As autumn descends and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the allure of a warm, inviting blanket. The season practically begs for bonfires, steaming mugs of cocoa, and wrapping yourself in something utterly cozy. With temperatures dropping, I’ve rekindled my love affair with flannel. And so, the DIY flannel throw blanket project was born – a simple, satisfying, and oh-so-comfortable way to embrace the season. In fact, I’m wearing a flannel shirt as I type this!
You can never truly have too many blankets. They are the perfect companion for movie nights, reading afternoons, and of course, those much needed afternoon naps. The abundance of blankets is why they also make such an excellent and thoughtful gift.
Make a DIY Flannel Throw Blanket
Create your own cozy haven with this easy-to-follow guide on crafting a DIY flannel throw blanket. Perfect for beginners, this project offers a satisfying way to add warmth and comfort to your home or create a heartfelt gift for loved ones. Get ready to snuggle up in style!
Ready to get started? Keep reading for the full step-by-step instructions and materials list.
Materials You’ll Need
- Two pieces of 44″ flannel fabric: Choose your favorite colors and patterns! 1 and 2/3 yards of each fabric will provide a generous throw size.
- Embroidery floss and needle: Select a floss color that complements your flannel for a decorative blanket stitch.
- Iron-on hem tape: This will help secure the edges of your blanket without sewing.
- Iron: For fusing the hem tape.
- Scissors: For cutting fabric and tape.
Before you begin, make sure your iron and ironing board are ready, and you have ample workspace to lay out your fabric.
Step 1: Preparing the First Layer
Begin by laying one piece of your chosen flannel fabric on a flat, iron-safe surface, with the right side facing up. This will be the visible side of your throw.
Carefully align the iron-on hem tape along all four sides of the flannel piece. Ensure the paper side of the hem tape faces upwards. Follow the hem tape manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.
Using a medium heat setting on your iron (without steam), gently press the tape onto the flannel in short, two-second increments. Repeat this process along all four sides, ensuring the tape adheres securely to the fabric. Allow the tape to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Removing the Paper Backing
Once the hem tape has cooled completely, carefully peel away the paper backing from all four sides of the flannel piece. This will reveal the adhesive that will bond the two flannel layers together.
Step 3: Fusing the Fabrics Together
Now, take your second piece of flannel fabric and lay it on top of the first piece, with the right side facing down. Ensure that the edges of both flannel pieces are aligned as precisely as possible.
Using your iron, gently press along three of the four sides of the blanket in eight-second increments. This will fuse the two layers of flannel together, creating a secure seam. Leave one side open for turning the blanket right-side out.
Step 4: Turning the Blanket Right-Side Out
Once the fused seams have cooled, carefully turn the blanket right-side out through the open side. Gently push out the corners to create a neat and even shape.
On the open side, fold the raw edges inward, creating a clean, finished edge. Iron this folded edge to secure it in place. Finally, iron along all sides of the blanket to flatten the seams and give your flannel throw a professional finish.
Step 5: Adding the Blanket Stitch
The final step in creating your DIY flannel throw blanket is to add a decorative blanket stitch along the edges. Not only does this stitch add a pop of color and visual interest, but it also helps to reinforce the structural integrity of the blanket, preventing fraying and ensuring its longevity.
To begin, thread your needle with embroidery floss, knotting both ends together. This will provide extra security and prevent the floss from slipping through the fabric.
1. Starting on the bottom edge, stitch upwards through only the top layer of fabric. This will conceal the knot between the two layers for a cleaner look.
2. Stitch from the bottom up again, this time passing the needle through both layers of fabric, using the same entry point as before. This secures the first stitch of your blanket stitch.
3. Move a short distance down the edge of the blanket and stitch upwards from the bottom, through both layers. This time, don’t pull the stitch taut. Instead, leave a small loop of floss.
4. Carefully separate the two threads of the loop you created in the previous step. Feed the needle through one of these threads.
5. Gently pull the stitch taut, forming the characteristic “L” shape of the blanket stitch.
6. Repeat steps 3-5, moving down the edge of the blanket. Continue stitching, leaving a loop, feeding the needle through one of the loop threads, and pulling the stitch closed. Ensure each stitch is evenly spaced for a consistent and professional look.
Continue stitching around the entire perimeter of the blanket. As you progress, you’ll find the technique becomes faster and easier. It gets faster and easier as you go! In the end, I was able to stitch away to the length of two and a half episodes of The Office.
If the prospect of stitching the entire blanket feels daunting, remember to take it one step at a time. Once you’ve completed a few stitches and gotten the hang of it, the process becomes quite relaxing and meditative. So, put on your favorite movie, brew a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy the process of creating your own cozy haven.
Craving more cozy flannel projects?