Fleece Blankets

On this page are instructions for making two different types of fringed blankets: fringe-tied or rabbit-eared that require no sewing. The no-sew methods are perfect for kids who want to help kids!

The following methods will result in a nice looking, neat and cuddly blanket.

No Sew Fringe-tied Blanket:

1. Use at least 1 1/4 yards (1 1/2 yards is even better) per blanket if you are making older child and teen sized blankets. If you use less than that and then fringe the edges, you have a very skinny blanket.One yard of fleece cut in half will make two 30" x 36" blankets - just the right size for baby blankets.(Most fleece is approximately 60" wide.)

2. Cut off the selvage on edges of the fleece (that's the bumpy, wavy edge) before finishing the blanket).

3. Cut a four inch square from each corner of the fleece. Cut 4” x 1” wide fringe around blanket Tip: Cut a 4” piece of fabric or batting to use as your corner template. It won’t slip and it will make cutting easier. Using your ruler and rotary cutter cut vertically and horizontally—ALMOST to the corner but NOT QUITE. Then use your scissors to finish the corner cut. This will give you a crisp, clean cut and you won’t cut into the neighboring fringe. NOTE: Fringe may be cut in 1/2” or 1” increments.

4. To Knot or Not to Knot: You don't have to knot the fringe - a neat plain fringe looks very nice without knotting.If you do choose to knot the ends, you can do the two longest edges or you can do all four provided that you cut out a 4" square on each corner.

No Sew Fleece Rabbit-eared Blanket

You will need: Polar Fleece: 1 1/2 yard piece or choose your own custom size. (Fleece is usually 50-60” wide) “Ruler or Shape Cut Ruler and Rotary Cutter” works best to create neatly cut fringe. If you are using scissors, please make sure your cuts are clean, even and straight with no frayed edges. This blanket is simply made in 5 easy steps.

1. Before you begin, trim off selvage edges and square uneven edges as needed.

2. Cut a four inch square from each corner of the fleece. Cut 4” x 1” wide fringe around blanket Tip: Cut a 4” piece of fabric or batting to use as your corner template. It won’t slip and it will make cutting easier. Using your ruler and rotary cutter cut vertically and horizontally—ALMOST to the corner but NOT QUITE. Then use your scissors to finish the corner cut. This will give you a crisp, clean cut and you won’t cut into the neighboring fringe. NOTE: Fringe may be cut in 1/2” or 1” increments.

3. Using a seam ripper, make a tiny slit in the top of each piece of fringe.

4. Feed the end of the fringe through the back side of the slit you just cut and pull through to create a neat and secure fringed edge.

A note regarding fleece blankets:

• We have received several fringed fleece blankets with the knots tied so tightly that the blanket will not lay flat - the blankets look more like a bowl or basket than a blanket.

• We have had to take the time to cut off all the fringe which greatly reduces the size of the blanket and wastes a lot of fabric.

• Please do not cut the fringe any longer than 2" - 3" long if you don't knot the fringe.

• If you do knot the fringe, fringe should be no longer than 2" - 3" after knotting.

• PLEASE DO NOT TIE THE KNOTS TOO TIGHTLY.

• Longer fringe tangles in medical instruments and tubes. The longer you make the fringe, the less blanket area there is for snuggling.

• Please do not sew buttons on blankets - children can choke on buttons.

This quilt pattern for an easy-to-make blanket is perfect for any charity effort. Quilts may be tied with crochet thread or machine quilted as illustrated in Figure B. Overall machine or hand quilting is acceptable as well.

Directions

1. Place two 36" x 42-44" pieces of kids print 100% cotton or baby flannel fabric right sides together. Layer a same size piece of batting (any type) on bottom.

2. Pin all four edges, leaving a 10" opening in the center of one side for turning.

3. Sew 1/2" seam around all edges, leaving the 10" section for turning open.

   Figure A.

   
   

4. Turn and pin open edge closed.

5. Iron the back and front so that it lays flat.

6. Tie or (topstitch around entire quilt)20 - 30 knots through the quilt with floss or yarn.

7. Stitch the 10" opened edge closed.

8. Finish the quilt (if you prefer) with overall machine or hand quilting. The quilt may also be finished by tying with crochet thread or pearl cotton thread.

   If you have questions on how to make either of these blankets, please email us (Alyssashope@sbcglobal.net) for more instructions or come to a workshop.