Erika Wassall, the Jersey Farm Scribe here, sharing the instructions for a DIY no-sew throw blanket. I love homemade gifts so I’m thrilled to show you how to make a tie blanket. They are great for children and adults and they can personalized by the fabric you choose as well as the size you make. A fleece tie blanket is extra warm and cozy for the fall and winter months.
It’s always struck me as interesting how much kids love having their own blanket. I mean, it’s not exactly a toy so to speak. Maybe it’s the comforting feeling of being wrapped up in a cozy blanket that’s especially for you, or maybe it’s the fun colors and designs. Either way, there is definitely a universal love of blankets from the eyes of little people. And now that I think about it, us grown ups love our throw blankets too! That is why you will love these easy fleece tie blankets.
How do you make a no-sew tie blanket?
These homemade tie blankets are a very simple way to give a child something special, tailored to their favorite colors or animals, to wrap themselves up in. Kids will love the way the handmade throw blanket looks. You just need 2 pieces of fabric to get the fun knot edges and two sided patterns.
What type of fabric should you use for your homemade blanket?
These no sew blankets can be made with your favorite fabrics from your local craft store. If you want a nice lightweight blanket for kids, you may consider using two cotton woven fabrics (either printed or solid or mixed). If you want a warmer throw blanket, you may consider using a light fleece material instead. These make a great gift and 2 layers of fleece is perfect for a nice warm, winter gift.
How many yards of fabric do you need to make a blanket?
Each yard of fabric is 3 feet wide so if you want to have a small throw blanket for a toddler or baby blanket, 1 yard will do. For a small child tie fleece blanket, I would use 1.5 yards. For an adult throw blanket, I would use 2 yards of fleece.
DIY Throw Blanket Materials
All you need is two types of fabric that are the same size and fabric scissors (or rotary cutter). I find a ruler helpful too for nice straight lines but you don’t have to have one.
Yup. That’s it. No needle. No thread. Nothing but fabric and sharp scissors for this no sew blanket tutorial because we will be creating a knot edge.
How To Make A Fleece Tie Blanket
How To Make A Handmade Throw Blanket With No Sewing Needed: Step by Step Instructions
Step one
First just pick out two different patterns, any material, as long as both kinds of material are the same kind of fabric. How big? Well, that depends entirely on how big you want the blanket to be. For a small homemade blanket, I like to use 1 ½ yards. So get 1 ½ yards of EACH fabric.
Step two
Lay the fabrics out on a clear, flat work surface. One on top of the other with their pretty sides facing down for the first on and then up for the second one. (In other words, the right side down for the first piece of fabric and up for the second piece of fabric. The wrong sides of the blanket face each other this way and will not be seen on the finished product.) Pin the two fabrics together all around the edges about every 12 inches. Cut away any excess fabric around the edges so that the two fabrics line up perfectly. All you’re doing here is evening everything up.
Step three
Working on one side at a time, remove the pins, and cut a sort of “fringe” into the fabric. I make the strips about 1 ½ inches wide (although I don’t measure, I just eyeball it) and about 6 inches deep into the fabric. That is 6 inch long strips by 2/5 inch wide strips. When you get towards the corner of the square of fabric, see step 4.
Then double knot the fringes together.
Step four
When you get towards the edge take the next few pins out on the next side and cut a side strip like in the photo below.
Don’t forget to snip that extra length off the end like in the second picture.
Step five
And then continue down the next side. Cutting a few, and then tying a few as you go. I like to cut about a dozen, and then go back and tie. It gets me in a bit of a groove, without cutting SO many that the fabric starts to slide around.
And that’s it folks!! It is super simple to make this warm blanket with tie knots. Young children especially will love this fun blanket!
How long does it take to make a fleece blanket with ties?
I would say a homemade tie blanket done this way takes about an hour. And kids really do love them!
Do you think you’ll make a handmade blanket for a little one in your life? Or maybe a big one??? I made one that was three yards for my grandmother last year and she LOVED it.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial for a tied fleece blanket. They are perfect for this chilly season. Do you think you will try this handmade throw blanket tutorial? I’d love to hear about your no sew fleece blanket, either in the comments below or on Twitter at @NJFarmScribe. I always love to hear feedback from people!
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Krissy says
Such a great idea for a present with fun holiday fabrics! I’ve been searching for the perfect present for a family member’s 7 month old and I think this would be perfect and heartfelt. 🙂 Thanks!
Sandra Watts says
That is so cool. This no sew fleece tie blanket makes a cute blanket for kids. 🙂
Erika says
The good news is there are no sewing skills required for this easy project- just 2 cool pieces of fleece fabric!