5 Easy Ways to Finish the Edges of a Fleece Blanket for a Cozy, Professional Look

Fleece blankets are incredibly soft, warm, and easy to make. They’re perfect for snuggling up on the couch, gifting to friends and family, or donating to charity. But a fleece blanket isn’t truly finished until the edges are properly treated. Raw edges can fray, look unfinished, and detract from the overall cozy appeal. Luckily, there are several simple methods for finishing the edges of a fleece blanket, ranging from the super-quick to the more decorative.

This guide will walk you through five easy and effective ways to finish the edges of a fleece blanket, providing detailed steps and helpful tips to ensure a professional and long-lasting result. Whether you’re a beginner sewer or an experienced crafter, you’ll find a method that suits your skill level and desired aesthetic.

## Why Finish the Edges of a Fleece Blanket?

Before we dive into the different techniques, let’s quickly discuss why finishing the edges of a fleece blanket is so important:

* **Prevents Fraying:** Fleece, while relatively stable, can still fray along the edges, especially with frequent use and washing. Finishing the edges prevents this fraying, extending the life of your blanket.
* **Adds Durability:** A finished edge reinforces the blanket’s structure, making it less likely to tear or unravel.
* **Improves Appearance:** A finished edge gives the blanket a polished, professional look, elevating it from a simple piece of fabric to a cherished keepsake.
* **Enhances Comfort:** Certain finishing techniques, like binding with satin or adding a crocheted border, can make the blanket even softer and more comfortable.

## Materials You’ll Need (General):

Regardless of the finishing method you choose, you’ll likely need these basic supplies:

* **Fleece Fabric:** Of course! Choose your favorite fleece fabric in the desired size and color. Anti-pill fleece is a good option, as it resists pilling after washing.
* **Scissors or Rotary Cutter:** For cutting the fleece and any additional materials.
* **Ruler or Measuring Tape:** To ensure accurate measurements and straight lines.
* **Pins or Clips:** To hold fabric layers together.
* **Thread:** Choose a thread color that complements your fleece fabric. Polyester thread is a good choice for durability.
* **Sewing Machine (Optional):** Some methods require a sewing machine, while others can be done entirely by hand.
* **Iron (Optional):** For pressing seams and folds.

Now, let’s explore the five different ways to finish your fleece blanket edges:

## 1. The Simple Fold-Over Hem

This is the easiest and quickest method, perfect for beginners or those who want a fast and fuss-free finish.

**Steps:**

1. **Prepare the Edge:** Lay your fleece blanket flat on a clean surface. Using an iron on a low synthetic setting, gently press the edges of the fleece to create a nice flat edge to work with. This isn’t essential but will give you a cleaner starting point.

2. **Fold Over Once:** Fold the edge of the fleece over by about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). Press the fold with an iron (optional) to help it stay in place. Alternatively use a pin to secure the hem in place.

3. **Fold Over Again:** Fold the edge over again by another 1/2 inch (1.3 cm), encasing the raw edge within the fold. Press the fold. Make sure that the blanket is laying flat and that the hem does not have any puckers in the fabric.

4. **Pin or Clip:** Secure the folded hem in place with pins or clips every few inches.

5. **Sew the Hem:**

* **By Machine:** Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch. Sew along the inner edge of the folded hem, close to the fold. Remove the pins or clips as you sew. Aim for a consistent seam allowance.

* **By Hand:** Use a blind stitch or a simple running stitch to sew the hem in place. Keep your stitches small and even for a neat finish. Remove the pins or clips as you sew.

6. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 2-5 for all four sides of the blanket.

7. **Press (Optional):** Once all sides are hemmed, give the blanket a final press with an iron to set the seams.

**Tips for a Perfect Fold-Over Hem:**

* Use a walking foot on your sewing machine if you have one. This will help feed the fleece evenly and prevent the fabric from stretching.
* Adjust your stitch length to accommodate the thickness of the fleece. A slightly longer stitch length (around 3-3.5 mm) usually works well.
* If you’re hand-sewing, use a thread color that matches the fleece fabric as closely as possible to hide the stitches.
* Take your time and sew slowly to ensure a straight and even hem.

## 2. The Decorative Serged Edge

A serger (also known as an overlock machine) creates a clean, professional-looking edge while simultaneously trimming and finishing the fabric. This method is ideal if you own a serger and want a quick and attractive finish.

**Steps:**

1. **Prepare the Serger:** Thread your serger with the desired thread colors. Consult your serger’s manual for specific threading instructions.

2. **Adjust Settings:** Adjust the serger’s settings for fleece fabric. This may involve adjusting the stitch length, stitch width, and differential feed. Test the settings on a scrap of fleece to ensure a balanced and even stitch.

3. **Serge the Edge:** Carefully guide the edge of the fleece blanket through the serger, allowing the blades to trim the excess fabric while the needles create an overlock stitch. Maintain a consistent speed and keep the fabric aligned with the edge guide.

4. **Chain Off:** When you reach the end of a side, continue serging off the edge of the fabric for a few inches, creating a “chain.” This will prevent the serged edge from unraveling.

5. **Secure the Chain:** Use a large-eyed needle to weave the chain back into the serged seam to secure it. Trim any excess chain.

6. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 3-5 for all four sides of the blanket.

**Tips for a Perfect Serged Edge:**

* Practice on a scrap of fleece before serging the entire blanket. This will help you get a feel for the machine and adjust the settings accordingly.
* Use a high-quality thread designed for serging. This will ensure a strong and durable stitch.
* Maintain a consistent speed and pressure while serging to prevent uneven stitches.
* Be careful not to stretch the fleece fabric as you serge, as this can distort the edge.
* Experiment with different thread colors to create a decorative serged edge.

## 3. The Cozy Blanket Stitch Edge

The blanket stitch is a decorative hand stitch that creates a charming and rustic edge. It’s a great option for those who enjoy hand sewing and want to add a personal touch to their fleece blanket.

**Steps:**

1. **Prepare the Edge:** Lay your fleece blanket flat on a clean surface. Iron the edges to create a flat, even edge to work with. Fold the edge over by approximately 1/2 inch and press.

2. **Thread the Needle:** Thread a needle with embroidery floss or yarn in your desired color. Knot the end of the thread securely.

3. **Begin the Stitch:** Insert the needle from the back of the fabric, near the folded edge, and pull the thread through, hiding the knot between the fabric layers.

4. **Create the First Stitch:** Move a short distance (about 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm) along the edge and insert the needle from the back of the fabric again. Before pulling the thread all the way through, leave a loop of thread on the surface of the fabric.

5. **Secure the Loop:** Bring the needle through the loop of thread and pull it tight. This creates the first blanket stitch.

6. **Continue Stitching:** Repeat steps 4 and 5 along the entire edge of the blanket, maintaining a consistent spacing between stitches. Ensure each stitch is even and consistent, this adds to the professional finished look.

7. **Finishing the Edge:** When you reach the end of a side, overlap the last stitch with the first stitch to create a seamless join. Knot the thread securely on the back of the fabric and trim the excess.

8. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 3-7 for all four sides of the blanket.

**Tips for a Perfect Blanket Stitch Edge:**

* Use a blunt needle to avoid snagging the fleece fabric.
* Maintain a consistent tension on the thread to prevent puckering.
* Experiment with different thread colors and stitch spacing to create unique designs.
* Use a thimble to protect your finger while stitching.
* Practice the blanket stitch on a scrap of fabric before working on the entire blanket.

## 4. The Satin Binding Edge

Adding a satin binding to your fleece blanket creates a luxurious and elegant finish. This method requires some sewing experience but is well worth the effort for the stunning result.

**Materials:**

* **Satin Binding:** Purchase pre-made satin binding in your desired color and width. You’ll need enough binding to go around the entire perimeter of the blanket, plus a few extra inches for overlapping.

**Steps:**

1. **Prepare the Binding:** Unfold the satin binding and press it flat with an iron.

2. **Attach the Binding:**

* **Pinning Method:** Place the unfolded edge of the binding along the edge of the fleece blanket, right sides together. Pin the binding in place, leaving a few inches of binding extending beyond the corner. Overlap the edge of the blanket by 1/4 of an inch. Repeat around the blanket, pinning the binding at regular intervals. Clip the corners to allow the binding to turn the corner smoothly.

* **Clip Method:** Place the unfolded edge of the binding along the edge of the fleece blanket, right sides together. Use clips to hold the binding in place, leaving a few inches of binding extending beyond the corner. Repeat around the blanket, clipping the binding at regular intervals. Clip the corners to allow the binding to turn the corner smoothly.

3. **Sew the Binding:** Sew the binding to the fleece blanket using a straight stitch, following the crease line of the binding. Remove the pins or clips as you sew. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each side to secure the seam. It is important to sew slowly, especially around the corners, to ensure a smooth finish.

4. **Miter the Corners:** As you approach a corner, stop sewing 1/4 inch from the edge. Remove the blanket from the machine. Fold the binding away from the fleece blanket at a 45-degree angle. Then fold the binding back toward the fleece blanket, aligning the raw edge of the binding with the edge of the blanket. Stitch the mitered corner in place.

5. **Fold and Press:** Fold the binding over to the other side of the fleece blanket, encasing the raw edge of the fleece. Press the folded binding with an iron to create a crisp edge.

6. **Topstitch:** Topstitch along the folded edge of the binding, close to the edge, to secure it in place. Remove any remaining pins or clips as you sew.

7. **Overlap and Finish:** When you reach the starting point, overlap the ends of the binding by about 1 inch. Fold the raw edge of the overlapping binding under and topstitch it in place to create a neat finish.

**Tips for a Perfect Satin Binding Edge:**

* Use a walking foot on your sewing machine to prevent the satin binding from slipping.
* Adjust your stitch length to accommodate the thickness of the binding and fleece.
* Use a thread color that matches the satin binding for a seamless look.
* Take your time and sew slowly, especially around the corners, to ensure a smooth and professional finish.
* Practice sewing with satin binding on a scrap of fabric before working on the entire blanket.

## 5. The Fun Fringed Edge

This method is playful and requires no sewing at all! It’s perfect for a quick and easy project, especially for kids.

**Steps:**

1. **Cut Fringes:** Lay your fleece blanket flat on a clean surface. Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut slits along all four edges of the blanket, creating fringes. The slits should be about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.

2. **Tie Knots (Optional):** For a more secure and decorative edge, tie knots in each fringe. You can tie a simple overhand knot or get creative with more elaborate knots.

**Variations for a Fringed Edge:**

* **Braided Edge:** Divide each group of three or four fringes into strands and braid them together. Secure the end of each braid with a knot.
* **Twisted Edge:** Twist each fringe individually and tie a knot at the end to prevent unraveling.
* **Beaded Edge:** Add beads to the fringes for a colorful and whimsical touch.

**Tips for a Perfect Fringed Edge:**

* Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that the fringes are evenly spaced and the same length.
* Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to create clean and precise cuts.
* Experiment with different fringe lengths and widths to create unique designs.
* This method works best with thicker fleece fabrics that won’t unravel easily.

## Conclusion

Finishing the edges of your fleece blanket is an essential step in creating a cozy, durable, and professional-looking product. Whether you choose the simple fold-over hem, the decorative serged edge, the charming blanket stitch, the elegant satin binding, or the playful fringed edge, you’re sure to find a method that suits your skill level and personal style. So grab your fleece fabric, gather your supplies, and get ready to transform your unfinished blanket into a cherished treasure!