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
If you have a new baby on the way then you need lots of time to prepare and will want simple sewing projects like this baby blanket.
How to Make a Baby Blanket – Supplies
How Much Fabric Is Needed for a Baby Blanket?
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. Some natural fabrics also shrink when washed so it is better to pre-wash so your final blanket doesn’t wrinkle or pucker.
CUTTING
Here is a table showing you the finished sizes and what size fabric to cut. You can go by these dimensions or change it to suit. There is no real standard sizing and if you go to any baby shop you’ll see a wide variation between brands.
Cut 2 pieces of fabric in the following sizes. One piece will be for the front and one for the back.
Further Reading: Prewashing
Do You Need Batting?
This is a simple how to make a baby blanket tutorial and as such this has no batting. You could certainly add some though. Use a low loft or thin batting. Thicker batting will need a binding edge which is a little harder. Fusible fleece is also a good option if you just want a little extra warmth.
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. An all-purpose polyester thread will work great for this project.
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. It may be that your new baby blanket is a room decoration for a short while until the baby is old enough to safely sleep.
Here are a few links to baby sleeping safety 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 on how to make a baby blanket!
I post sewing and craft videos on my channel so please subscribe.
>>PRESS PLAY BELOW
How to Make a Baby Blanket – Sewing
Here are the written instructions –
The cutting instructions are at the beginning of this article. You should have 2 pieces of fabric cut out. If you don’t want a plain quilt you could join strips together to make a patchwork quilt. There are endless combinations of patches you could use.
Step 1 – Round the Corners
You can leave the corners square but rounded corners look professional and are easy to do.
Round the corners of your blanket with a cup from your kitchen or another round object. Most tins are a good size as well. Don’t use plates as that is getting too large.
To get all corners even, fold your fabric in quarters and cut all 4 layers at once. If your fabric is too thick to do that then cut two at a time.
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 the baby.
Further Reading:
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. Pressing sewing projects is a little different from normal ironing. You will be using an up and down motion rather than sliding.
Further Reading: Pressing for Sewing
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.
I have just used one row of stitching but you could add multiple rows for decoration. The blanket could even be quilting across.
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 by Hand?
If you don’t have a sewing machine then the best hand-stitch is a backstitch. When done with small stitches this is a really strong but still easy stitch. Hand stitching will take a little longer so put your feet up and your favorite tv show in the background. You’ll be surprised how relaxing it can be.
Step 1 – Same
Step 2 – Sew with a backstitch
Step 3 – Same
Step 4 – Here you will be topstitching around the blanket. Rather than a backstitch, it is easier to use a running stitch. This is a simple up and down stitch. Make the stitches small still.
How to Make a Baby Blanket – In Conclusion
Here is a pretty pink blanket I sewed for my Youtube video. I used cotton fabric on the top and flannel underneath.
Now, this soft little blanket is all ready for the baby’s approval! Once you have learned how to make a baby blanket you will want to make them for gifts too!
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 including rectangle, one-sided contour and two-sided contoured. There is a printed pattern in this tutorial and a sew-along video to make things even easier.
- Baby Skirt Pattern – This tutorial will show you how to make a baby skirt for any size baby using simple waist and length measurements. Includes a video as well as photos and instructions.
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.