DIY Fleece Tie Blanket

Winter days can be very uncomfortable for small children (and bigger children too). I always dreaded those days sitting in the car and riding to school or to a sitter's house. While the winter mornings are still cold and I often heat up the car before the children get into it, I have now found a new discovery of warmth for them. Each morning we use a fleece tie blanket.

The fleece material is very warm and can be left in the car. Unlike other blankets, the fleece stays warm and does not pick up the chill from the night. We leave the blankets in the car and we always have them when they are needed.

The blankets can be very stylish for children and are very easy to make.

Materials:

Fleece (print and solid)

Scissors

Measuring tape

Directions:

Choose two colors of fleece. The blanket looks best when you use a print on one side and a matching solid color on the other side.

Cut the two pieces of fleece (the print and the color) the same size. You will need left overs form the solid color. For bigger children make a bigger blanket. For infants and toddlers a smaller blanket can be made,

Lay one piece on top of the other. Make sure that the sides that you want to show are the top and the bottom. The insides of the material should be on the inside.

Use sharp scissors to begin cutting slits all the around the blanket. Be sure to cut through both pieces. Your cuts should be about two inches wide and three to four inches long. Be consistent all the way around.

Use the extra solid color of fleece to create ties. You will need one tie for each slit that you created. The ties should simply be narrow strips of the material. One half inch wide or smaller works best. However, make sure that the piece is not too narrow that it will pull apart if pressure is applied.

Use the tie to tie around the slit. Tie a double knot and pull securely.

Some people simply tie the two piece of fleece together at the slits. I have found that using a separate tie holds better. The two pieces are often too thick and come loose.

Leave the blanket in the car and wrap your child up each cold day that you get into the car. They will thank-you for it!