Learn how to sew a baby blanket gift set using a flannel fabric! Also, my tutorial includes a soothing toy sewing pattern! Makes a perfect handmade new baby gift idea!
I really like, while sewing a baby blanket gift set yourself, that you can choose the fabric print that you want or match it with the baby’s room decor theme. Most of the fabrics are 100% cotton and that’s what I like too. Also, there are soooo many different print fabrics out there. I prefer using flannel fabric to sew baby blankets because it’s soft and makes the baby feel warm and cozy.
Are you ready to start sewing a baby blanket gift set?
Let’s talk about baby blanket sizes. OK, there are many, lol! What I do is, I buy the same length of fabric as the width to make a receiving blanket. That means if the fabric width is 43”, I ask to cut 43” length of fabric in the store. If you need a longer blanket for a crib or toddler bed, I would buy 1.75 yards (63”) of fabric. As you see I don’t like wasting any fabric by cutting any width off. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)!
The soothing toy was my last-minute idea to use leftover pieces of fabric. We, moms, know that one of the remedies to ease teething pain is applying cold. I have read at Baby Center about chilling a wet washcloth and then giving it to the baby to chew on it. I thought that these wet and chilled knots would work great.
free soothing toy template is ready to print out at my resource library – to get the password, fill out the form at the bottom of this post.
Let’s learn how to sew a baby blanket using flannel fabric!
Always wash and dry fabric ahead of time to pre-shrink it. Iron.
First, I will show you how to even out the fabrics and get them ready to be sewn together.
Fold one fabric lengthwise, that the selvages are nicely aligned, and cut the sides to be even. Let the ruler lines and the cutting mat lines be your guide
Now, fold the fabric so the just-cut edges align. If there are the selvages with print on them you can cut just half of the selvage, the other half will work as seam allowance. Cut the fringe on the other selvage. Do not unfold.
Fold the second print fabric crosswise, that the same side selvages are aligned.
Put the first fabric you cut over the second one. Make sure the folded edges align perfectly. Having the top fabric as a guide, even out the bottom one.
Unfold both fabrics and pin them right side together matching the selvages. By doing that you are getting both fabrics grain match, which is important.
Stitch around, leaving a four-inch opening. Snip the edges making sure not to cut through the seam. Turn it inside out. With a warm iron, go all around the blanket, pressing your edges so they’re nice and crisp. When you get to the four-inch opening, turn the unfinished edges to the inside, and press in place.
Hand-stitch the opening closed using an invisible stitch and topstitch 0.5”-1” border around.
You are done with sewing the baby blanket! Wasn’t that easy?
Now, let’s follow my baby soothing toy sewing pattern and tutorial!
Cut out the pieces using the free soothing toy template.
Iron on the interfacing to the wrong side of the face piece and using the embroidery floss, work French knot at small dots for eyes and lips.
I found a video and pictures, that clearly explains how to make a french knot at Annie’s catalog.
Using a zigzag stitch applique the face to the right side of the body piece.
Pin the body pieces right side together and stitch around, but remember to leave a three-inch opening. And then, snip notches on the inner and outer curves.
Turn it inside out and iron flat all the edges around. Then, using an invisible stitch, hand-stitch the opening closed.
Now, make tight knots on the star’s arms.
And, you are all done with learning how to sew a baby blanket and soothing toy gift set.
I hope you enjoyed sewing the baby blanket gift set and I’m curious what fabric prints you used for this project. You are welcome to post a picture on my Facebook page and check out how to sew a crib bedding set post for another awesome new baby gift idea.
This star-shaped toy is looking like a cartoon. it looks so cute and sweet. I am looking forward to making a toy for my baby. thank you for the tutorial, um gonna follow every step of it.
This star-shaped toy is looking like a cartoon. it looks so cute and sweet. I am looking forward to making a toy for my baby. thank you for the tutorial, um gonna follow every step of it.
Thank you Jessica! Enjoy the tutorial!