Any time I’m invited to a baby shower, the one thing that I make sure to include is a handmade baby blanket.  The fleece that you purchase from Joanne’s or Walmart is thicker & usually softer than the store bought blankets.  You can customize them or leave them plain and they are easier to make than you might think.  The variety of colors & patterns are nearly endless, so you can make it to go with any nursery decor. Here’s how I make them:

A crib mattress measures 28″ x 52″.  I make my blankets 36″ x 46″, wider than the mattress but not quite as long as the mattress.  If it’s tucked into the bottom of the mattress, it won’t cover the baby’s face.  You only need one yard of fleece unless you’re using a directional patterned fleece.  If so, 1 1/2 yard will do.

I make all of my patterns using brown craft paper that is available at the Dollar Tree or Walmart.  It holds up very well when making multiple blankets.  I cut the paper 36″ x 23″.

Mark the bottom (23″) to be put on the folded fabric.

I use a dinner plate to round the edges.  That way there are no corners to poke baby’s eyes.

Fold your fabric in half length-ways, so that the 36″ wide is at the top.  Place the pattern on the fold line & pin the pattern in place.  Cut the fleece along the pattern piece.  (almost done)

Using the blanket stitch on your machine, or you can hand stitch it, stitch around all of  the edges.

You can leave it as is, or personalize it.  This one was for the son of some major Steeler fans.

For a very special girl, I added some appliques & put a little tension on the fabric while sewing it to give it a slight ruffle.

And now that I have a new grandson, I’ve been making baby blankets like crazy.

The blanket is so soft & warm.

I think he likes it!

The next time you’re invited to a baby shower, I hope you give this a try.

Happy Creating everyone!