It seems like I know a million pregnant ladies or ladies who just had a baby. It’s probably just because I am pregnant too, so I am noticing it more . And can I just be honest with you for a second? Being pregnant is a lot harder this time around than when I was pregnant with Lincoln who is 6 and Julia who is almost 5. I am not at all complaining because we prayed for this baby and took us a while to get pregnant, I am just noticing many more discomforts.
Anyhow, with all these pregnant mama’s I know in real-life, I’d be broke if I bought each of them a little onsie outfits or sweet pink or blue trinkets, so I came up with a more frugal gift idea. This fleece blanket will really work for anyone, not just for baby gifts. In fact, I gave my kids this kind of fleece blanket for Christmas a couple years ago and they still love to get cozy with it.
Now if you are a perfectionist, you might not like these instructions as I am more of a “wing it” type of gal. 🙂
How to make a “Do it Yourself” Fleece Blanket:
What you need:
- 2 pieces of fleece, measured 1 yard each (to make an even bigger blanket you can go up to 1 1/2-2 yards)
- scissors
What to do:
- Go to a store like JoAnn’s or Hobby Lobby and pick out 2 colors/patterns of fleece you like or that would be good for the person you are making the blanket for, in this case I was making a blanket for a pregnant mama who wasn’t finding out the gender of her baby
- Each piece of fleece needs to be cut 1 yard long (or more if you are making a bigger blanket). Now whenever you are ready to make your blanket you have everything you need
- As seen in the middle picture above, you need to trim along the top and bottom of each fleece piece. Then place the fleece on top of each other and see if you need to cut an access fabric off
- Cut the fabric in half, making two rectangles to make 2 smaller blankets perfect for babies (plus you save even more money) or you can make one bigger blanket, do not cut in half
- Cut 1/2 to 1 inch slits that are about 1-1/12 inches deep around the entire perimeter of the blanket
- On each corner, cut out a square or rectangle, depending on your slit sizes, that you will throw away
- Begin trying double knots to each overlapping fleece piece until one side is complete
- After each side is tied, use both your hands to pull or rip the fleece apart from bunching up, on the picture to the right above you’ll see what it will look like after you’ve pulled the bunching apart, don’t worry about the ripping sound
- Once all sides are completely double knotted, you can wash it. If it’s a gift for a baby, I do not wash because every mother uses a different detergent. Just let them know that if any of the ties come apart to re-double knot them.
Well, that’s how you make a DIY Fleece Blanket! So easy huh?? Check out the picture below to get the breakdown of the cost. I know this will be a cherished gift whether it’s for yourself, a family member or a friend!
Have you ever made a handmade gift for someone?
About Rachel
My daughter, 4, wanted to make a blanket for her baby brother, after a cousin sewed him one. So, she’s working on tying the knots on a no-sew flannel blanket for his Christmas gift! It’s a lot bigger than this one but follows the same “pattern” and SO EASY, even as a gift from a 4-yr-old!