Create Your Own Waterproof Picnic Blanket: A Simple DIY Guide

Summer is a truly magical time of year. The days are longer, the weather is generally delightful, and there’s an undeniable sense of joy in the air. If you’re looking to make the most of this beautiful season, why not venture outdoors and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace? While camping or hiking might not be everyone’s cup of tea, a picnic offers a more accessible and equally rewarding experience. Imagine savoring delicious food in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of nature. And with a DIY waterproof picnic blanket beneath you, you might find yourself preferring outdoor dining to indoor meals for good!

One of the inevitable challenges of picnicking is dealing with damp ground. Grass tends to retain moisture, and prolonged sitting can lead to discomfort. Our DIY picnic blanket solves this problem with a waterproof vinyl backing, ensuring a dry and comfortable experience every time. This guide provides you with detailed instructions to create your own durable and stylish waterproof picnic blanket.

Why You Need a Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s explore the benefits of having a waterproof picnic blanket. Regular blankets soak up moisture, dirt, and grass stains, making them impractical for outdoor use. A waterproof blanket offers superior protection and comfort:

• Keeps You Dry: The vinyl backing prevents moisture from seeping through, ensuring you stay comfortable even on damp grass.
• Easy to Clean: Spills and messes are easily wiped away from the vinyl surface, making cleanup a breeze.
• Durable: The combination of sturdy fabric and vinyl creates a long-lasting blanket that can withstand outdoor use.
• Portable: Lightweight and easy to roll up, this blanket is perfect for picnics, parks, beaches, and outdoor concerts.
• Customizable: Choose your favorite fabric patterns and colors to create a unique blanket that reflects your personal style.

Materials You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following materials:

• Thick, Non-Stretch Fabric: Choose a durable fabric like cotton duck, canvas, or outdoor fabric. I recommend a cotton duck with a fun indigo print. The amount of fabric depends on the desired size of your blanket.
• Vinyl Fabric: Select a waterproof vinyl fabric to serve as the backing. You can find vinyl in various colors and thicknesses.
• Wide Elastic: A piece of wide elastic will be used to create a strap for easy rolling and carrying.
• Coordinating Thread: Choose a thread color that complements your fabric.
• Sewing Machine and Pins: Essential tools for sewing the fabric and vinyl together.
• Masking Tape: Masking tape helps the vinyl slide smoothly under the sewing machine foot.
• Scissors: For cutting the fabric and vinyl.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: To ensure accurate measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your own waterproof picnic blanket:

Step 1: Cut the Fabric and Vinyl

Determine the desired size of your picnic blanket. This will depend on your needs and preferences. Some blankets are square, while others are rectangular, similar to a twin-sized sheet. Cut both the fabric and vinyl to the same size. If you want a larger blanket than the width of your fabric or vinyl, you may need to sew two pieces together to create a larger piece.

Once you’ve cut the fabric and vinyl, lay them together with the right sides facing in. Pin along all sides to secure them in place.

Step 2: Sew the Fabric and Vinyl Together

Using your sewing machine, sew the fabric and vinyl together with a straight stitch. Leave a 5-inch opening on one side. This opening will be used to turn the blanket right-side out.

Step 3: Turn the Blanket Right-Side Out

Carefully turn the blanket right-side out through the 5-inch opening. Gently push out the corners to create sharp edges.

Step 4: Topstitch the Edges

Turn the edges of the opening inside the blanket and pin them in place. Topstitch along all edges of the blanket, closing the 5-inch opening as you go. This will create a clean and finished look.

Step 5: Sewing with Vinyl – The Masking Tape Trick

Sewing with vinyl can be tricky because it doesn’t slide smoothly under the sewing machine foot. To overcome this, use masking tape. Lay down two strips of masking tape on either side of the feed dogs (the part under the foot that moves the fabric). When topstitching, position the vinyl on the bottom and the regular fabric on top. This will help the vinyl move smoothly through the machine.

Step 6: Create the Strap (Optional)

To make your picnic blanket even more convenient, add a strap to keep it rolled up tightly when not in use. Cut a 3-inch piece of elastic. Then, cut a strip of vinyl twice as wide as the elastic, but a little shorter than the circumference of the blanket when it is rolled up.

Step 7: Attaching the Elastic to the Vinyl Strap

Sewing the strap requires another slight adjustment to your sewing machine. Since the strap has vinyl facing out on both the top and bottom, you’ll need to add masking tape to the foot of the machine as well. Take two small strips of masking tape and stick them to the underside of the foot, making sure to leave an opening for the needle to pass through.

Fold the vinyl in half lengthwise and position the elastic on one end. Stitch the elastic in place with a straight stitch, and carry the seam down the open side of the vinyl. Fold the strap in half and stitch the other end of the elastic into the opposite end of the vinyl. Carry the seam up the other side and tie off.

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With your new waterproof picnic blanket, you’re ready to enjoy outdoor dining anytime, anywhere. The stunning weather makes enjoying lunch or dinner in the park all the more appealing, and you can really make the most of a picnic in the park.

Tips for the Perfect Picnic

Now that you have your waterproof picnic blanket, here are a few tips to make your outdoor dining experience even better:

• Choose the Right Location: Look for a spot with shade, a beautiful view, and minimal distractions.
• Pack Delicious Food: Prepare a variety of easy-to-eat items like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks.
• Bring Drinks: Stay hydrated with water, juice, or lemonade. Consider bringing a thermos of hot coffee or tea if the weather is cool.
• Don’t Forget Utensils and Napkins: Pack reusable utensils, plates, and napkins to reduce waste.
• Protect Yourself from Bugs: Bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.
• Bring Entertainment: Pack a book, a deck of cards, or a portable speaker to add some fun to your picnic.
• Clean Up After Yourself: Leave the picnic area as you found it by properly disposing of all trash.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors!

With your new DIY waterproof picnic blanket and these helpful tips, you’re ready to embark on unforgettable outdoor adventures. Whether you’re picnicking in a park, relaxing on a beach, or attending an outdoor concert, your handmade blanket will provide comfort, style, and protection from the elements. So, grab your blanket, pack a delicious meal, and enjoy the beauty of nature!