How to Tie A Fleece Blanket

If you've ever wondered how to tie a fleece blanket, check out my easy peasy instructions...

I got my fleece at **Wal-Mart**. The bolts are 60" wide, so I match the length to make a square. I do think nice big blankets are better. Makes for a great tummy time blanket or a cuddle up companion with which to curl up and watch tv on a rainy day.

I don't pre-wash the fabric before starting. Fleece doesn't lose its shape much (I think it does seem to get a little stretched out over time), so you don't have to worry about pre-shrinking it. Also, that really soft fuzzy quality of fleece starts to go away with the first wash, and since I usually give these blankets as a baby gift, it's more important that it is soft and impressive than clean :)

Two sides will need to be trimmed before you can start. They call this part the selvage. You can easily tell how much to cut off by the marks on your fleece.

Next, I cut squares out of each corner of the fabric. I use my scissors as a guide. I just cut as long as the blades do. Make sure you have a good pair of sewing scissors, it will make a difference in how smoothly all the cutting will go.

I like to use fleece with lines or squares because that gives me a guide for cutting. I will hold the corners together to make sure I cut all the squares the same size before I move on.

I use my left thumb as a measure, and my right hand to cut each tie. Both of my thumbs are different widths and lengths. This is my short, chubby thumb, and it is perfect. Especially because I can't seem to grow long fingernails to get in the way of cutting. If you must measure using something more precise, try a sewing gauge, and make your cuts 1/2" - 3/4" wide.

The length of each cut is one full-length slice with your scissors. I do this to stay consistent. If you think longer is better, just make sure that whatever length you choose stays uniform all the way around the blanket. ( I wouldn't cut your ties shorter, or you won't have enough of a tie to comfortably make a knot.)

Now spend an hour or two with a movie while you tie a half knot in each tie. I wrap each tie around my thumb and pull the end through. As you tighten the knot, push it down so it will end up close to the blanket. You can tear your fabric if you make the knot too tight. Making the knot too close to the blanket can make the blanket bunch up so it won't lay flat. So leave about 1/8" between the knot and the blanket.

I found an informative resource with specific fabric measurements and additional tips for how to tie a fleece blanket, at this website .