Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to whip up a quick, hand-made gift for someone you care about? It’s very doable with this simple sewing project! Let’s learn “How to Sew an Easy, Double-Sided Baby Blanket”!
I like making this size because it doesn’t require much fabric! It can be used as a nap blanket for a baby or a toddler, or even a play blanket for babies who aren’t walking yet! You could set their little toys on it while they play!
What’s really awesome about this project is that once you understand the basics, you can adjust it to any size you want!
You might choose to make it larger for a adult nap blanket or even a bed cover! You could sew little toys on it for baby to play with! The possibilities are endless! Let’s get started!
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 1 1/4 yards of 2 different fabrics (soft baby flannel or minky fabric are other options!)
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
Optional:
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
I found these fabrics at a big quilter’s sale over the summer! I love the matching owls! Too cute! I knew right away when I saw it that I was going to make this easy, baby blanket with it!
The left side is flannel, which will be the back of the blanket. The right side is cotton, that will be the top.
There are several types of fabric that work well for this project! I suggest flannels, cotton prints or even minky fabric! Avoid satin-type fabrics, though.
The size of our baby blanket is 30″ x 40″, so we’re going to need to cut both pieces to that size.
You can either cut your fabric on a cutting mat with your rotary cutters, or you can just measure out 30″ x 40″ and use scissors. If you do the latter, make sure that your piece is square.
Here I’m cutting off the salvage.
I’ve cut both pieces, top and bottom to 30″x 40″.
The next step is to put the two pieces together, with right sides facing, as shown. Go ahead and spend a few minutes smoothing them out to make sure they line up.
Now that your pieces are cut, and you have them together with right sides facing, it’s time to pin the pieces together.
You can use straight pins or these groovy little clips. It really doesn’t matter, use what you have on hand!
Now, let’s head for the machine!
Starting at one corner, line up your foot with the edge of the fabric. Give yourself 1/2-5/8″ seam allowance. We can trim off any extra, but do your best to sew a straight line. (easier said than done some days!)
Continue sewing around the perimeter of your baby blanket, removing your pins/clips as you go.
As you approach your original seam, you will need to stop sewing at 6″ before.
This will allow the pocket we need to turn the garment inside-out. Don’t worry, we’ll sew it up later!
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You’re doing great!
Now it’s time to go back to your table and lay the blanket out flat.
Grab your scissors and clip all four corners like this – don’t cut the seam! This will take some of the bulk out of the corners when we turn it inside-out!
Next, reach your hand inside the pocket you left and begin to turn the blanket inside-out. It will feel a little awkward, but just keep going.
Put your finger inside each corner and poke it out, this may take a few minutes. Be patient with the process.
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Once the baby blanket is completely turned inside-out, with right sides on the outside, flatten it out again.
Next, take your blanket to the ironing board and carefully press your seams flat. You may need to work the fabric a little to take sure the sides are completely pulled out and pressed flat.
When you get to the open pocket, just fold the sides under and press, so that it looks like the rest of it.
Now, it’s time to deal with that open pocket!
With your fingers, fold the top and bottom fabrics down and pin them together. Once it’s sewn, you’ll never see it.
Let’s go back to the machine!
We’re going to sew another straight seam, just like before, but this time as a top-stitch.
This seam is a bit more important because this is what people will see. Take your time and keep that 1/2″ seam allowance, all the way around.
Ta-da! You’ve finished your easy baby blanket!
You may have noticed that I have a seam straight down the center of my baby blanket.
This is because I had to piece together fabric in order to have enough.
SO, I decided to make seams every 3 1/2 inches, all the way across, to make it look intentional.
Here’s your sweet little blanket, just waiting for a little one to cuddle!
