Snuggle Up with DIY: The Ultimate Guide to Making a Fleece Tie Blanket

There’s something incredibly comforting about a soft, cozy blanket. And what’s even better? Making one yourself! A fleece tie blanket is the perfect project for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. It requires no sewing, is incredibly quick to make, and results in a beautiful, functional blanket that you can cherish or gift to someone special. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right fleece to adding the final touches, ensuring you create a blanket you’ll love.

Why Choose a Fleece Tie Blanket?

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s talk about the ‘why.’ Fleece tie blankets are fantastic for several reasons:

• No Sewing Required: This is the biggest draw for many! You don’t need a sewing machine or any sewing skills. Simply tie knots to create a finished edge.
• Quick and Easy: You can complete a fleece tie blanket in just a few hours, making it a perfect weekend project.
• Versatile: These blankets are great for snuggling on the couch, picnics in the park, or as a comforting gift for friends and family.
• Budget-Friendly: Fleece fabric is often relatively inexpensive, making this a cost-effective way to create a cozy blanket.
• Customizable: The possibilities are endless with color and pattern combinations, allowing you to personalize your blanket to your liking.
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids can easily help with the tying process, making it a fun family activity.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make your fleece tie blanket:

• Two Pieces of Fleece Fabric: Choose two coordinating or contrasting fleece fabrics. The size depends on the blanket you want to create. Common sizes include:
  • Baby Blanket: 30″ x 40″ or 36″ x 45″
  • Lap Blanket/Small Throw: 50″ x 60″
  • Twin Size: 60″ x 72″ (approximate, adjust to your mattress size)
  • Larger Throw/Full Size: 72″ x 80″ or 72″ x 90″

  It’s always a good idea to purchase a little extra fabric to allow for inconsistencies in cutting. If you’re making a larger blanket, you may need to buy fleece by the yard (typically 60″ wide). Be sure both of your pieces of fleece are the exact same size!

• Rotary Cutter or Sharp Fabric Scissors: These are essential for cutting straight, even lines in the fleece. A rotary cutter, mat, and ruler will provide the cleanest, most accurate edges but scissors will work perfectly fine.
• Cutting Mat (If using a Rotary Cutter): A self-healing mat protects your work surface when using a rotary cutter.
• Ruler: A clear ruler is useful for measuring and guiding your cuts, especially when making fringe.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure your fleece pieces are the correct size and even.
• Optional: Fabric Marker or Chalk: For marking cut lines, especially helpful if you’re making a pattern or need to be very precise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: creating your fleece tie blanket!

Step 1: Prepare Your Fleece

Wash and Dry Your Fleece: Before starting, wash and dry both pieces of fleece fabric. This will prevent shrinkage after the blanket is made and remove any manufacturing residue. It is important to note that fleece will not shrink but it will allow for removal of lint.
Tip: Washing your fabric before cutting also helps to remove any creases. Avoid using fabric softener when washing fleece.

Lay Out the Fleece: Lay one piece of fleece flat on a clean, even surface like a large table or the floor. Ensure there are no wrinkles or folds. Smooth it out completely.

Align the Second Piece: Carefully place the second piece of fleece directly on top of the first, ensuring that all edges are perfectly aligned. It’s important that the right sides of the fabric are facing out. This is what will be visible once your blanket is finished. Take extra time in making sure your fabric edges are perfectly lined up because the more accurate your edges are the cleaner your final product will look.

Step 2: Trim the Edges (If Necessary)

Assess the Edges: If your fleece pieces have uneven edges, or you bought pieces that weren’t perfectly squared, you’ll need to trim them. This ensures your final blanket has a clean, professional look.
Trim with Rotary Cutter or Scissors: Use a rotary cutter and ruler (or sharp fabric scissors) to trim the edges, making sure you cut through both layers of fabric at the same time. Make sure to be as accurate as possible to have clean straight edges.

Step 3: Cut the Fringe

This is where you create the ties for your blanket. For a standard fringe, we’ll be cutting rectangles along the edge.

Measure and Mark: Using a ruler and fabric marker or chalk, mark a line 4-5 inches from the edge all the way around the perimeter of the fleece. This marked line will act as a guide for the length of your fringe. You can measure more or less depending on your preference. 4-5 inches is the most common and will make sure that you have plenty of space for tying knots.

Cut the Fringe Strips: Now, start cutting strips along all four sides of your blanket, making each strip approximately 1-1.5 inches wide and 4-5 inches deep. Be sure to cut through both layers of fabric at the same time.

• Tip for Beginners: Start with a few strips at a time to get the hang of it. Use your ruler to measure and mark before cutting to ensure your fringe is consistent.
• Tip for Corners: As you approach each corner, be especially careful and precise. If you want to make your corners neater you can use the ruler and make small cuts at a 45 degree angle at the end of your 4 inch cut lines. This will cut the little squares of fabric that form when you intersect 2 perpendicular lines. This step isn’t necessary but will make your corners appear slightly less bulky.

Continue around all four sides of the blanket, cutting the fringe consistently. You should have a complete border of strips around your blanket.

Step 4: Tie the Knots

Pair Up the Fringe Strips: Take two fringe strips, one from the top layer of fabric and one from the bottom layer, that are directly aligned with one another.

Tie a Knot: Tie a simple overhand knot, like tying your shoe, with the two strips. Pull the knot snugly, but not so tight that it tears the fabric. Ensure that your knot is secure.

Continue Tying: Move along the edge of the blanket, pairing the next set of two strips and tying a knot. Keep going until all the fringes are tied.

• Tip: Maintain consistency in knot tightness. Too loose will make your blanket less secure and too tight can cause damage to the fabric. The knots should be just tight enough that they are secure and don’t come undone.

Step 5: Final Touches and Finishing

Inspect Your Knots: Double-check all of your knots to make sure they’re secure. If you find any that are too loose, tighten them up.

Trim Any Uneven Knots (Optional): If you find that some of your knots are longer than others, you can trim them to create a more uniform look. Make sure to trim off just the loose ends. Be careful not to cut the knot itself!

Fluff Your Blanket: Give your blanket a good shake to fluff it up and get the ties to settle in place.

Enjoy Your Cozy Creation! Your fleece tie blanket is now complete. Snuggle up, relax, and enjoy the comfort of your DIY project.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Choosing the Right Fleece: Choose high-quality fleece for the best results. Anti-pill fleece is a great option because it doesn’t shed and stays looking new for longer. Consider the weight of the fleece – a heavier fleece will be warmer, while a lighter fleece is better for warmer weather.
• Experiment with Colors and Patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns. The combinations are endless, and you can create a blanket that matches your style and home decor. Try a themed blanket! You could do a Christmas blanket or a Halloween blanket with colors that match the holidays. You could also go with a sports themed blanket using fabric that has a sports team logo on it.
• Consider Pre-Cut Fleece: Some fabric stores sell pre-cut fleece bundles that are designed for no-sew projects. These can save you time and ensure your pieces are perfectly sized.
• Use a Rotary Cutter for Accuracy: While scissors are fine, using a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler will result in cleaner, more accurate cuts, especially if you are making a larger blanket.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If this is your first time, don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Like any craft, practice makes perfect. Each blanket you create will be even better than the last.
• Get Creative with the Fringe: You can experiment with different lengths or widths of the fringe, or even try cutting the ends into different shapes for a unique look. You can also leave the edges untied for a slightly different look.
• Involve Children: This project is perfect for kids to help with, especially the tying. It’s a fun way to get them involved in crafting and creating something useful.
• Personalize Your Blanket: Use iron on patches to add a personalized touch to your blanket.
• Use a Thicker Fleece: If you are wanting a warmer blanket, choose a thicker fleece. Thicker fleeces are more dense and provide more warmth and insulation.

Care Instructions

To keep your fleece tie blanket looking its best, follow these care instructions:

• Machine Wash Cold: Wash your blanket in cold water on a gentle cycle. This helps to prevent any color fading.
• Avoid Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners can reduce the absorbency of fleece. Skip it for all fleece fabrics.
• Tumble Dry Low: Tumble dry on a low setting or air dry to prevent damage to the fibers.
• Do Not Iron: Ironing fleece is not recommended, as high heat can melt the fibers.
• Keep Away from Open Flames: Fleece is flammable, so keep it away from open flames and heat sources.

Conclusion

Creating a fleece tie blanket is a simple, satisfying, and rewarding project. It’s perfect for beginners, crafters of all levels, and makes for a thoughtful homemade gift. With just a few materials and a bit of time, you can have a cozy, custom-made blanket that will bring you comfort for years to come. So, gather your supplies, pick out your favorite fleece, and get crafting! You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create a beautiful and useful blanket that you’ll adore.

Happy crafting!