Baby Blankets

I've been going gang-busters for baby blankets. Well, people keep having babies and for lack of a better baby gift, I keep sewing. Who doesn't love a cuddly blanket? This size 1 to 1 1/4 yds, so roughly 45" X 45", is even perfect for a toddler or in the car. So, a couple of options here, both simple: Rag edge and Decorative edge. Here are the directions:

Rag Edge

Get 1 or 1 1/4 yds each of two different kinds of FLANNEL fabric. DON'T prewash!!! (Two flannels work better than one simple cotton and one flannel although it does work, it's just not as fuzzy.) Iron if really wrinkled. Lay out on top of each other-WRONG sides facing- and trim. You want to cut it to a blanket size you want (see how easy this is? Only the cutting counter ladies have to measure!) Stitch a straight stitch 1/2 inch from the edge-all the way around the blanket. Clip perpendicular to this stitch approximately 1/8 inch apart all the way around the quilt. Wash and dry! Done! Takes about an hour (if no one is begging for carrots and Ranch dressing!)

Decorative Edge (photos from first posting)

Get 1 to 1 1/4 yds of fabric. I like one flannel and one cotton for summer babies and two different flannels for winter babies. I like to prewash so it's baby-ready when you give it as a gift. When washed and ironed (if needed), lay RIGHT sides together and trim to size desired. Stitch 1/2 inch from edge ALMOST all the way around. Leave an opening so you can turn it right side out. Then, turn it right side out (clip your corners first). Press the edges so everything lines up nicely. Then add a decorative edge by 1) rick rack 2) decorative stitch 3) ribbon 4) upholstery trim 5) puff paint-just seeing if anyone is actually reading this! Under no circumstances EVER use puff paint.

RICK RACK: Stitch in a straight line through the center. Don't try to follow all the squiggles. I put the edge of the rick rack about 1/8 inch from the edge of the blanket.
DECORATIVE STICH: Check out some of the stitches on your machine that you never use. Do it in a contrasting color. I stitch 1/2 inch from the edge of the blanket.
RIBBON: Haven't done this, but would be cute. Use a heavier ribbon, such as grosgrain. Don't use a sheer for obvious reasons.
UPHOLSTERY TRIM: I've seen pom pom fringe and heavier fringes. Just watch out that the baby can't pull them off and choke.

A few more notes:

The blanket can tend to shift after washing. You may want to stitch a shape in the center of the blanket to hold it together. I've followed the design in the fabric before and that works well and doesn't stand out too much.

You can add a light cotton batting if you want more of a quilt feel than a blanket, but you will need to quilt it-with the spacing recommended by the manufacturer.

BURP CLOTHS: I'll get 1 1/2 yds of fabric and use 1 1/4 for the blanket and the rest to make a burp cloth or cloths. Just make them the same way as the blanket. A friend gave me the perfect size-9" by 18". I cut that size, but if you have the fabric you may want to cut an inch larger.

Now, go make a baby happy!