Parents underestimate the importance of having a baby blanket. A soft blanket is important to a baby, especially after birth, because it gives the baby the feeling of being in the womb. Especially a blanket that you can swaddle your newborn in will create a safe and secure environment for your baby. The best thing is you don’t need to add it to your registry. Luckily, we are here to help with this beginners guide on how to sew a baby blanket.
Making a hand-sewn baby blanket is not only an easy project but a fun one too. There is no need for a ton of materials: just some fabric and some thread.
Yes, if you have a sewing machine it would be faster, but what is the fun with that. The process behind creating a hand-sewn blanket will allow you to experience a bond with your little one that goes along with the creation of the blanket itself.
A blanket that is soft and made with love will have a lot more value than one that bought at a store. The time spent making it would be time quality bonding time with your little one even though they are still in the womb.
Important Things You Must Know When Sewing A Baby Blanket
Fabric Type
There a few things to consider when choosing the right fabric for your baby’s blanket. The fabric should be lightweight breathable, super soft, and made of 100% pure fibers. If there is an organic fabric available than that is even better.
Cotton, flannel or knit fabric, are two of the more popular choices. A fine toweling fabric makes a great option as well.
If you can find the best fabric in the colors that you are looking for, then you have the perfect baby blanket.
Woven cotton works well, especially in warmer climates. High-quality Muslim fabric makes excellent material for a swaddling blanket for a newborn. Organic bamboo cotton is also a great choice because of its natural feeling, and others prefer open weave cotton.
Size
Always pre-wash the fabric before sewing. That way, it will not shrink later.
If you are looking t to make a square blanket, you will get the right measurement by using the width minus the selvages. A 42-inch blanket with finished edges is a perfect size for your baby blanket.
Before cutting, check the grain of the fabric. If the grain is not right, there is a chance the blanket will not lie perfectly flat and square.
Layers: Single or Double?
A double layer (two fabrics as one) will make for a much cozier blanket. Expect to purchase at least 3 meters of fabric when making a double-layered blanket. You could choose to use a toweling fabric on one side for extra softness.
Start by cutting out two squares, identical in size. How you cut your corners all depends on how you want your corners to look when complete:
- Cut out a curve in the corners if you’re going to keep the blanket exactly how it is.
- Rounding the corners will require you to use a template to draw out the rounded corners (a small plate could work.
To allow the corners to turn smoothly, clip the seam allowance at the corners. Now turn the blanket right side out, using the unstitched hole. Use a knitting needle to poke everything outside the blanket. Press out the blanket so it will be smooth.
Now pick out your trim, either lace or a decorative stitch, and sew along the edges all while making sure the unstitched hole gets stitched.
Materials Needed
– 1-2 yards of cotton, flannel or other soft fabric
– scissors
– pins
– sewing needle and thread (or a sewing machine)
– trim (optional)
In addition to the fabric and other materials, you will need a sewing machine if you choose not to hand sew the blanket. If you are going to hand sew, make sure you have a needle and thread that match the color of your fabric.
If you want to add a nice touch, find some trim or lace to sew along the edge of the blanket. This is entirely optional but does give the blanket a more polished look.
Tips on Choosing Fabric for A Baby Blanket
As mentioned before, there are many different types of fabrics you can choose from. Cotton, flannel, and knit fabrics are all popular choices because they are lightweight and breathable. You will want to make sure the fabric is 100% pure fibers and super soft. If you can find organic fabric, that is even better.
Woven cotton works well, especially in warmer climates. High-quality Muslim fabric makes excellent material for a swaddling blanket for a newborn. Organic bamboo cotton is also a great choice because of its natural feeling, and others prefer open weave cotton.
When choosing the right fabric for your baby blanket, always pre-wash the fabric before sewing. That way, it will not shrink later.
If you are looking to make a square blanket, you will get the right measurement by using the width minus the selvages. A 42-inch blanket with finished edges is a perfect size for your baby blanket.
Before cutting, check the grain of the fabric. If the grain is not right, there is a chance the blanket will not lie perfectly flat and square.
Layers: Single or Double?
A double layer (two fabrics as one) will make for a much cozier blanket. Expect to purchase at least 3 meters of fabric when making a double-layered blanket. You could choose to use a toweling fabric on one side for extra softness.
Steps to Sew a Baby Blanket
Step 1) Cutting
Cut your fabric to your desired specifications. Try to keep the cotton (fluffy) layer at least 12 cm larger than the plain or dull layer.
Step 2) Layout the Fabric
Layout the fluffy material (this is called quilt batting) face down and smooth out any wrinkles the best you can. Now lay the cotton piece, right side facing, centering it as best you can
Step 3) Pin the Blanket
Fold the outer edge of the fluffy layer over the second (cotton) layer. Make sure to fold fluffy layer inward at least 2 cm allowing plenty of material for the stitches to attach too. Keep pinning as you fold down all the way around the blanket.
Step 4) Begin Sewing
Take the edge of the sewing foot and like it to the innermost edge of the cotton layer (folded) and begin to sew.
Make sure to stop sewing an inch from the first corner. Cut the extra fabric from the overlap, take the raw edge down and then sew it closed.
Continue stitching until completed. Using a fluffy cotton layer is a good idea, especially if the thread is the same color. The stitch work is almost invisible, especially in the corners.
Step 5) Take out the Pins
Remove all the pins and snip away any dangling threads.
Conclusion
Now your baby’s blanket is complete. Not only do you have your baby’s first blanket. Exactly the color and type of fabric you wanted. But you hand-sewed it yourself. The time involved is an investment that will have a great return, especially when they need to do some “alterations” on your child’s clothing comes up in the future.