25 Crafts Until Christmas : Day 2 Stroller Blanket/Infant Seat Blanket

This one eh, I made a couple of easy to fix errors.  This is the first time I have ever attempted a baby blanket of sorts and considering I pulled it out of my hat, I am not too displeased with it.


Materials:
1/2 yard of solid color minky or fleece
1/4 yard of flannel in a print
1/4 yard of cotton or flannel in a corresponding solid
a scrap of a solid color  and wonder under heavy duty(for applique, omit if you choose not to use one).
Sewing maching
Scissors or rotary cutter
pins
Iron
matching thread


Step One: OMIT if you are not going to add an applique to your blanket

Use your scrap/scraps of fabric to cut and create your applique. In my case, I freehanded a letter J for the first name of the baby who will be recieving this blanket. Once you have cut out your piece of fabric you want to iron on the rough side of your wonder under to the back of the letter. Leaving the paper backing of the wonder under on for now. Set the applique aside for now, You will need it later.

Step 2:

Cut out 2 squares in your print flannel measuring 13x13 in size

Cut out 2 squares of your other corresponding fabric Measuring 13x13 in size

Cut a 26 x 26 inch square of fleece or minky fabric

Step 3:

 As Pictured below, you want to take one of each of the corresponding squares of fabric.
Place them right sides together and sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Once you have to sections sewn together as seen below, you want to flip the top piece over onto that bottom piece. Again right sides together. Along the top LONG edge, sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Open and press.

Step 4:
Now that you have your squares sewn together as depicted in the photo below, Take your applique and peel off that back paper of the wonder under.  Stick your design in your desired location and Iron on. This helps prevent the design from moving when you sew it in place. (if you are choosing to not use an applique design please skip this step and step 5)

Step 5:

You want to zig zag stitch (you can straight stitch if you choose but zig zag has a better appeal and sturdiness to the applique). This is where I made my mistakes. I guess sewing this blanket at 2am doesn't really help with your hand eye coordination.  Next time I make one of these blankets I will use a closer stitch and slightly longer.  You can see where I messed up on the long side of the J and a hair in the corner. It pays to go slowly......very slowly and not rush to go to bed.

Step 6:
Now take a square of fleece or minky that you have pre-cut to a 26 x 26 inch measurement.
Again place right sides together, leaving a few inches open at the bottom to turn the fabric pieces right sides out later.
Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance

Step 7:

I neglected to take a photograph but prior to turning your blanket right side out, you want to trim your corners.

Step 8:  Turn your blanket right side out. Take that small opening and fold inward, press and top stitch very closely to the edge.

Step 9:

gently iron your blanket for smoothness.

Then choose any decorative stitch or a satin stitch even a tight zig zag and stitch all around all 4 sides with a 1 inch seam allowance.

Again, this is what I would change in the future. I did not mess up the stitch but I am not fond of the stitch I chose. I most likely would use a tight zig zag stitch for a boy and a nice flower stitch for a girl

Step 10: Press and done!!!!!! (however do note that I had not yet pressed this blanket when I took the picture lol sorry it was late.).

Peace love and shutter clicks,
Mandy