Quick and Easy Quilts: SpongeBob Squarepants

Years ago, when my son outgrew his crib and was finally ready for his big boy bed, he wanted a new blanket for his new bed. All of his baby blankets were too small for a bigger bed, so this was my excuse to sew him the perfect blanket.

My son loved SpongeBob Squarepants, but I did not want to purchase the full size twin bed set. The comforter was too large for a small child, so I decided to make one that would last him a few years, just long enough for his SpongeBob stage.

This project was great and has lasted for years. The blanket will now be passed down to his sister. It is the perfect in-between size for growing toddlers. The finished size is 33x57. This blanket is not a true quilt, and more like a comforter. It looks like a quilt, but in fact, it has one main solid piece of fabric that is later quilted.

Supplies:

2- 57 ½ x 3 ½ inch strips for the side borders
2- 30 ½ x 3 ½ inch strips for the top and bottom borders
1 51 ½ x 27 ½ inch piece for the center of the blanket
1 57 ½ x 33 ½ inch piece for the backing of the quilt
Sewing machine and thread
Batting
Scissors
Quilt pins
Iron and iron pad/board
(Optional) reference Quilting Basics for simple instructions on seams and quilting knowledge.

I used a very busy SpongeBob design for the center of my son's blanket. This would help with the 'quilt' effect later on. I also used a beautifully vibrant blue water design for the borders and matching backing. He loved it all.

Instructions

First, take one of the shorter strips and line it up to the narrow end of your main (SpongeBob) piece. Line up the edges and pin the fabric's wrong sides together. Using the standard ¼ inch seam sew in place. Repeat for the other end. Press seams.

Next, take the longer strips and repeat the above steps to finish the sides. (Pin in place, wrong sides together, sew and press.)

Using a bed or your kitchen table, take your backing, batting and newly fashioned quilt top and place on the table. Place in this order: backing (right side facing up), quilt top (wrong side up), and batting. Trim the batting to match. Using the quilt pins, pin in place and sew. At the bottom of the quilt, leave at least 3 inches for turning. (Don't forget to sew this gap closed after turning!)

After it is sewn, and all the pins are removed, carefully turn your quilt. Iron to flatten it as this will make is easier to run through your sewing machine.

Place your quilt back on your table and using your pins, place your pins roughly 4 inches apart to secure the batting as you sew. I chose random SpongeBob heads and simply sewn around them using my sewing machine. No fancy stitches needed, just the standard, or you can use your favorite. I used thread to best match my top fabric, and then I also used a pretty blue to match the water on the backing. Also sew around the border to secure the batting for the edges, too.

That is it. Your new blanket/quilt/comforter is complete. This is a super easy way to get a nice and warm blanket for your little one. Depending on the environment you live in, you can use more or less batting. I used two layers, but if you want it to be extra warm, you can use more. Do not use too many because you will have trouble getting it through your machine. Also, make sure you sew your SpongeBob heads at least four inches apart. You do not want the batting to bunch and twist in the wash. Happy sewing!

Sources:
Personal Experience and Ideas