How to Make a No Sew Fleece Blanket

It's almost the holiday season again and that means presents .If you are like me and are on a budget this can be a stressful time. Why not make something homemade, there are tons of things that you can make even if you are not a crafty person, here is a great example that would make wonderful Christmas gifts.

No Sew Throw

This is a great gift because you can personalize it to the recipient by choosing a pattern in the fabric that is right for them, it could be there favorite color, animal, cartoon character for kids, the possibilities are endless as there are so many designs available. You can find the blankets in the store already made but they are expensive and its very easy to make one your self, most will cost under twenty dollars, depending on the size you choose to make. Although the throws can be made in any size desired, since most fleeces are sold in approximately 54' widths, the ones I've done are 54" by 54.

Gather supplies

1 1/2 yards of patterned fleece
1 1/2 yards of coordinating (solid) fleece
Sharp scissors
Large straight pins

Spread out both pieces of fabric on a large flat surface. With right sides facing OUT, smooth fabric out until there are no wrinkles or fabric bunching. Pin the two pieces together a few inches from the edges; don't worry if one piece is slightly larger than the other. Trim off the unsightly selvage edges of the fabric also trim the fabric so that both pieces are the same size, after trimming, smooth fabric out again so there is no bunching or wrinkles in the two pieces. Cut a 4" square out of each corner of the fabric.

The size of the fringe depends on your personal preference. The width and length can be adjusted to the look desired. Do a few tests "ties" before cutting all the fabric. Cut 4" to 5" slits in the fabric, approximately 3/4 to 1" wide If a 5" cut provides the desired look, you will have to adjust the 4" corner cut to a 5" corner cut.

Now the fun part - tying the fringe. Starting at one-corner tie the first two pieces of fringe together. Remember you are tying the patterned fleece to the plain fleece. Tie with a double knot - the knot shouldn't be super tight. Tie a few fringes in on each corner (which helps keep the fabric straight). Finish tying the rest of the fringe around the throw.

If you want you can make a no sew pillow to match their no sew blanket .All you have to do is to just cut a square of fabric that is 18" plus 10" square.

Follow the same steps as the blanket, but to assemble, tie the three sides, and then slip a pillow inside. Tie the front and back fringe. Finish tying and you're done. You could make one or two depending on the size bed you are making it for. These would be great for any age, kids, college students, an elderly person, they are so soft and cuddly the person who gets this gift will cherish it for years to come.

They can be machine washed on the gentle cycle and dried in the dryer on low heat, just check after each washing to make sure the knots haven't come undone, if they have just retie them and its good as new. You could make these for different holiday to match your decorations by using holiday fabric, they could be done to match your colors in your house and be hung over the back of a chair to be used on a chilly evening .

The possibilities are endless .You can find fabric on sale to keep on hand, these would be great to make when you have a last minute gift to give since they only take a few hours to make. Whatever the occasion they are sure to love it.