I spent yesterday afternoon (just a bit more in the evening) whipping up these 4 baby blankets. Ever since I received one for Duncan, they have been my go-to gift for baby showers. One side warm soft flannel and the other cool smooth quilting cotton. They are larger than the typical receiving blanket which makes them ideal for nursing under, or swaddling, or spreading out on the ground for playtime.
This is an excellent project for the beginner sewist. Buy 1 yard each of a quilting cotton and a cotton flannel. Cut the two fabrics into two equally sized rectangles as large as possible. Then sew together right sides facing leaving a 2 inch opening. Clip corners, flip through opening, and press. Top-stitch perimeter, closing up the opening as you do. The blanket that results should be roughly 35″ (a yard of fabric minus the seam allowances) by 43″ (the linear width of your fabric minus the seam allowances). Let me know if you need a more detailed explanation. I don’t mind putting one together if there is interest.
[Note: I had lots of fun this afternoon taking photos of these blankets using Karen’s photography tips. Practice makes perfect (or at least a heck-of-a-lot better). My background for the photo above was a poster board.]
I like that combo of the mint green floral with the bright yellow flannel. Sweet baby gifts!
Um, can I say that I *LOVE* your new title/banner picure? Fabulous! You are so Wonder Woman… it’s just perfect 🙂 Your blankets are fabulous too… will have to give them a try for some upcoming baby gifts!
Thanks! It was a husband/wife collaboration. We had a lot of fun with it. I have a special affinity to her because Andy likes to acknowledge my efforts by referring to me as Wonderwoman. For example, “I had trouble parking in the driveway. There appears to be an invisible jet parked outside.” He is good to me. 🙂
I hope you try the blankets. They take 45 minutes tops from cutting to finishing – even with kids climbing all over you.
aaaand I love your header, too!
Thank you. My husband and I had fun putting it together.
You can cut down your time by just laying your fabric “good” side to “good” side.
Cut both pieces at once and sew together.
I’m always so late but you could buy fabric the length of the width (ie 45 inches of 45″ fabric) which is what I do. Works well.
Pre-wash, I’m guessing? Super cute. And I have some yardage to use up! Thanks!
Definite pre-wash. 🙂
In hot water to shrink and make it really soft and washable for mom to be.
What do you mean by “clip corners?”
Trim the seam allowance back close to not but not past the corner seam. This gives it a pointy-er corner.
Here is a good illustration. http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/08/sewing-tips-clipping-corners-and-curves.html
nevermind. that was a too late to be thinking blonde moment. 😀
Oh I just noticed you responded. Thank you!
What is the difference between quilting cotton and any other kind of cotton fabric? Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m not a seasoned sewer at all, but want to attempt these for my future grand-baby that is coming!
Quilting cottons are cotton fabrics intended for quilting. They are medium weight and have no stretch. You could use other types of fabrics too, but this is the combination that I like best. I like the cotton because it is pleasant to touch and breaths. The fun part is that because there are tons of quilters out there, fabric shops usual sell a gorgeous array of quilting cottons and nice soft cotton flannel prints. Still confused? Don’t be afraid to ask for help at the fabric shop. They will know where to direct you.
Never a dumb question. Let me know if you have more. 🙂
– Jodi
Thank Jodi for the explanation! Can’t wait to give this a try.
Now, teach us your folding technique. 😉
I make a blanket similar to this one for all of my people who have babies! Mine is a square instead of a rectangle, and I use 2 types of flannel, coordinating of course. I also add a giant hood, because it is impossible to drape fabric over your baby’s head on a windy day and have it stay there! My 11 year old daughter had an idea to make a tiny matching blanket for a girl baby to use when she starts to play with dolls! For a boy, maybe a pillow, or a tote, or a smaller blanket for a lovey.
Don’t you need to quilt in the middle of this?
Nope! There isn’t a middle (batting) layer. So, no quilting needed!
I’ve been making these since I was 12… only I make mine square so you need a 1 1/4 yards – sometimes I use the same fabric for both sides – 2 1/2 yards. I
Hi Jodi,
I don’t sew, so would have no idea how to make this. I love this idea. By any chance do you sell them? Im having my first baby and would just love to have this for him!
Cheers
Sorry, I don’t have time to make items for sale right now.
This is so simple, yet so PERFECT! Thanks for sharing this wonderful gift idea. Wouldn’t this look so perfect in a basket of baby goodies?!?!?!
It would be perfect. 🙂
Do u need a sewing machine for this. Or just needle and thread? ? I would love to try this two of my co-works are having babies! !!!! And I want to do something special with a little heart in it …. thanks
You could do it by hand, but the blanket would be much sturdier with machine stitching.
I am very new to sewing and this is the very first project I’m trying. What does top stitch perimeter mean? Do I sew a straight stitch all the way around or just at the 2inch opening? Sorry if that’s simple but I am clueless. Thank you 🙂
I am having a hard time telling which side is the quilting fabric. It all looks flannel. Do you stitch all around the edge when finished?
It may be hard to tell in the photo, but only one side is flannel and yes, it is topstitched all the way around the edge.
Can you give more detailed instructions? 😉
Can u explain how to fold blankets like in picture? Thanks!
It looks like the blankets are folded the same as a bolt of fabric would be. I’m sure the employees at the fabric shop you frequent would take a minute to show you how.
Just made one of these- my first blanket- and it turned out great! So simple! It’s sweet people like you who give beginners a helping hand and it is much appreciated!
What machine di you use? I’m just getting back into sewing and bought a vintage Viking. Loving it so far! Thanks for the idea. Grandbaby on the way!
I love the second blanket and the floral with the matching colors!