First, I trimmed the edges of my yard of fleece so that the edges were straight and even. Next, I folded the edges over twice to hide the raw edge which created a 1" hem. I pinned as I folded like this...
My mother is an excellent sewer and told me she did not pin - just folded as she sewed. I wanted to be more careful as I did not think I could much tolerate having to rip things out today so I took the time to pin. Whichever way is best for you is what you should do. Also, the hem can be a different size if you prefer. This tutorial is merely meant to be a general guideline.
Next, I set my sewing machine on the widest zig zag setting (11 on my machine).
Then I simply sewed the folded edge around the blanket. The wide zig zag stitch gives a nice finished edge - almost serger like (Thanks for the advice, Mom). Of course, if you have a serger, this would be the way to go.
I then just cut a heart out of a red piece of fleece, and sewed it onto the blanket using the same zig zag stitch. I did make sure to change the top thread to the color red.
Just a couple of tips...because fleece stretches, it is best to use a long stitch on your machine. This gives less of an opportunity for puckering. Also, try to guide the fabric rather than pull it through the machine as you're sewing - this will also prevent puckering.
Of course, there are other ways that this blanket can be created. You can blanket stitch the edges, you can add a fabric edge, for example. Again, this is meant to be a guideline.
The dimensions of this baby blanket are 53"L x 33"W. (A crib size blanket is "46x33").
Guideline dimensions for a child sized blanket are 57"x48".
Guideline dimensions for a youth sized blanket are 60"x45".
And there you have it - easy peasy!
Please don't hesitate to add helpful comments/ideas to this tutorial. Also, questions are most welcome.
Enjoy!
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