How To Sew A Double-Sided Blanket
The dictionary definition of the blanket describes the blanket as a heavy, loosely woven fabric, usually large and woolen, used for warmth while sleeping or resting. That definition thoroughly explains the functionality of a blanket without talking about the aesthetic feel blankets provide to the bedroom. In recent times, it is not just enough to sew a blanket that provides warmth and cover. There is also the fashionable aspect that aims to optimize the design of the fabric in delivering a beautiful high-quality blanket.
Can you sew a double-sided blanket? Like many other sewing projects, a double-sided blanket is relatively easy to make. There is a wrong misconception that you require a high-level of skill to expertly produce high-quality sewing materials. That’s usually not the case. Sewing a blanket requires little or no knowledge of sewing.
This article serves to provide you with steps on how to make a double-sided blanket. In the end, you would have gained the necessary information needed to sew a double-sided blanket if you read through the steps carefully.
How To Sew A Double-Sided Blanket
Contents
Every sewing project needs a sewing machine, polyester thread, scissors or rotary cutters, pins, and measuring tape. It is a good idea to have a fabric marker too.
Before you start, ensure that you pre-wash your fabric. Most fabrics tend to shrink after washing so pre-washing your material is recommended. Pre-washing would prevent shrinkage and misshaping. Washing also serves to remove any remaining chemicals like dyes in the fabric.
Steps To Sew A Double-Sided Blanket
Step 1: Cut your fabric
The size of the blanket you want to sew is dependent on the amount of fabric available. I have gotten some standard blanket dimensions for you. You might want to follow them.
- Crib blanket: 45″ x 60″
- Twin bed: 66″ x 90″
- Full/double bed: 80″-85″ x 90″
- Queen bed: 90″ x 90″
- King bed: 90-100″ x 108″
Cut the two pieces of fabric into equal sizes. To make the blanket come out well, use two different types of material with color combinations that complement each other.
Afterward, place the two fabrics on each other and pin them in place. You can use straight pins or little clips. Any of those two would work fine.
Step 2: Round the corners (optional)
Rounded corners make the edges look neater and more professional. However, it is optional. If you prefer straight corners, feel free to ignore this step. To create rounded corners, set a curvy object (like a plate or a bowl) on one corner, so the sides of the bowl touch the edges of the fabric. Trace a line around the shape onto the fabric with your fabric marker. Then cut along that line on your fabric with a rotary cutter. Repeat this process for all the remaining corners.
Step 3: Sew the two-layer together
Before you start sewing, make sure that the right sides of the two fabrics are facing each other, and the wrong sides are facing out. Start in the middle of one of the sides and backstitch. Backstitching is done to provide firmer stitching. Then, sew around the sides of the blanket with a ½” seam allowance.
Then, sew slowly and steadily around the fabric. Continue sewing around the material and remove the pins/clips around the blanket as you go. Take proper care when you get to the corners of the fabric. It is necessary to keep a consistent seam allowance around the material.
Before you reach the point where you started stitching, stop about 5-10″ and backstitch. This will allow us to make an opening needed to turn the garment inside-out. We would eventually sew it up later.
If you’re sewing a large blanket, leave a bigger gap. It is usually recommended to leave an opening a quarter of the long side length.
Step 4: Cut the seam allowance
The next step is to get back to the table and cut the seam allowance. Cut the seam allowance as near as you can to the seam. Then, press down the corners to reduce swelling at the edges. Clip the corners diagonally to neaten everything up. It might be a smart idea to use an electric iron with low heat to smoothen the blanket and press it down.
Step 5: Turn the right sides out
Turn the blanket inside out through the gap that you left unsewn. For square corners, use a point turner to help hold the square in place so that the blanket lays flat. For rounded corners, use your fingers to get your seam right in the fold. So that it doesn’t show on either side.
Ensure that the corners are pushed all the way out and look sharp. Once the baby blanket is completely turned out with right sides on the opposite side, flatten it by pressing it with an electric iron. You may need to work the fabric a little to make sure the sides are completely pulled out and pressed flat.
Fold the open part of the blanket so you can press it easily with your iron.
Step 6: Sew over the gap
Now, let’s sew. Tuck the seam allowances into the gap and secure the two edges together with pins to make sure they are correctly aligned. We have to make the stitches as neat as possible because it would be visible on the outside.
Then topstitch the blanket all around with a 1/2″ seam allowance, hence closing the gap. First, you would want to invert the seam that needs to be hemmed and pin it so that the stitches are identical to the rest of the edges but without stitches.
To ensure the two fabrics are firmly attached, sew a little cross right in the middle of the blanket to hold it down.
Step 7: Decorate your blanket
Now that your blanket is ready, you can go a step ahead and decorate it with stylish finishing. There are various types of finishing you could use to add beauty to the edges of your blankets.
Some of the ways to design your blankets are:
Using a Serger: A serger is used to trim and enclose the seam allowance on the edge of the fabric, at the same time providing an easy way to finish the edges of your fabric.
Decorate with machine stitches: Modern sewing machine is built with the capability to perform decorative stitches
Hand stitches: If you can sew decorative stitches, you could throw in a few stitches like the cross stitches and make your blanket beautiful
Embroidery: Embroidery makes your blanket come out perfectly. You can definitely get this done yourself or better still, hire a tailor.
Ribbons: Add pizzazz to your blanket by taping sateen bias to the edges. This is an excellent way to add color to complement your fabric.
Other Ways To Sew A Blanket Stitch
Asides the fact that you can make a double-sided blanket with relative ease, it will also be of help if you can make your blanket stitches in different ways. Here is a list of various ways by which you can employ stitching to your blanket.
- Sewing Along Edge: One Layer.
- Sewing Along Edge: Two Layers.
- Sewing In From The Edge.
- Sewing Corners.
These are the four basic styles used in stitching your blanket.
That is all the essential information needed to create a double-layered blanket. Now, you can make blankets to snuggle in during the winter season.
Related Questions
What are the best fabrics to make a blanket with?
Blankets can be made with a wide variety of fabrics, so picking the best material for blankets depends on what benefits you are looking for. The best blanket for a baby might be made from a different material than a blanket for cold weather camping.
How much material do I need to make a blanket?
Depending on the size and age of the person for whom the blanket is intended. For a baby blanket, you will need two yards of fabric. For a child’s blanket, three yards works well. And, an adult-sized blanket will require four yards
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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