How to Sew a Baby Blanket Step by Step

Sewing a baby blanket might seem easy, just two pieces of fabric and a few seams, right? But once you sit down at the sewing machine, the questions start coming. 

What size should the fabric be? How do you keep the edges from rippling? Should you use cotton, flannel, or that slippery minky fabric everyone loves? 

If you have ever tried and ended up with bulky corners or layers that shift around, you are not alone. 

This guide will learn you through the process step by step, with clear instructions.

What You Need to Sew a Baby Blanket

Start with two pieces of fabric for the front and back. Cotton, flannel, or minky are great choices because they are soft and easy to handle. 

Use all-purpose polyester thread because it is strong and works well with most fabrics. A sewing machine with a universal needle (size 80/12 for cotton or 90/14 for minky) will do the job. 

Keep sharp scissors or a rotary cutter along with a cutting mat to get clean, straight edges. Use pins or clips to hold the layers together while you sew. 

An iron will help you alot to press the seams flat, and a walking foot attachment will make it easier to sew thick or slippery fabrics.

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Step by Step Guide to Sew a Baby Blanket 

1. Wash and Cut Fabric

Wash and iron both fabrics before you start. You will need one and a half yards of cotton print and one and a quarter yards of minky. Washing the fabrics first will stop them from shrinking later.

2. Lay Fabrics Together

You can lay the fabrics out with the some right sides facing each other. Make sure they are smooth and flat, without any wrinkles or bubbles.

3. Trim to Size

First, use the cotton piece as your guide to trim the minky fabric around it. This will make both fabric pieces the same size, which makes them easier to sew together.

4. Pin Around Edges

Without moving the fabric, pin along all sides. Minky is a stretchy material, so using pins will keep everything in place before you start sewing.

5. Sew the First Seam

First, sew around the edge of your blanket using a ⅝-inch seam allowance. Make sure you leave a 6-inch gap open instead of sewing it shut.

To help the fabric glide through the machine more easily, you should keep the minky side facing down as you sew.

6. Trim and Turn

Clip the corners to make the blanket less bulky, then turn the blanket right side out through the opening. Push out the corners so it looks neat and square.

7. Close the Opening

First, tuck the unfinished edges inward. Then, use a pin to hold the opening shut, making sure it lines up smoothly with the rest of the seam.

8. Topstitch to Finish

Now, you will sew around the entire blanket one more time, keeping a ¼-inch seam allowance. This step closes the opening you used for turning and gives the blanket a nice, finished edge.

How to Wash and Care for the Blanket?

Wash the blanket in the cold and warm water on a gentle cycle to perfectly protect the fabric. You can use the mild detergent that is very safe for the babies and stay away from bleach or harsh chemicals.

Dry the blanket on low heat in the dryer or hang it to dry if you want the fabric to last longer. If you use flannel or cotton, press it with a warm iron to keep it neat. 

For minky fabric, do not iron it directly, smooth it out by hand after it dries. 

Always check the blanket before using it to make sure the seams are strong and there are no loose threads.

Conclusion

Making a baby blanket is a project you can complete in just one afternoon, but the results will last for years. 

When you pick the right fabric, cut it to the correct size, and follow the step-by-step instructions, you can avoid the common mistakes that often frustrate beginners. 

Whether you choose the quick turn-and-topstitch method or a bound edge for a more finished look, you will create a blanket that feels soft, looks tidy, and stays durable through every wash. 

FAQs

Can I sew a baby blanket without a sewing machine?

Yes, you can sew a baby blanket by hand, but it will take more time, and the stitches might not be as strong. 

If you decide to sew by hand, use small, tight backstitches and double-thread your needle to make it more durable. 

Choose cotton or flannel fabrics because they are easier to hand-stitch compared to slippery materials like minky.

What’s the easiest fabric for beginners to start with?

Flannel is the best choice for beginners because it does not slip while you sew and stays soft after washing.

Cotton is also easy to work with and simple to cut in straight lines. 

Minky is a popular option for baby blankets, but it stretches and shifts, which makes it harder to sew if you are just starting out.

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