Master the Art of Sewing a Double Sided Fleece Blanket: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you love snuggling up with a soft, warm blanket on a chilly evening? If so, you’re not alone. And what’s even better than a cozy fleece blanket? A double sided one! Whether you’re looking to update your home decor or create a thoughtful gift for a loved one, sewing a double sided fleece blanket is easier than you may think. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of this fun and practical project, so grab your sewing kit and let’s get started!
Fleece blankets have become quite popular due to their soft and cozy feel, making them a favorite among people of all ages. These blankets are often used for both warmth and decorative purposes. While single-sided fleece blankets are readily available in the market, making a double-sided fleece blanket can add an extra touch of warmth and comfort. In this tutorial, we will discuss how to sew a double-sided fleece blanket step-by-step.
Choosing the Right Fabric:
Before getting started on your project, it is crucial to choose the right fabric for your double-sided fleece blanket. Fleece is available in various materials such as polyester, cotton, and even bamboo. Polyester fleece is the most commonly used as it is affordable and readily available. It is also durable and easy to maintain. Cotton fleece is softer but more expensive than polyester. Bamboo fleece, on the other hand, is eco-friendly but can be slightly difficult to find.
Gathering Supplies:
Once you have decided on the fabric, you will need a few other supplies to complete your double-sided fleece blanket successfully. These include:
– A sewing machine
– Scissors or rotary cutter with mat
– Straight pins or clips
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Thread (matching or contrasting)
– Optional: Edging fabric or bias tape
Preparing Your Fabric:
Step 1: Wash and dry your fabric according to its care instructions before starting your project. This will prevent any shrinkage later on.
Step 2: Lay out your fabric on a flat surface and trim off any uneven edges with scissors or a rotary cutter.
Step 3: Place one piece of fabric on top of the other (with right sides facing each other) and make sure all edges are aligned.
Cutting and Marking:
Using a measuring tape or ruler, mark the center of each side of your fabric. Then, using a fabric marker or chalk, draw a line connecting each center mark. This will be your sewing line.
Next, cut along the marked lines to separate the two pieces of fabric.
Pin or Clip Your Fabrics Together:
To ensure your fabrics stay in place while sewing, use straight pins or clips to secure them together. Start at one end and work your way to the other end, making sure you pin/clip every few inches.
Stitching:
Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch and sew along the marked line. It is recommended to use a 1/4-inch seam allowance for fleece blankets.
Once you have sewn all four sides, leave an opening (around 6 inches) on one side of the blanket for turning it inside out.
Trimming and Turning the Blanket:
Using scissors, trim any excess fabric from the corners. This will make it easier to turn your blanket inside out. Once done, carefully turn your blanket inside out through the opening.
Once turned inside out, use a ruler or closed pair of scissors to push out all four corners for a crisp edge.
Closing the Opening:
To close the open edge, tuck in the raw edges and sew a topstitch along all four sides of your double-sided fleece blanket. This will also add an extra decorative element to your project.
Optional: Adding Edging Fabric or Bias Tape:
If you want to add an extra flare to your double-sided fleece blanket, you can choose to add edging fabric or bias tape along all four sides of the blanket. Sew this in place using a straight stitch.
Caring for Your Double-Sided Fleece Blanket:
To keep your double-sided fleece blanket in top condition, it is recommended to wash it with like colors on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using fabric softener as it can decrease the absorbency of the fleece.
Making a double-sided fleece blanket is a fun and easy project that can be completed in no time with the right materials and techniques. Not only will you have a soft and cozy blanket for yourself, but it also makes for a thoughtful and personalized gift for your loved ones. So go ahead, give this tutorial a try, and enjoy your warm and snuggly double-sided fleece blanket.
What is a Double Sided Fleece Blanket?
A double sided fleece blanket is a cozy and versatile type of blanket that is perfect for colder months or as an extra layer during chilly nights. Unlike traditional blankets, which usually have one layer of fabric on each side, a double sided fleece blanket has two layers of fleece fabric sewn together, creating a soft and warm sandwich. This type of blanket is perfect for snuggling up on the couch, taking to outdoor events, or even using as a decorative bedspread.
Materials Needed
To make a double sided fleece blanket, you will need the following materials:
– Two pieces of fleece fabric: These can be the same pattern or different patterns depending on your preference. Make sure that each piece is at least 1 yard in length.
– Sewing machine: It is possible to hand sew a double sided fleece blanket, but using a sewing machine will make the process much quicker and easier.
– Thread: Choose thread that matches one of the colors in your fleece fabric.
– Sewing scissors: These will be used to cut your fabric to the desired size.
– Straight pins: These will help keep your fabric pieces together while sewing.
– Fabric marking pen or chalk: Optional but helpful for marking out your cutting lines.
Cutting and Preparing the Fabric
The first step in making a double sided fleece blanket is preparing your fabric. Start by laying out both pieces of fleece on top of each other with the right sides facing out. The right side is usually the softer and more vibrant side, while the wrong side may have tiny fuzzies sticking out. Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps in the fabric.
Next, use your straight pins to secure all four edges of both pieces of fleece together. This will prevent them from shifting while you are cutting and sewing.
Using your measuring tape, cut off any excess fabric from the edges to create two equal-sized pieces of fabric. The size of your blanket will depend on your personal preference, but a standard throw blanket tends to be around 50×60 inches.
Sewing the Blanket
Once your fabric is cut and pinned, it’s time to start sewing! Select a straight stitch on your sewing machine and begin sewing around all four sides of the fleece, leaving a 1-inch border. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. This will create a nice border for your blanket and help keep the two layers together.
After sewing all four sides, it’s time to sew the layers together. Starting in the middle of one side, sew straight lines across the entire blanket about 1-2 inches apart. You can use your fabric marking pen or chalk to create guidelines if needed. These lines will help keep the two layers of fleece together and prevent them from shifting or bunching up.
Once all of the lines are sewn, you can go back and trim off any excess thread or fuzzies from your blanket.
Adding Finishing Touches
With just a few final steps, your double sided fleece blanket will be complete! If desired, you can add extra details such as tassels or pom poms to each corner of your blanket for a decorative touch. You can also choose to add a border by folding in each edge of the fleece and sewing around all four sides.
Lastly, give your blanket a final press with an iron on low heat without steam. This will smooth out any wrinkles and give it a polished look.
Caring for Your Double Sided Fleece Blanket
To keep your double sided fleece blanket in good condition, it’s important to care for it properly. Fortunately, fleece is an easy fabric to maintain. You can machine wash your blanket on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener as they can damage the fabric. Tumble dry on low heat or let it air dry.
If your blanket gets stained, be sure to spot clean it as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting in. For tougher stains, you can use a gentle stain remover before washing.
A double sided fleece blanket is not only a practical addition to your home, but also a fun and easy DIY project. With just a little bit of sewing and some simple materials, you can create a cozy and personalized blanket that will keep you warm all season long. So gather your supplies and get ready to snuggle up in your very own double sided fleece blanket!
1. What materials do I need to sew a double sided fleece blanket?
To sew a double sided fleece blanket, you will need two pieces of fleece fabric, measuring tape, scissors, pins, sewing machine, thread, and sewing needles.
2. How much fabric do I need for a double sided fleece blanket?
The amount of fabric you need will depend on the size of the blanket you want to make. As a general rule, you will need two pieces of fleece fabric that are the same size. For example, if you want to make a 50×60 inch blanket, you will need two pieces of fleece that are at least 50×60 inches each.
3. Can I use different thicknesses of fleece for each side of the blanket?
Yes, you can use different thicknesses of fleece for each side of the blanket. However, keep in mind that it may affect the overall weight and texture of the finished product.
4. How do I prepare the fabric before sewing?
Before sewing your double sided fleece blanket, it’s important to wash and dry the fabric to prevent any shrinkage later on. You can also iron out any wrinkles or creases before cutting and sewing.
5. What type of stitch should I use for sewing a double sided fleece blanket?
It is recommended to use a zigzag stitch or another stretch stitch when sewing a double-sided fleece blanket as it allows for more flexibility and durability compared to straight stitches.
6. Do I need to use pins when sewing a double-sided fleece blanket?
While using pins can help keep your fabric in place while sewing, it is not necessary and may actually damage or create holes in your fleece fabric due to its stretchy nature. You can opt to use clips instead or simply hold the fabrics together while sewing slowly and accurately.
In conclusion, sewing a double-sided fleece blanket is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that can provide warmth and comfort for years to come. Through this guide, we have learned that the key steps to creating a double-sided fleece blanket include choosing the right materials, measuring and cutting accurately, and using proper sewing techniques like a zigzag stitch or hand-tied fringe. It is important to remember to take your time and pay attention to detail in order to create a high-quality finished product.
Moreover, this guide has also highlighted the versatility of fleece blankets as they can be customized with different colors, patterns, and sizes to suit individual preferences. They also make great gifts for loved ones during any occasion.
Additionally, learning how to sew a double-sided fleece blanket not only provides warmth and comfort but also develops useful skills such as basic sewing techniques and project planning. It can also save money by creating personalized blankets at home rather than purchasing them from stores.
Overall, through this guide and the process of making a double-sided fleece blanket, we have seen that creativity, patience, and practice are essential elements in achieving a successful outcome. So go ahead and use these tips to create your own cozy masterpiece or even teach someone else how to do it. Happy sewing!
Author Profile
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My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.
My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.
From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.
The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.
Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.
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