Modern Large Scale Chenille Baby Blanket - How to...

I researched a few blogs because I needed some ideas on making a baby blanket, as this is the first one I’ve ever sewn. I guess I’m entering that phase of life where my friends are having babies… oh me, oh my. In my search I found some really neat “faux chenille” blankets that were made out of flannel. I’m on this mission to use up fabric I have… so, instead of flannel, I used fleece... plus I thought it would be softer and more cuddly for a baby. Because of this decision I wasn’t able to follow the patterns I found, so I modified and moved on… SO - here is my modified version...

What you need:

Scissors

Yard Stick

Marking Pencil

Pins

Material (for end blanket size of 33x38):

1 ¼ yard of Print Cotton Fabric

1 ¼ yard of Fleece, Light Color

1 ¼ yard of Fleece, Dark Color

2 packages of Bias Tape (6 yards), any size you’d like

Step 1

Pre-wash all fabric.

Step 2

Cut all fabric 36x40, or other size. Please note this is not your final size, as it will be smaller.

Step 3

Lay both pieces of fleece with right sides facing up (darker color on the bottom). Mark the center diagonal (the bias). Pin together. Sew along diagonal mark. Then start sewing parallel lines next to the first, and so on until the entire area is covered in diagonal stitches. Use your best judgment on spacing distance between the stitches, anywhere from 1/2”-1”… you’ll have to get a pair of scissors in there so don’t go any smaller then 1/2“. Note: Your fabric will stretch and become uneven… that’s ok.

Step 4

Cut the top, which is the lighter color fleece, in between your diagonal stitches. Be carful not to cut the bottom piece of fleece. Once you have this done. Straighten up your fabric to correct for any stretching and unevenness that may have occurred during sewing. I ended up with a 33x38 size area.

Step 5

Round the corners of your fleece, making sure your radius will work with the bias tape you purchased. Note: The wider your tape the bigger your radius needs to be. Cut your cotton print fabric now to match your fleece lining.

Step 6

Make sure all fabric is facing the right way. Sew your 2 packages of bias tape together, giving you 6 yards to work with. Now, pin along perimeter until you reach your starting point. Cut extra off, then fold edge under and pin. I chose to iron at this point to help encourage the bias tape to lay more flat, concentrating at the corners. Sew around once or twice to secure border.

THIS IS MUCH-MUCH BETTER METHOD FOR SEWING ON BIAS TAPE....
WATCH THE TUTORIAL 

HERE.

You can have rounded corners or mitered as shown in the toutorial.  Either way this method is much better for ensuring your binding is sewn catching both sides while allowing you to sew close to your edge.  I had trouble doing it the way I explained due to the thickness.... TRICKY!!!!  I now use this method EVER TIME :)  One day, I might just get a presser foot.... one day.

Step 7

Wash.

There you have it… a super soft and cuddly blanket. It felt SO nice when I took it out of the warm dryer… ummmm.

I have some on my etsy store for sale... check them out here.

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