Self Binding Blanket Tutorial – How to make a self binding fleece blanket

self binding blanket tutorialThis self binding blanket tutorial is fast and easy to make!.  It’s double thickness is warm and comfortable.  Use complimentary fabrics to give the blanket a nice look.  You can use cuddle fabric or fleece to sew this blanket.  The video tutorial makes it easy, fast and fun to make.  However written instructions are included to make it simple to review the steps.

You will need
2 yards fabric 1
2 1/3 yards fabric 2
Rotary Cutter and mat
a marking pen

Sewing Essentials (pins, scissors, etc.)

Video tutorial here, written below:

Cut the material

1. Cut off the salvages of the fabric ( approx. 1 inch on either side for 2 inches total of both fabric 1 and 2). Cut fabric 1 so it is 72 inches by 48 inches, Fabric two so it is 82 inches by 58 inches.

Layout the blanket

2. Place fabric 2 ( the larger piece of fabric) right side up on the floor. Folding in half place a pin in the center to mark it. Repeat with all four sides. Then place fabric 1 right side face down ( so right sides are touching). Then fold in half and pin at center like you did with fabric 2 on all four sides. Line up center pins on Fabric 1 and 2, and pin together from the center out on all four sides – be sure to use a lot of pins for best results ( note: you will have excess on the corners – that’s on purpose!)

Sew the first seam

3. Using a straight stitch with a .5 inch seam allowance sew from the center out on each of the four sides. Be sure to end your seam .5 inches away from the edge of the fabric. ( note: I sewed from the center out on each side because of the stretch in the fabric to try and make it as even as possible. Be sure to leave a 4 inch turning gap in one of the sides.

Turn is right side out

4. Now it’s time to make the mitered corners. I sure you’ve notices the excess you have on each corner of your blanket. We’re going to use this to make mitered corners, using an old trick. Fold the blanket at on of the corners so the seam touch and the edges of the excess fabric ( fabric 2) meet. Then take your ruler and marking pen, line up your ruler so it meets at a 45 degree angle to the edge. Draw a line with your pen. This is where you’ll sew a seam ( don’t cut just yet sew it first! – you might want to even flip it right side out and check it to be sure.) Once you’re happy with the seam, cut off the excess. Repeat for the other three corners.

Finish up

5. Now it’s time to finish up the blanket. Flip right side out, taking care to get the corners completely turned. Then lay blanket flat – taking care that it is laying perfectly flat and the borders are straighter (( border should be approximately 2.5 inches wide.. Pin closed turning gap, pin down fabric between the border and fabric 1. To secure blanket ( and sew gap shut use a serpentine stitch ( or any decorative stitch you prefer) all along seam between fabric 1 and fabric 2. Trim your threads and you’re finished!

More Fleece Blanket Tutorials:

Additional Fleece Sewing Projects:

10 Comments

  1. Beautiful! Your tutorials make me feel like this is something I can actually do, despite my longstanding disagreements with my sewing machine… We shall overcome!

  2. So excited to make this blanket! My question is that do I need to wash and dry the fleece before sewing? Thank you!

  3. I can’t find a way to print your patterns. I have watched the printing tutorial and there are no download buttons. Am I missing something?

  4. I’ve made several fleece blankets I far this season, and this looks like a really fun and easy pattern! No more satin binding needed. I love it.

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