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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: m616
Date: 05-22-2005, 11:20 AM (1 of 16)
Hi! Was wondering if anyone had some advice on making baby blankets. I have some micro-fleece which is so nice and soft, but looks "unfinished" on the back. Could I put another fabric on the back (making it double-sided) ? What type of fabric would you recommend? Flannel? Cotton?
User: m616
Member since: 04-24-2005
Total posts: 11
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-22-2005, 12:13 PM (2 of 16)
Why not same fabric on the back ?? Or same fabric, different color.. .. I use flannel for receiving blankets all the time.. only 1 layer and I serge the edges with wooly nylon in co-ordinating colors.. :bg: :bg:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-22-2005, 04:44 PM (3 of 16)
Usually you put fleece with fleece. I have seen it with a flannel, but remember that fleece will stretch but flannel will not. You may have some drooping on the fleece side.
Just my thoughts.
Summer
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 05-22-2005, 04:51 PM (4 of 16)
I like the fleece baby blanket I make called a "Stained Glass Blanket". You use a printed fabric on one side and a coordinating plain on the other. Stitch right sides together leaving a turning space in seam. When turned, I stitch around using any decorative stitch about 5/8" from the outside. I then satin stitch around a few of the motifs (usually 6 on a 30 " square )on the printed side of the blanket. Cut away the underside (plain) of the satin stitched motif. When the blanket is held up the pattern shows through on the underside like stained glass. This blanket is the perfect size for a newborn, and it fits perfectly into car seats, and prams. I've been told it is the most practical blanket some new mom's have received!
sewhappy
User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003
Total posts: 69
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-22-2005, 11:14 PM (5 of 16)
I saw a blanket done up in a fabric store that was adorable so we copied it. The fleece is white with little white elephants embossed on it, we backed it with a flannel (preshrunk all the fabric) that had elephants on it, then bound it with a co-ordinating flannel stripe. I tacked it all before sewing on the binding and it turned out fantastic. Washes up like a dream too and isn't as heavy as a double fleece.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: vmorris828
Date: 05-28-2005, 10:39 AM (6 of 16)
Hi, I am looking for sizes of baby blankets. I have bought variety of fleece, flannel, terrycloth & very soft baby fleece. Also, can you make bunting out of any fleece? This is my 1st grandson coming. We are so excited. Thanks for any info. Valerie
User: vmorris828
Member since: 11-25-2000
Total posts: 41
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-28-2005, 08:10 PM (7 of 16)
Valerie,
I make the flannel receiving blankets out of 1 yard increments.. Usually about 42 inches wide.. I hate receiving blankets the size of a diaper or washcloth..The people at work loved getting the large ones.. One man told me his wife would say bring me a blanket, and if he bought a store bought one (small), she would say, 'No Jeff, bring me a "Lib' blanket..I looked the other day and the ones at Target were 26 " by 30 "..That is just too small..They need to be at least a yard square..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-28-2005, 08:25 PM (8 of 16)
Valerie,
You can make a bunting out of fleece. They come out nice and soft too.
Summer
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
From: vmorris828
Date: 05-28-2005, 09:10 PM (9 of 16)
Can you use different textures fabric? They have so many different soft, fuzzy & more. Thanks for the previous answers. Valerie
User: vmorris828
Member since: 11-25-2000
Total posts: 41
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-28-2005, 09:41 PM (10 of 16)
I have used different fabrics from flannel to fleece to knits.
Summer
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-30-2005, 11:49 AM (11 of 16)
I have made so many blankets and throws being I am now expecting my 27th grandchild. The baby blankets are now my favorite things to make. I usually serge the edges but I have made doubled blankets and sewed and edged them with heirloom stitches also and trimmed with ribbons etc. Something cute to make is if you have an embroidery machine or a sewing machine that does the alphabet..is to print babies name, birthday, weight, height etc. on the blanket. Yes, it is true that eveyone seems to like larger blankets than the ones sold in the stores. I feel the home made blankets wear better also. My grandkids still have their blankets when grown up LOL and more are requested when they have their children too. I have been sewing for 4 new babies in the family ...by request..and I love it.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: blackie
Date: 06-02-2005, 04:08 PM (12 of 16)
Valerie,
I make the flannel receiving blankets out of 1 yard increments.. Usually about 42 inches wide.. I hate receiving blankets the size of a diaper or washcloth..The people at work loved getting the large ones.. One man told me his wife would say bring me a blanket, and if he bought a store bought one (small), she would say, 'No Jeff, bring me a "Lib' blanket..I looked the other day and the ones at Target were 26 " by 30 "..That is just too small..They need to be at least a yard square..

ITA agree with Libby - make a big one! Small ones have their uses I suppose but whoever you are making it for will have been innundated with the "washcloth-sized" blankets anyway, so make a bigger one! I buy 1 1/4 yard of cotton fashion fabric which allows for a blanket about 42" by 42" (after you preshrink). That is the biggest square you can make without having seams in the blanket.

As far as fabric choices (if you don't already have some on hand), think about what time of year they will be using it. For winter fleece makes sense, but flannel or cotton is nice for this time of year. I like to use a unique cotton print on one side and a coordinating flannel on another. This weekend I made a receiving blanket (http://kelly.hogaboom.org/2005/05/further-dirty-secret.html) (the fabrics in the top picture) with a FF I loved and found a 40% off flannel to match.

Another opinion - I'm full of them - try to find something a little different. I got soooooo much pastel and cutesy animals and that sort of thing when I had my babies. I think it's fun to get something a little more wild or stylish than the typical baby fare! But - that depends entirely on the taste of Mommy and Daddy so use your judgment there.
see the mundane life of a housewife.
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004
Total posts: 594
From: seitzn
Date: 06-03-2005, 11:36 PM (13 of 16)
I use 1 1/4 yards of two sided fleece. I round the corners using a plate and then bind with flannel cut on the bias. I cut about 2 1/2, fold in half, sew raw edges to one side and then sew down by hand. I prewash all material. This makes a large blanket. Everyone seems to love.
Nancy
User: seitzn
Member since: 08-15-2002
Total posts: 2
From: vmorris828
Date: 06-04-2005, 11:00 AM (14 of 16)
Hi, can anyone tell me which stitch or thread to use on a serger for fleece blankets? I do have some wooly thread & I put it in the upper looper. But it only shows on one side the wooly. I am new at all baby stuff. Thanks, enjoy your website. Valerie
User: vmorris828
Member since: 11-25-2000
Total posts: 41
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-04-2005, 06:28 PM (15 of 16)
I use wooly nylon in both loopers.. Sometimes the flannel is very light on the WS, and sometimes it looks almost like the RS.., so I just use wooly nylon in both loopers to be safe..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Kylnne2
Date: 06-06-2005, 02:42 AM (16 of 16)
I like the YLI "Extra" woolly. It really puffs out and fills in the area.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
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