Baby Blanket Pattern - The Easiest I Know!

Baby blanket pattern - Use this tutorial to see how to make a blanket for a baby. It's the latest from my free baby sewing pattern collection. Quick, easy and so soft!

Sewing for a baby? This baby blanket pattern will help you make the softest blanket for your baby - and it's free! It's a good project for those who are new to sewing (though you might want to see this beginner guide for sewing too!)

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support. Check out more baby sewing patterns:

• this super popular Baby BIB in 3 Sizes - FREE pattern
• this Stay-Put Baby Scarf tutorial (Smart!)
• this cute free baby hat pattern

Baby Blanket Pattern

I recently found out about a baby boy due in a few months, so this was the perfect opportunity to sew up a few baby blankets. Together with this Ultimate Diaper Clutch, they'd make an amazing baby welcoming present!

And while sewing, I took a few photos to show you how to make a blanket for a baby, so my blog readers get a new project to sew, too. A win-win!

I think it turned out so cute, and it’s sooooo soft and snuggly! This baby blanket is a bit larger than standard, it's 35" (89cm). Babies outgrow the small store-bought blankets so quickly, so I thought a new mom could use a larger one.

What Flannel To Use To Sew A Flannel Baby Blanket

Thinking about what fabric to use, I got my hands on beautiful designer flannel from Deena Rutter's 'Joey' collection for Riley Blake Designs (So soft!). You can get them HERE (If it's gone, try HERE.) When you are looking for the 'good' kind of flannel, look for one like this. It's quite densely woven, thick, and has a double nap - meaning it's been brushed on both sides. And it's 100% cotton flannel. Again, soooo soft!

If you're new to flannel, check out these flannel sewing tips for beginners. Then visit your local fabric shop selling flannel and compare a few. You'll notice the difference even if you're totally new to fabric buying!

SUPPLIES

• 2 pieces of flannel, each a bit more than a yard (flannel shrinks, bear that in mind!)
• matching thread
• sewing machine, scissors

How To Make a Blanket For Baby

1. Prewash your flannel. Nearly always, I prewash and press the flannel. If you're not used to sewing with flannel yet, check out these tips first: I nearly always prewash my flannel, and here's why, along with a few important flannel sewing tips you'll love if you haven't sewn with flannel yet - check them out HERE.
2. Fold twice. You'll need to cut out two identical squares from your two flannel pieces. (I cut two 36" inch squares=92 cm)  The easiest way to cut larger squares is by folding them first. All you need to make sure the pieces are squared properly. To make it easier, fold each piece separately, like this:
3. Cut the pieces. And then cut at the edges opposite from the folds.  like this: In the photo, the marked cutting lines indicate cutting a 36-inch square, which would result in a 35" blanket. You can, however, choose any size you want. For maximum size, use the entire width of the flannel.  (Of course, you'll obviously want to cut fabric with the entire edge ON the mat. I wasn't thinking when taking photos. 🙂 These are the two pieces you'll need:
4. Place Pieces Right-Sides Together Now go ahead and place them pretty sides together and pin, or use sewing clips. Make sure to mark a 6-inch (15cm) gap for turning. I placed two clips there, so I don't forget and sew all around:
5. Sewing Step Using a ½" (1.3cm) seam allowance, sew around and leave a 6" (15 cm) gap for turning:
6. Turn Right Side Out First, trim off corners (1). Then reach in through the opening (2) and turn the blanket right side out (3). Poke out corners and then press to get straight edges and nice corners. Press the seam allowance on the gap towards the inside (4) - I used a couple of clips to mark the spot.  
7. Close the opening and topstitch. Close the opening. Optional: topstitch around the outer edge - if you choose a seam allowance smaller than ⅜" (1 cm), it will also close the turning gap. If you choose a wider seam allowance for topstitching, you'll have to close the turning gap first.

Give it a final press to set the seam and - your beautiful baby blanket is ready for gift-giving!

This big double-layer flannel blanket is a perfect gift idea for new babies.

Make sure to save this tutorial for later when you need it:

You can also make a matching bandana bib and burp cloth set with my patterns - any new mama would love to have these! Adding this free baby hat pattern and this free baby headband tutorial to the mix - gifting these will instantly turn you into the baby's favorite auntie, forever!!