Fleece Tied Blanket

Lately I haven't been posting any crafts because I've been cooking and baking up a storm.  I did actually make some crafts over the holidays and I thought I would show you what I made.  I got the directions for this Fleece Tied Blanket, which is the first one I have ever made, from my friend Teresa after seeing the one she made my cousin.  It was way easier than I thought and I have made a total of 6 since October.  I will be making more of these for Birthday's and Holiday's this year because they are a wonderful gift to receive.  My husband even made one for his brother for his birthday too.

Here's what you need:
For an adult :
2-1/2 yards of two different fabrics (or the same fabric works too)
a pair of REALLY sharp fabric scissors
a large enough space to lay the fabric out flat

For a child under 4 feet tall:
1-1/2 yards of fabric


First lay the fabric out with the pattern sides facing out on both sides (the way the blanket with look after it is tied) If you aren't sure which side is up check the selvage edge for the writing and just make sure you can read it facing you.

Make sure you have no wrinkles in either fabric.  I used my bed to lay this on, but I trusted myself NOT to cut my blanket.  You might want to use the floor or even a large table.  The trick is to NOT have to move the fabric once you start cutting.

Next, cut and trim (through both fabrics at the same time) all four sides so that both pieces of fabric are the same length and width.  

 

Cut a piece of paper in a 4 x 4 inch square and place on the corner of the fabric and trim around it.  This is what gives the blanket the rounded edges once it is tied.

Next start cutting the fringe.  I made my cuts 1" to 1-1/4 inches wide and approximately 3-1/2 inches long.  You will do this for all four sides.

I am showing this side because the yellow was easier to see the cuts.

Once you are done with cutting the whole blanket you can start your tying.  It doesn't matter which side you start with just pick one corner and go around the whole blanket one way.

 

The pattern I use will end the blanket with the opposite color fabric sticking up on the ties.

Take the top fabric and cross over the back piece and pull the top fabric through and up.  Now, to knot it take the bottom fabric and cross over the top and pull it through and up giving it a little tug but not too much as it will continue to rip the fabric where the cuts are made.  You want a firm knot but not really tight where it pulls on the blanket.  This should end with the bottom piece of fabric at the top.  It took me a couple of times to get the hang of doing this.  Practice, practice, practice.

 

Once you get the flow it will go pretty fast.  It usually takes between 1-2 hours from start to finish.

 

Here is the blanket after it was completed.  The second one is the one I gave a friend for her birthday.

I hope you'll give Fleece Tied Blanket making a try it was fun and everyone loves their blankies!

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Linking up with Fusion Friday's at Jennifer Cooks