusable store bag.(opt)
- Ribbon or colored string.(opt)}}
