Baby blankets are so easy and satisfying to make and make great gifts. Now you can learn how to make a baby blanket from flannelette and other soft fabrics guaranteed to make any baby smile with joy. This is a great first project for beginner sewers and most of you will be able to make a baby blanket in under 15 minutes. It will take you longer to choose the perfect fabric than to sew!
How to Make a Baby Blanket: Supplies
Fabric
For this project, you should use a flannelette or other soft fabric. Make sure it is a natural, breathable fiber and will be soft on baby’s skin. You can purchase fabric that is suitable for baby clothing.
This how to make a baby blanket tutorial shows you have to make a light blanket. If you live in a cold climate and want a little thicker blanket, you can put an extra layer of flannel in the middle. Alternatively use a pin corduroy that has narrow ribs for one side.
It is important to wash your fabric before you start to stop shrinkage and to remove any finishing chemicals your fabric may have in it that will irritate the baby’s skin.
Further Reading: Prewashing
Sewing Supplies
You will just need your regular sewing machine and a universal needle and all-purpose foot for this project.
Beginners should use a thread color matching the fabric as the stitches will blend in even if they are not perfect.
Cutting
Cut 2 pieces of fabric in the following sizes. One piece will be for the front and one for the back.
Baby Blanket Safety
There are lots of websites and resources covering baby blanket safety and best sleeping practices. If you have a new baby make sure you read up.
Here are a few to start with but there are many reputable sources online.
Even if you think you know baby best sleeping, blanket and safety practices have a read of some new material as new research is emerging all the time.
How to Make a Baby Blanket: The Video
Watch this YouTube video I made for you!
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How to Make a Baby Blanket: Sewing Instructions
Step 1: Round the Corners
Round the corners of your blanket with a cup, saucer or another round object. To get all corners even, fold your fabric in quarters and cut all 4 layers at once.
If you want square corners that is ok too. Just leave them as is.
Optional: Applique or embroider the top fabric now. What better way to personalize your new baby blanket than to add a name or letter in one of the corners. Just make sure any trims or stitching is safe for the new baby. Don’t add any trims that can be pulled off or can catch baby.
Step 2: Stitch Edges
Put your 2 pieces of fabric with right sides together and stitch all the way around with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance.
Leave a 3 inch (7.5cm) gap on one straight side.
If you are a beginner read my article on sewing curves. If you left the corners square, you can just stop, lift the foot and pivot to sew the next side.
Step 3: Clip and Turn
Clip the curves to reduce bulk. This will allow the corners to sit nicely when turned to the right side.
Turn the blanket the right way out through the gap. Make sure the corners are well poked out.
Give your baby blanket a good press. Press the seam allowance to the inside at the gap.
Step 4: Topstitch
Topstitch around the edge of the blanket. This will close the gap. If you have used a different fabric for the top and bottom, you can put matching colors in the top and bobbin.
Design Idea: Instead of a regular straight stitch, you could even use one of the fancy stitch options on your machine for a pretty contrast and a pop of color.
How to Make a Baby Blanket – In Conclusion
Here is a pretty pink blanket. I used cotton fabric on the top and flannel underneath.
Now, this soft little blanket is all ready for the baby’s approval!
Don’t forget your baby blanket safety practices and enjoy your new baby.
More Free Baby Patterns
If you have a new baby coming into the family then get sewing to make a burp cloth and baby skirt. These are both free patterns from my blog. Baby items are really fun as they take such a small amount of fabric.
Both tutorials include an easy sew along video.
- Burp Cloth Pattern – 3 styles
- Baby Skirt Pattern
Baby Skirts Burp Cloth Pattern
Tyler Johnson says
That makes sense that you won’t want to leave any threads that could catch on the baby’s toes or fingers. I could see how that would be harder for them to get free since they might not be able to break the string. My wife is making a baby blanket for our friends, and she is running behind and asked me to help, so I’ll have to remember to avoid any loose threads if I do any stitching.