How to make a throw blanket out of fabric? A Simple Guide

Who doesn’t love cuddling up with a soft, warm blanket on a chilly day? If you’re the crafty type, why not create your own personalized throw blanket? In this article of Gearcustoms, you’ll learn just how to make a throw blanket out of fabric, step-by-step.

Why should you use a throw blanket?

First things first – why even bother with a throw blanket? Well, throw blankets serve a dual purpose. Not only do they provide warmth, but they also add a splash of style and personality to any room. Whether draped over a couch, chair, or bed, a throw blanket can transform the entire look of a space. Plus, creating your own means you can choose colors and patterns that perfectly fit your style!

Materials to make a throw blanket out of fabric

Before you start, gather all the necessary materials.

Fabric options

• Fleece: Soft, warm, and easy to work with.
• Cotton: Lightweight and versatile with various prints available.
• Chenille: Luxuriously soft and thick.
• Flannel: Warm and cozy, perfect for winter throws.

Additional tools and materials 

• Sewing machine or needle and thread.
• Fabric scissors.
• Measuring tape.
• Pins.

Steps to how to make a throw blanket out of fabric

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric for Your Blanket

Begin by selecting a plush fabric in two of your preferred shades. We opted for a fabric width of 60”, a standard size that’s readily available. My personal taste leans towards minimalist designs, so my handcrafted blanket showcases timeless shades of gray and white. However, go with colors that resonate with your home’s aesthetic and your personal preference.

Adjust both fabric pieces to your desired dimensions. In our case, we trimmed ours down to 50”, resulting in a blanket measuring 60” x 50”. Remember, the dimensions can be altered based on your liking. For precise and neat cuts, I usually rely on a straightedge and rotary cutter. Nonetheless, marking the fabric using a straightedge on its reverse side and then meticulously cutting with scissors can also yield neat results.

One thing to be mindful of: The trimming process can get rather chaotic due to the fabric’s fuzziness. It’s a good idea to keep a vacuum close by to manage the fuzzy fallout and prevent it from spreading throughout your living space.

Step 2: Attach Pom-Poms to Your Blanket

Now, we’ll be incorporating a pom-pom edging to the shorter sides of our blanket.

For a subdued appearance, I selected white, but feel free to pick any color or combination that appeals to you.

Measure and cut the pom-pom trim accordingly. After that, align it along the fabric’s edge, ensuring that the tape section of the trim coincides with the edge of the fabric, and the pom-poms are directed inward. While this might seem odd at first, remember that once the blanket is inverted, any unfinished edges will be concealed inside. If your pom-poms were oriented outward, they’d end up inside the finished blanket. After positioning, begin sewing the pom-pom trim in place. Proceed with caution during this step, as it can be a tad challenging.

Step 3: Sew Layers Together

First, align the top and bottom segments of the blanket. Ensure the plush sides (the parts you’d prefer to cuddle up with) are facing inward towards each other. While doing this, keep all pom-poms within the seams to prevent them from getting inadvertently stitched. Interestingly, I found this aspect more straightforward than attaching the pom-pom trim to a single side. When sewing, maintain a seam allowance of approximately 3/8”. Initiate the sewing process from the side with the pom-poms. Aim to entirely encase the tape from the pom-poms to ensure it remains hidden in the final product.

As you approach the conclusion of the sewing process, halt approximately 18″ before completing the last side. Invert the blanket to the right side to verify that the pom-poms are appropriately positioned and that no tape is visible. If all seems well, revert the blanket to the wrong side and snip the corners at an angle for a tidy finish. Finally, flip the blanket to its rightful side once more and utilize a pencil to prod the corners, ensuring they are crisp and well-defined.

Step 4: Seal the Blanket’s Gap

In this step, any raw, unfinished edges are neatly tucked inwards, ensuring they’re hidden from view. Pins are strategically used to hold these tucked edges securely in place. The step concludes with a discreet, “slender seam” stitch, which not only gives the blanket a clean finish but also ensures durability. Essentially, this step highlights the importance of precision and aesthetics in crafting a blanket.

Step 5: Quilt Throw Blanket

Now we’re going to “quilt” the blanket, meaning we’re going to stitch patterns into the blanket that hold the top and bottom together. We sewed a border 2 1/2”  in from the edge, using a piece of masking tape on the sewing machine as a guide.

For adding more designs in the middle, you can use a straightedge with chalk or a fabric pen to mark the lines before you sew them.

And that’s it! Easy, right? One of my favorite parts of this project is how much time and energy is saved by using pom-pom trim vs. making pom-poms by hand (or even purchasing a bag of them) and attaching them individually. Sure, that’s fun sometimes, but it’s also a ton of work. Plus, the pom-pom trim also ensures they’ll be evenly spaced, and I love nothing more than a neat, tidy, and cozy project.

A few samples for reference

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few sample ideas:

• Traditional throws: Opt for classic patterns like tartan or houndstooth in fleece or flannel for a timeless look.
• Modern designs: Choose geometric patterns or bold color blocks in cotton or chenille for a contemporary feel.
• Theme-based throws: From holiday themes to your favorite movie characters, the sky’s the limit when personalizing your throw!

Conclusion

Constructing a throw blanket from fabric is a gratifying DIY challenge. “How to make a throw blanket out of fabric?” is a question many ponder. The answer leads not just to a usable piece, but also to a custom-made decor that infuses charm into your environment. So, what’s holding you back? Dive in and create your unique throw blanket now!