Make a Baby Cuddle Blanket

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

25 Feb 2006 06:20 PM

A small fleece blanket with ribbon trim in different textures around the edges is a great gift for older kids to make for new additions to the family. The blanket is small enough for a baby or toddler to carry around without dragging and it fits neatly in a purse or diaper bag. It's big enough to cuddle with, and the trim provides tactile interest to soothe a sleepy tot.

This is a picture of my daughter and her 11-month-old half-sister with the blanket she made her for Christmas.

You can buy these blankets in the store for a lot of money, but they are simple enough for a teenager or older child to make herself with basic sewing skills, and maybe a little help from Mom or Dad with a sewing machine.

And better yet, the rewards of making and giving a homemade gift can't be beat. (See The Joy of Giving Homemade Gifts Blog.)

You can hand sew or machine sew this blanket. If you choose to hand sew the blanket, make sure the ribbons are sewed in securely.

Cuddle Blanket

You will need:

Fleece or Heavy Flannel Thin Batting (Optional) Variety of Ribbon Trim Scissors Needle and Thread Pins Yarn (Optional)

1. Cut two pieces of fleece or flannel about 24 inches by 24 inches. If you want a puffier blanket, also cut a piece of quilt batting to size. Sew the quilt batting to the wrong side (fleece doesn't necessarily have a wrong side) of one of the pieces of fabric.

2. With the right sides together, pin the two pieces of fabric together. (So if you used batting, it should be on the outside.)

3. Cut pieces of the ribbon six inches long each. Fold each in half. Pin the folded ribbons around the edges of the blanket with the cut ends aligned with the edges of the fabric as shown.

4. Sew all the way around the edges of the fabric, about 3/4 inch from the edges. Make sure you sew the ribbons on securely. Leave a two-inch opening so you can turn the blanket inside out.

5. Take out all the pins. Turn the blanket inside out and whipstich the opening closed.

6. (Optional) If you want to add even more interest, you can tie the blanket. To do this, thread a quilting needle with yarn and take a stitch every four inches or so on the blanket. Tie the ends of the yarn from each stitch in a knot and trim the ends to about 1 1/2 inches long.

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

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Shoshanna Grey (2785) 26 Feb 2006 03:22 AM

Very cool blanket! I definitely plan to make one!

wildflow30 (5) 23 Nov 2007 07:11 PM

I am sorry. But you should check your directions. You need to pin the ribbons to the right side of the fabric. (inside the pocket) You directions have the tags on the inside! Good thing I figured out out before I sewed it all the way around...