This past year we welcomed new babies into the family. My son and his wife had a baby boy and my nephew and his wife now have a little girl. Exciting times! I dusted off my sewing machine and made a few baby blankets. Fleece blankets are great gifts for babies because they can be used to put on the floor, sofa or other surface when at home or visiting – then you can just throw them in the washer and dryer and you are ready for another day!
Normally fleece is about 58-60 inches wide. I purchased 1 1/2 yards of two coordinating fleece fabrics. To begin, place your fabrics, wrong sides together and trim the edges up evenly. My finished blanket measured about 54 inches square. Adjust the size to meet your needs.
After trimming the edges, pin the two layers together, about every 4-5 inches and stitch about 2 inches in from the edge all the way around. Mark the corners, so you know exactly where to turn your stitching. Before you stitch your blanket together, you might want to check your machine settings on an extra piece of fabric. (Since the fabric is thick and plush, I reduced the pressure on the pressure foot and set the stitch length longer than usual. My tension stayed the same.)
You can use markers that have disappearing ink, which disappears in about 48 hours (depending on the type of fabric) or water soluble markers. You can spray the water soluble markings with a bit of water or wash the item after it is completed to remove the marks. Do not iron over the markings, it may make them permanent.
A blanket on Pinterest with scalloped edges was my inspiration. I thought that the scalloped edge would look cute on this blanket – since it is for a little girl – and it would match the outline of the little lambs .
To make a template, I used a jar ring and a piece of heavy card stock. You can vary the size of scallop, depending on what you like. I used about a 1/8-1/4 inch spacing between the scallops.
Cut out the template.
Line the template up along your stitched seam and mark with a disappearing or water soluble marker. You may have to make a few scallops a bit larger or smaller on each edge. I marked the corners first, so that they would all look the same and adjusted scallops towards the middle.
Using sharp shears, carefully cut the fabric along the marked scallop lines.
I think the scallops make this little blanket so cute! Perfect for a baby girl!
All ready to snuggle in for the night!
Before I wrapped the package, I attached a white bow with a safety pin.
Spring is coming! Yellow spring flowers and a gingham bow make a cute baby package. All ready to go to a baby shower to welcome a new little one!
Note: The fabric is “Blizzard Fleece Fabric, Sheep on Yellow” from Joann’s Fabric Store in Kansas City.
