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Sewing a baby blanket: 3 amazingly quick and easy variations

18.03.2022 by Sabine Schmidt

Babydecke nähen: 3 erstaunlich schnelle und einfache Varianten

Sewing a baby blanket: A sweet project that also makes a wonderful gift or baptism blanket. With my instructions, you can get started right away and sew a cozy baby blanket without a pattern.

The most important things at a glance

  • In this post, you'll learn which fabrics are suitable for baby blankets
  • I'll show you 3 variations that make it very easy to sew cozy quilts yourself
  • I'll show you basic patchwork techniques
  • In the guide, you'll find tips and tricks for quilting and binding the patchwork blanket
  • Sewing level: Beginner
  • Sewing time for patchwork blanket: 2 - 3 hours
  • Sewing time for turned baby blanket: 30 min.
  • Sewing time for baby blanket from quilted fabric: 30 min.

Why should I sew a baby blanket myself?

Quite simply: Because there is hardly a more beautiful and personal gift for a baby. The sewing process alone makes you incredibly happy.

What’s also really cool: the opportunity to use up fabric scraps or repurpose keepsake clothing from grandparents or from mom and dad. Sometimes such a self-sewn baby quilt is a special memento that people like to keep or pass on. There are baby blankets that have accompanied families for decades. That is a special kind of appreciation, I think. And it's something a bit different than sewing baby clothes. :)

Of course, sewing baby pants or sewing a bib is also a lot of fun. Or perhaps you've already tried sewing a baby shirt. Clothing for babies is naturally also a high-quality gift. And of course, it's always needed and conjured up in no time at all. I also show you how to sew a practical and sugar-sweet baby bodysuit here on the blog.

But unlike clothing, which kids always grow out of in no time, a patchwork blanket often accompanies children for many years: as a crawling blanket or a light summer quilt, for playing or cuddling.

So what could be more natural than sewing an individual cuddle or crawling blanket yourself?

By the way: The difference between quilting and a patchwork blanket? A patchwork blanket is definitely made from several fabric cuts. A quilt can also consist of a single piece of fabric. "Quilting" simply means that the fabric layers are connected to each other by stitches, either by hand or with a sewing machine.

But of course, you can also quilt a patchwork blanket. Then you can decide whether you call the blanket a patchwork blanket or a quilt. :)

What can I use the baby blanket for?

Such a lovingly self-sewn baby blanket is suitable as a

  • Swaddling blanket
  • Baptism blanket
  • Security blanket
  • Changing table pad
  • Playpen mat
  • Crawling blanket
  • Light quilt
  • Car blanket
  • Cuddle blanket
  • Light summer blanket
  • Changing pad for on-the-go
  • Stroller blanket

Can I sew a baby blanket as a beginner?

Yes, of course! A baby blanket is a great project for beginners. The blanket is a handy size, which makes it easier for beginners. In addition, the sewing time is manageable. And that means: maximum success with minimal time investment. ;)

Which fabrics can I use to sew a baby blanket?

There are quite a few types of fabric you can use to sew a blanket. If you have never done it before, I recommend starting with firm, woven fabrics. These don't distort as easily, which makes things less difficult. Cotton poplin or fine, soft cotton voile, for example, are fantastic.

I would avoid synthetic fiber fabrics. These fabrics are not breathable and therefore not as suitable for babies. For the little darlings, organic fabrics are naturally really great.

Fabric recommendations for baby and children's blankets

Basically: The easier to wash and more natural, the better the fabric is as a base for a baby blanket.

  • Cotton poplin*
  • Cotton twill* (slightly more stable than poplin)
  • Cotton voile* (slightly thinner and finer than poplin)
  • Coated cotton*
  • Linen*
  • Denim*
  • Fine corduroy*
  • Muslin/Double Gauze*: This fabric is especially great for blankets. It is light and fluffy yet not too thin. Double gauze is a wonderfully fine, soft double-layered fabric woven together at points. Muslin blankets (sewing muslin) are a very pleasant alternative to standard duvets, especially in summer. Do you actually know my guide on how to sew a summer blanket?
    However, there are differences here, too. The double gauze fabrics that resemble muslin cloths are woven more loosely. For a blanket, the finer types are better suited. They are also great for clothing, such as blouses, skirts, and pants.
  • Jersey* (cotton)

You can design the back/underside of the blanket using a different fabric. Oilcloth or plush/teddy fur, but also fleece are possible. If you use a thicker, soft fabric for the back, you might be able to do without the batting.

Different backing fabrics make it possible to use the blanket for various purposes. With an oilcloth underside, the blanket is resistant to dirt and moisture, for example. So you can also use it well as a mat in the garden or the park.

You can use the following fabrics for backing variations:

Read more here about my tips for sewing cotton fabric.

READING TIP: Get an overview of which materials are best suited for your patchwork or quilting project in my blog post Fabrics and batting for patchwork

How should I prepare the fabrics?

First of all: You are on the safe side if you wash and iron your fabrics beforehand. This removes finishing agents, which is the umbrella term for substances used to refine the fabric surface or make it resistant. Fabrics often have a long journey behind them until they arrive in your sewing room (this reminds me: do you actually know my tips on setting up a sewing room?).

Often there are agents involved that are meant to prevent mold or moth infestation. These should be washed out beforehand.

Washing not only removes harmful substances but also excess dye. And it prevents the fabric from shrinking after sewing. Everything done right. :)

 

Can I also sew an upcycled baby blanket from worn clothing?

Do you perhaps still have a dress of your grandma's or grandpa's favorite shirt? Instead of discarding them, you can use them for your baby quilt. Mixed with new fabrics, you can design a very unique memento for the new earth-dweller. The blanket becomes as individual as the child for whom it is sewn. And at the same time, you will naturally be able to see in the blanket how much love you put into creating it.

Tip for upcycling materials: Here too, make sure to choose suitable fabrics. A blouse made of 100% polyester or Uncle Heini's leather pants would be rather unsuitable, wouldn't they?! ;)

 

What does the word "binding" mean?

Binding means finishing the edges with fabric strips or bias tape. The raw edges of the fabric, in this case the baby blanket, are enclosed.

You can bind the blanket using your own cut fabric strips or with ready-made bias tape. By the way, bias tapes are cut at a right angle or diagonally to the grain. This makes the fabric more elastic. However, to save fabric, it is not always absolutely necessary.

Read more here about the meaning of English sewing terms.

 

What materials do I need to sew a blanket for babies?

Sewing a baby blanket

Do you know what a charm pack is?

The fabric squares of a charm pack are approx. 12.5 x 12.5 cm. One pack contains 42 pre-cut fabric squares from one fabric collection. That is especially practical. You don't need to worry about whether the fabrics match. Plus, it's faster. Cutting is no longer necessary. Great, right? But don't put your scissors or rotary cutter too far away. You will definitely need these things later. 😊

If you use all the squares, the size is perfect for a baby blanket. Yes, it keeps getting better!

By the way: It's a lot of fun to shift the squares back and forth until you are happy with the pattern and the combination of colors. Let it sit like that for a while. Maybe you'll shift a few pieces of fabric a few more times.

I already did that at the beginning:

Sewing a baby blanket


Which sewing thread is suitable for baby blankets?

For patchwork and quilting work, cotton thread is usually recommended.

However, you can use a standard all-purpose thread (polyester). Most people have this thread in their stash anyway, and as the name suggests, this thread can be used for just about anything. It is also more robust. Of course, cotton thread* is also very well suited. It is matte and more heat-resistant, but not as tear-resistant.

 

What is the best way to cut fabrics for a baby blanket?

You can cut your fabric with fabric shears or a rotary cutter. It really depends on your preferences. I like to cut patchwork pieces using a combination of a rotary cutter and a patchwork ruler. I find the result particularly clean and neat.

Reading tip: Everything about rotary cutters

 

What do I need to know about batting/interfacing?

There are countless types of batting. You use batting for firmness, volume, or simply to add stability to your sewing project. They are available in synthetic and natural fibers, or a blend of both.

For batting in a baby blanket, the rule is: it should be as natural and washable as possible. I really like using 100% cotton batting*. It is nice and soft, lightweight, and natural.

Another advantage: air circulation works perfectly, and there is no heat buildup under the blanket.

However, it always depends on what kind of blanket you want to sew. If it is to be used later as a cozy blanket on the sofa, take a thinner batting. If the blanket is meant to be a mat for a playpen or floor, then a more voluminous batting – or 2–3 layers of cotton batting – is more sensible. Just remember, the thicker the batting, the more cumbersome your sewing project will be under the sewing machine.

If the blanket is intended for swaddling or keeping the baby warm, a thinner batting is more appropriate, as the whole blanket will be fluffier and not as stiff.

You can learn more here: Everything about batting and interfacing

Reading tip: Stabilizing fabrics

What must my sewing machine be able to do?

For your baby blanket, your sewing machine needs a simple straight stitch.

If it has decorative stitches, you can use these later for quilting. However, this is not a must and not strictly required. Furthermore, you can create wonderful seam patterns using various threads, such as variegated thread (where the color changes automatically while sewing) and a standard zigzag stitch.

Pro tip: Put aside a small part of your cotton fabric for the top of the baby blanket, a small piece of batting (middle), and a piece of the fabric for the backing for test seams. Then you can easily test your stitches, stitch length, or stitch type.

 

Can I sew a baby blanket with an overlock machine?

If you want to sew a baby blanket from just two pieces of fabric that is simply turned inside out, you can sew these seams with an overlock machine. You do not need it for quilting, patchwork, or binding.

 

What dimensions are best for a baby blanket?

Here, too, it depends on what the blanket is to be used for. A blanket for a newborn for swaddling can be smaller and thinner, while a blanket meant to be used by an older child should be sewn larger.

You don't need exact measurements, which is actually quite practical. This way, you can use the fabric scraps you have available for this project. It doesn't come down to a few centimeters. Once you have finished sewing the top, you can cut and adjust the backing and the batting accordingly.

Generally, you can use these dimensions for baby blankets as a guide:

  • Standard patchwork blanket size: 70 x 100 cm
  • Play mat: 100 x 100 cm or 140 x 140 cm
  • Newborn blanket: 65 x 65 cm
  • Blanket for Maxi-Cosi: 80 x 80 cm

What is the best way to start now?

Get an overview of the fabrics you have available. This way, you can see if you are missing any fabric. Of course, you can also finish sewing your top (that's the top part) and only then look for or buy the matching fabric for the backing.

Because once the top is finished, you can best see which colors or patterns go really well with the top side. And you can see exactly how much fabric or batting (middle) you need for the backing.

 

YouTube video: Sewing a baby blanket

Conclusion

A great gift for a birth, a keepsake made from old clothes of grandma and grandpa, or just because, using only two layers of fabric. It is simply fun to sew a baby blanket like this. There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to shapes and colors. You don't have to stick strictly to a pattern. And you can also design the size of the blanket freely. By the way, how about also sewing a diaper bag to match the baby quilt?

A cozy blanket like this is a very popular sewing project for a reason. Because the little ones then have something from the beginning that will accompany them forever.

But beware: Don't make the baby blanket too big, as you shouldn't underestimate the risk that you'll want to keep it for yourself! ;) So, if you've really "warmed up" your sewing skills, you can go ahead and sew a beautiful patchwork blanket for yourself.

Happy simple sewing

yours, Sabine

Sewing a baby blanket

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to sew a simple baby blanket?

Various fabrics, sewing thread, your sewing machine, and batting. If you like, you can also sew the blanket with a cozy fabric as a backing.

How can I sew a play mat as a beginner?

In this post, I show you how to sew a baby blanket from fabric squares or quilted fabric. If you follow the individual steps step by step, not much can go wrong.

Do I have to wash my fabrics before sewing?

That is absolutely necessary. This prevents shrinking. The blanket could warp. Furthermore, you remove excess dye during the first wash, so that the fabrics will no longer bleed after sewing. If you use ready-made squares (e.g., charm packs), you don't necessarily have to pre-wash them. You can simply steam iron the squares and wash the blanket after sewing.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Instruction 1 / 2

Sew a baby blanket with binding

A classic patchwork baby blanket like this is no rocket science. Still, you should allow yourself a little time to sew all the small pieces together. But in return it's great fun to keep rearranging the squares. Now I can't wait to get started. How about you? Okay, let's go! :)

  1. Step

    Prepare the top

    You start with the top of the baby blanket. This is the upper side of the patchwork blanket. As I mentioned at the beginning, once you've finished this top you'll know exactly how big it is. You can then choose the wadding and the backing accordingly.

    I chose the fabric squares from a charm pack. That's 42 squares measuring 12.5 cm. But you can use any other square size. Instead of pre-cut fabric pieces, many sewing fans use their 15 x 15 cm patchwork ruler for cutting.

    Arrange your fabric squares the way you like best. I already did this further up. My pattern is arranged “at random”. But it's up to you. Try things out and keep going until you like it. It usually works best when light and dark fabric colours alternate.

    Ready to go? Then let's get started!

    Divide your squares into rows. Stack the squares of each row on top of each other. This saves space later and your pattern stays exactly the way you laid it out.

    Prepare the top
  2. Step

    Sew the squares together

    • Now take the stack for row 1 and sew one square to the next, right sides together, at presser-foot width.
    • Do this row by row.
    • My blanket ends up with 6 strips.
    Sew the squares together
  3. Step

    Press the seam allowances

    Pressing is very important so that your baby blanket doesn't end up with unsightly lumps.

    • Press the seam allowances of the rows alternately, once to the left and once to the right
    • So: rows 1, 3 and 5, seam allowances to the left
    • Rows 2, 4 and 6: press seam allowances to the right
    • This is what it looks like:
    Press the seam allowances
  4. Step

    Sew the rows together

    • Arrange the rows the way your baby blanket should look later.
    • Lay them on the table right side up.
    • This way you can easily see which rows need to be pinned together.
    • Pin the first fabric row to the second, right sides together.
    • Pay close attention that all seams meet exactly.

    Important: you'll notice that the neater and more precisely you've sewn, the better this will work. But never forget that every fabric can “behave” differently or have different stretch. So don't worry about small inaccuracies. Every blanket is unique and your very own one-of-a-kind piece. Besides, the mix of fabric prints means it won't be very noticeable.

    You'll find that you're the only one examining your work with “eagle eyes”.

    So: don't be so hard on yourself! ;)

    • Now sew all the rows together one after the other at presser-foot width.
    • Then press this seam allowance on the wrong side of the fabric too.
    • This time you press it open.

    This is what it looks like now:

    The top, i.e. the upper side of your baby blanket, is now finished.

    Sew the rows together
  5. Step

    Join the fabric layers and wadding

    • Get your wadding and the fabric for the backing.
    • Now you can also choose the fabric for the binding.
    • Use the measurements of the top to cut the wadding and backing
    • But attention: the wadding and the fabric for the back should be a few centimetres bigger.
    • When the three layers are sewn together, these fabrics may draw in a little or shift and so become smaller.
    • That's why we cut them generously.
    • Lay the cut backing fabric on the table or floor, right side down.
    • Smooth the fabric out carefully. This is important so that no unsightly bulges, dents or creases are sewn into the blanket.

    Tip: if you're worried that the backing fabric will keep shifting, you can also secure it with painter's tape. (Painter's tape, also called masking tape, is an adhesive tape used for lots of purposes. It only sticks lightly and can be removed easily at any time without leaving residue. It tears off easily.)

    • This way you can smooth out the wadding and the main fabric really easily.
    • The backing stays firmly on the floor.
    • Now secure the three layers with safety pins or quilting pins.
    • This way the layers can't shift while quilting.
    Join the fabric layers and wadding
  6. Step

    Quilt the baby blanket

    Next, you join all three layers by quilting the blanket.

    Quilting (quilting = stitching) simply means joining several layers of fabric and wadding with seams. This stops them from shifting. You can do this with a completely normal straight stitch (stitch length 2.5 - 3) or with a decorative stitch, such as waves or swirls. You can also “play” with thread colours. It's a really easy way to add accents.

    Little tip: if your sewing machine has decorative stitches, a wave stitch works well; it forgives small inaccuracies too. And it looks great! 😉

    By the way: in this case too, a test seam on a fabric sample is very handy. You'll also see how your sewing machine behaves when the wadding is a bit thicker. The stitch appearance may change. With thicker layers, the stitches may not all be the same length. Keep an eye on your sewing machine's feed as well. You can find out more about this here.

    • Start quilting from the centre of the baby blanket.
    • Why? This way you can always smooth the fabric layers out from the centre.
    • You'll have to remove the pins and put them back in for this, but it prevents unsightly creases.
    • Before you start, carefully roll up the right side of the play mat.
    • This way the blanket fits under the machine.
    • On my baby blanket, I alternated between straight seams and decorative stitches.
    • I alternated the thread colours too.
    • This is what it looks like now:
    • Now trim off the excess edge all the way around.
    Quilt the baby blanket
  7. Step

    Bind the baby blanket

    First, for your binding you need a long fabric strip that is a little longer than the total circumference of your baby blanket. You can also sew this strip together from several pieces of fabric. It doesn't have to be the same colour; a binding strip made from several fabric colours makes a real eye-catcher.

    • For a 3 cm wide border, cut the strips 12 cm wide
    • Sew the individual strips together, straight or diagonally, right sides together, at presser-foot width.
    • Once the strip is long enough, press the seam allowances open.
    • This is what it looks like now:
    • Next, press this strip in half, wrong sides together on top of each other.
    • Now it's halved and only 6 cm wide.
    • You can see it clearly here:
    • Sew the strip with its open edge flush to the open edge of the baby blanket.
    • Sew this seam with a 1 cm seam allowance.
    • Here I'll show you what that looks like.
    • But don't pin the strip in place beforehand, as shown in the picture.
    • This picture is only there to help you understand. This way you can see how the strip should be sewn on.

    I have to say, I really love the play of colours, and babies love it too, by the way! 😊

    • Now pin the first 30 cm (approx.) in place.
    • But only start sewing about 15 cm after the beginning of the strip.
    • Sew up to 1 cm before the end of the first corner.
    • Secure the thread and lift the presser foot.
    • Fold the strip to the right.
    • This creates a diagonal fold.
    • Fold the fabric strip to the left.
    • It now lies flush with the edge you've just sewn and with the next edge.
    • Turn the fabric and bind the next side.
    • Repeat this at all corners.
    • There should be three more to go. 😊
    • End the seam approx. 15 cm before the end and secure the seam.
    • Place the open edges (beginning and end) of the fabric strips right sides together.
    • Mark where the two strips meet.
    • The strip should then fit the fabric edge without any creases.
    • Sew the beginning and end right sides together at the marking.
    • Trim the seam allowance to 1 cm.
    • Fold the seam allowances open.
    • Wrap the fabric strip around the edge.
    • Make sure you don't fold it in too far or too tightly.
    • Otherwise the border on the back will be wider than on the front.
    • You can use the seam as a guide.
    • Lay the strip on the backing fabric so that the seam is covered.
    • It's fine if it looks a little “fluffy”.
    • Wonder clips work brilliantly for holding it in place.
    • Edgestitch the border with the sewing machine.

    Tip: normally this isn't difficult, but: it often happens that the seam on the other side doesn't catch the binding precisely and close along the edge. That might look untidy. It takes a bit of practice and might leave you wanting to sew yourself a new set of nerves afterwards. 😉

    Got more time? Then sew the binding on by hand. Yes, you read that right. For one thing, the border stays nice and fluffy, because a line of topstitching would squash the fabric together again. And if the seam on the back hasn't always been sewn on the edge, that's annoying too.

    It's really worth it. And honestly, it doesn't take that long. It's a lovely job for the sofa in the evening.

    Convinced? Then I'll show you how to sew the binding by hand:

    • Choose a sewing thread that matches the colour of the binding strip and a hand-sewing needle.
    • After threading, knot the end of the thread.
    • Anchor the thread in the edge, i.e. under the binding strip in the blanket.
    • Next, insert the needle into the baby blanket and then into the binding.
    • Pull the needle out and insert it into the blanket again, then into the binding again, and so on.

    And your beautiful baby blanket is finished! Yippee!

    Bind the baby blanket

Instruction 2 / 2

Sew a bagged-out baby blanket

Sewing a baby blanket from two pieces of fabric with or without filling and without binding (edge) is a quicker option.

  1. Step

    How is it done?

    Explained quickly, it means that you simply sew two fabric pieces right sides together with a turning gap and turn them right side out. Turning right side out means that you turn the blanket inside out through the turning gap and then close the turning gap.

    In my example, I chose a cosy fleece fabric and a light cotton fabric (cotton lawn).

    Digression: what is cotton lawn? Cotton lawn is a light, tightly woven cotton fabric with a fluid drape. It's similar to voile. Because it's very densely woven, it isn't as sheer and has a silky surface. This fabric is often used for blouses, skirts or scarves. But it's also perfect for blankets, including patchwork blankets. Blankets that aren't so stiff and thick feel wonderful. And besides, the underside is already pretty fluffy. So two opposites meet (in the truest sense of the word) and form a beautiful whole in the end. Particularly beautiful cotton lawn can be found in Simone's highly praised fabric shop, by the way.

    Perhaps a wadding filling isn't even necessary. But you can decide that for yourself. In my example, I'm not using any filling. It's meant to be a blanket for wrapping up in or covering with. It would be too thin for the floor, i.e. as a play mat.

    So you need two fabrics and, if needed, wadding for the filling. For the size, you can again use the measurements I gave further up in the post as a guide.

    Tip: if you choose two different types of fabric, make sure that both fabrics are non-stretch, unlike jersey or sweatshirt fabric, for example. It's really a challenge to combine a stretchy fabric with a firm woven fabric.

    It can be done, yes, but it might really not look the way you expected. Why? The elastic fabric distorts more while sewing. So if you want to combine these two fabrics, unsightly waves will form. To prevent this, you can iron a thin interfacing onto your fleece to reinforce it, either over the whole area or just at the edge. This makes the elastic fabric more stable.

  2. Step
    • Cut both fabric pieces to the same size and place them right sides together. Tip: If you cut the fabric for the underside (fleece) a little bigger than the fabric for the top, a border forms automatically after turning. The fleece then folds inwards at the edge. That can look great, of course only if it's intended.
    • Secure the fabric pieces with fabric clips or pins.
    • Mark a turning gap. Ideally big enough for your hand to fit inside, because then you can shape the corners better with your index finger later.
  3. Step
    • Sew both fabric pieces together with a 1 cm seam allowance and a straight stitch.
    • Then finish the edge with the overlock or a zigzag stitch on your domestic sewing machine. This way you can be sure that the edges of the baby blanket are protected from fraying.

    This is what it looks like now:

  4. Step
    • Turn the baby blanket right side out through the turning gap and work out the corners well.
  5. Step
    • Smooth the blanket out nicely and fold the seam allowance at the turning gap to the inside.
    • Secure the turning gap with clips or pins.
  6. Step
    • Set the straight stitch on your sewing machine to a longer stitch length of 3.5 or even 4.
    • If, as in my example, you've used two different colours (top and underside of the fabric), also thread matching thread colours as the top and bobbin thread in your sewing machine. That looks nicer.
  7. Step
    • Now topstitch the edge of the baby blanket.
    • You can edgestitch it or, as shown here, stitch at a distance of 1.5 cm.
    • This creates a lovely edge. The blanket looks “framed”.
    • Topstitching also stops the fabric pieces from shifting.
    • The turning gap is closed with this seam as well.
    • Make sure the seam allowance is folded far enough inside.
    • If you don't edgestitch, it won't be caught otherwise. If you like, you can now join the fabric pieces in various places with a few quilting seams. You can also do this at individual points.

    Done!

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.