Baby blanket sewing pattern - Use this tutorial to see how to make a baby blanket. 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 baby 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!)
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Table Of Contents
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Baby Blanket Sewing 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 - think beautiful, diy baby shower gifts!
And while sewing this reversible blanket, I took a few photos to show you how to sew a baby blanket from flannel, so my blog readers get a new project to sew, too. A win-win!
I think it turned out so cute, and it’s so soft and snuggly!
What is the best baby blanket size?
This baby blanket is a bit larger than standard, it's 35" (89 cm). Babies outgrow the small store-bought blankets so quickly, so I thought a new mom could use a larger one. See the bottom of this tutorial for a list of standard baby blanket sizes.
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 Riley Blake Designs (So soft!). You can get them 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
- rotary cutter and a cutting mat
How To Make a Baby Blanket
Step 1 - Prewash Flannel
When sewing a baby blanket, 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 before you start.
Step 2 - Cut the fabric pieces for the baby blanket
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:
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:
Step 3 - Place the fabric pieces with right sides together
Now go ahead and place them with the '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:
Step 4 - Sewing
Sewing Step Using a ½" (1.3cm) seam allowance, sew around and leave a 6" (15 cm) gap for turning:
Step 5 - Turn the Diy Baby Blanket Right Side Out
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.
Step 6 - Close Opening And Topstitch
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.
Now it's your turn: create your own baby blanket with our step-by-step baby blanket tutorial. It’s a great blanket for a little girl or boy, and it makes a wonderful gift too.
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!!
And here are a few answers to questions my readers often ask about sewing a baby blanket:
How much fabric is needed for a baby blanket?
One or two yards of soft fabric will do. I love flannel because it's soft, and you can use minky for winter too. Double gauze will make extremely light baby blankets, a small DIY receiving blanket would be great with jersey too.
What is the best size for a baby blanket?
If you're asking yourself how to choose the best baby blanket size, well you're not alone.
Ideally, a baby blanket should be big enough to cover the baby entirely, leaving the ends to be tucked under, but should not be too big as it gets too heavy to carry around. My favorite size for a baby blanket is just a bit larger than standard - 35" square - and I can use exactly a yard of fabric for each side - easy to buy.
Having said that, there are so many baby blanket sizes out there, depending on the types available. Let me help you out with just a few standard ones:
What's the size of a baby blanket? - I made this blanket sizes chart for you:
| Blanket Type | Dimensions (inches) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crib blanket size | 40" by 60" | (more on crib blanket sizing below!) |
| Swaddle blanket size | 44" by 44" | sometimes, 40" square |
| Receiving blanket size | 36" by 36" | but I've also seen it in super small sizes, 18" by 18" |
| Stroller blanket size | 30" by 40" | and they usually have elastic attached! |
| Lovey size | around 12" square | that's more a security toy than a blanket |
| Baby quilt size | 30" x 30" inches |
What size is a crib blanket?
If you haven't yet been sewing for babies, this one might be new to you, it definitely was to me when I became a mom. But basically, the crib blanket is a shape mimicking the crib shape, which is a rectangle, not a square. Which means that crib blankets are rectangular and can measure around 45 by 60 inches. Also, it varies.
What kind of blanket is best for babies?
When picking a blanket for your baby, look for natural, breathing materials. So cotton is always an excellent choice. I love cotton flannel, because it's so soft.
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
WANT MORE FREE TUTORIALS AND Patterns?
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Or check out this popular pattern in our shop: Ultimate Diaper Clutch - a perfect baby welcoming gift every new mom would love to get!
Robyn Lidstone - Australia
What a great project. I have a few metres of flannel bought to make pyjamas that didn't happen.
Just wondering if it could be lined with polar fleece to add to the warmth.
Thanks for sharing so many of your lovely ideas.
Robyn from Australia
Holly Witte
Do I need to somehow tack the 2 layers together so they don't flop apart?
Damjana
Holly hi, a good question. while it's not necessary, you absolutely can tack or even quilt the layers together - if you want to.