Yes, you can absolutely make beautiful fleece blankets without any sewing! It’s a fantastic and accessible craft for everyone. Learn how to create cozy, homemade fleece blankets no sew using simple techniques like cutting and tying. This guide will walk you through making no-sew fleece blankets, also known as fleece tie blankets, proving that blanket making without needle and thread is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Get ready to discover how easy it is to make no stitch fleece creations and stitch up some simple fleece blanket no sew projects.
Fleece blankets are wonderful. They are warm, soft, and inviting. But what if you don’t have a sewing machine or the skills to use one? The good news is you can still create stunning, personalized fleece blankets. This guide is all about making no-sew fleece blankets for everyone, from kids to adults. We’ll focus on the popular fleece tie blankets, a method that requires no needle or thread.
Making homemade fleece blankets no sew is a fantastic project. It’s a great way to use up fabric scraps, create thoughtful gifts, or simply make a comfy addition to your home. These DIY fleece blankets no sewing are perfect for all skill levels. We’ll cover everything from choosing your fleece to finishing your beautiful, fringed creation.
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Why Choose No-Sew Fleece Blankets?
There are many reasons to opt for blanket making without needle skills.
- Simplicity: The core technique is straightforward – cutting and tying. This makes it accessible for even the youngest crafters with adult supervision.
- Speed: Compared to traditional sewing, no-sew blankets are significantly faster to assemble.
- Cost-Effective: You eliminate the need for thread, needles, and other sewing notions, often making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Versatility: You can create blankets of any size, from small lap blankets to large throws, with endless customization possibilities for colors and patterns.
- No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a pair of sharp scissors, and perhaps a ruler and a marker.
Materials You’ll Need for Your No-Sew Fleece Blanket
Gathering the right materials is the first step to creating your easy fleece blankets no sew.
- Fleece Fabric: You’ll need two pieces of fleece fabric. The size depends on the desired blanket dimensions. For a standard throw, a 50×60 inch piece of each fabric is common.
- Sharp Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors is essential for clean cuts.
- Ruler or Measuring Tape: For accurate cutting.
- Fabric Marker or Chalk (Optional): To mark your cutting lines.
- A Flat Surface: A large table or the floor works well for laying out your fabric.
Choosing Your Fleece Fabric
Fleece is a wonderfully forgiving fabric for no-sew projects. It doesn’t fray much, and its soft texture makes it ideal for blankets.
- Types of Fleece:
- Anti-Pill Fleece: This is a popular choice because it resists pilling, meaning those small balls of fiber that can appear after washing. It generally holds up better over time.
- Polar Fleece: A very common and affordable option, known for its warmth and softness.
- Microfleece: Lighter weight and very soft, ideal for baby blankets or warmer climates.
- Printed Fleece: Offers endless design possibilities, from fun characters to abstract patterns.
- Fabric Size: Fleece is usually sold in yards.
- For a small lap blanket (approx. 36×48 inches), you might need about 1.5 yards of each fabric.
- For a standard throw (approx. 50×60 inches), you’ll likely need 1.75 to 2 yards of each fabric.
- Always check the width of the fabric bolt. Most fleece is 58-60 inches wide. If you want a wider blanket, you’ll need to join pieces, which adds a step and is typically done with sewing. For simplicity in no-sew, stick to fabrics that are wide enough for your desired blanket width.
Fabric Selection Considerations
- Color and Pattern: Mix and match for a unique look! You can use two solid colors, one solid and one patterned, or two coordinating patterns.
- Weight: Consider the intended use. A heavier fleece is warmer, while a lighter fleece might be better for warmer weather or for children.
- Stretch: Fleece has some stretch. Be mindful of this when cutting, especially if you’re aiming for very precise edges.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making No-Sew Fleece Blankets
Creating these easy fleece blankets no sew is a process that involves precise cutting and simple knotting. Let’s dive into the cut and tie fleece method.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
- Wash and Dry Your Fleece: It’s a good idea to pre-wash your fleece fabric before cutting. This helps to pre-shrink it and remove any manufacturing chemicals. Use a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
- Lay Out Your Fabric:
- Place one piece of fleece fabric flat on your work surface.
- Lay the second piece of fleece fabric directly on top of the first piece, ensuring that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other (if you have distinct right and wrong sides, which is often the case with patterned fleece). If both sides are the same, just align them evenly.
- Smooth out any wrinkles to ensure the layers are perfectly aligned. This is crucial for clean fringe.
Step 2: Trim and Square Off the Edges
- Align the Edges: Make sure all four sides of both fabric pieces are as perfectly aligned as possible.
- Trim Any Uneven Edges: If your fabric has selvages (the finished edges from the factory) or any uneven cuts, trim them off.
- Square Up the Corners: Use your ruler and scissors to ensure all corners are as close to a perfect 90-degree angle as possible. This makes the fringe look neater.
Step 3: Mark and Cut the Corners
This is where we prepare for the fringe. Each corner needs a square cut out.
- Measure and Mark: On each of the four corners, measure in from the edge. A 4-inch by 4-inch square is a standard size for the corners that will be removed.
- Use your ruler to measure 4 inches along one edge from the corner.
- Measure 4 inches along the adjacent edge from the same corner.
- Draw a diagonal line connecting these two points, or simply mark the 4×4 inch square area.
- Cut Out the Corners: Carefully cut out each of the 4×4 inch squares from all four corners. You will be cutting through both layers of fabric at once.
Step 4: Cut the Fringe
Now, you’ll create the strips for tying.
- Measure and Mark Fringe Lines: Along each of the four sides, measure in from the edge towards the center of the blanket. You want to stop cutting at the point where your corner squares ended. For our 4-inch corner squares, this means you will cut strips up to 4 inches long.
- Use your ruler and marker (or chalk) to draw lines parallel to the edge, 4 inches from the side. These lines will guide your cuts. You can also just measure 4 inches from the side and make small tick marks every inch or so along this line to guide your cuts.
- Cut the Strips:
- Starting from one side, carefully cut along the marked lines. Make sure to cut through both layers of fabric simultaneously.
- Each cut should be about 1 inch wide.
- Continue cutting these 1-inch wide strips all the way around the blanket. You’ll end up with 4-inch long strips, 1 inch wide, along all four sides.
Step 5: Tie the Fringe
This is the fun part where your DIY fleece blankets no sewing start to take shape!
- Tie the Knots: Take one pair of fringe strips (one from the top layer and one from the bottom layer) at a corner.
- Tie them together with a secure double knot. Ensure the knot is snug but not so tight that it pulls the fabric out of shape.
- Continue Tying: Work your way around the entire blanket, tying each pair of fringe strips together.
- When you get to the sides, you’ll have strips from adjacent sides of the blanket that need to be tied.
- Take the last untied strip from one side and the first untied strip from the adjacent side. Tie them together with a double knot.
- Continue this process, tying pairs of strips as you move along each edge.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Check Your Knots: Once all the strips are tied, go back and gently tug on each knot to ensure it’s secure.
- Trim Any Uneven Fringes (Optional): If some of your fringe strips look a bit uneven after tying, you can carefully trim them with your scissors to create a neater edge. This is how you create fringe fleece blankets.
Congratulations! You have successfully made your simple fleece blanket no sew!
Creating Different Sizes and Styles of No-Sew Fleece Blankets
The beauty of the no-sew method is its adaptability. Let’s explore how to adjust for different needs.
Table: Common Blanket Sizes and Fabric Needs (Approximate)
| Blanket Size | Fabric Needed (per piece) | Corner Cut Size | Fringe Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Blanket | 30″ x 36″ | 3″ x 3″ | 3/4″ |
| Lap Blanket | 36″ x 48″ | 4″ x 4″ | 1″ |
| Throw Blanket | 50″ x 60″ | 4″ x 4″ | 1″ |
| Twin Bed Blanket | 66″ x 90″ | 5″ x 5″ | 1.25″ |
| Queen Bed Blanket | 90″ x 100″ | 5″ x 5″ | 1.25″ |
Note: These are approximate. Always account for the actual width of your fabric bolt and purchase a little extra if you’re unsure.
Variations for Unique Designs
- Two-Sided Patterns: Using two different patterned fleeces can create a truly unique blanket. Ensure the patterns complement each other.
- Color Blocking: Cut large rectangles or squares from different colored fleeces and arrange them before cutting and tying. This is more complex and often requires some basic sewing for joining the larger pieces, but the fringe can still be applied without sewing.
- Embellishments (Non-Sewn): You can add fabric glue-on decorations or iron-on patches to the finished blanket for extra flair. Test these on a scrap piece first to ensure they adhere well to fleece.
Making a Hooded No-Sew Fleece Blanket
Want to add a bit more coziness? You can create a hood!
- Cut the Hood Fabric: Cut a rectangular piece of fleece for the hood. A common size might be 15 inches wide by 12 inches tall. You’ll need two of these, right sides facing.
- Sew the Hood: This is the only part where minimal sewing might be preferred for durability, but you can adapt it.
- With Sewing: Fold the two hood pieces in half lengthwise (so they are 15″ x 6″). Sew along the raw 15-inch edge, creating a hood shape.
- No-Sew Alternative (Less Durable): Lay the two hood pieces right sides together. Mark and cut out a 3-inch square from each of the two corners along the 15-inch edge. Then, cut 3/4-inch wide fringe strips up to 3 inches along this same 15-inch edge. Tie these fringes together to create the hood seam.
- Attach the Hood to the Blanket:
- Find the center of one of the 50-inch sides of your main blanket.
- Align the raw, un-tied edge of the hood (the 15-inch opening you created, not the tied seam) with the center of the blanket edge.
- Pin the hood in place.
- No-Sew Attachment: You can use fabric glue specifically designed for fabric, or create very small fringe ties along the attachment edge of the hood and the blanket edge. You’ll need to snip small slits into the blanket edge where the hood will attach, then tie the tiny fringe pieces together. This method is more time-consuming and may not be as secure as sewing.
- Sewn Attachment (Recommended for Hood): Sew the hood to the blanket edge using a sewing machine.
Caring for Your No-Sew Fleece Blankets
Keeping your fleece tie blankets looking their best is simple.
- Washing: Machine wash your blanket on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent.
- Drying: Tumble dry on a low heat setting or air dry. Avoid high heat, as it can melt or damage the fleece fibers.
- Fringe Maintenance: After washing, the fringe might become a bit tangled. You can gently comb through it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about making easy fleece blankets no sew:
Q1: Can I use different types of fabric together?
While you can mix fabrics, it’s best to stick with fleece for no-sew projects. Other fabrics have different weights, stretches, and fraying properties, which can make aligning and tying difficult. If you want to mix fleece with another fabric, consider sewing them together first before applying the no-sew fringe technique.
Q2: How do I make the fringe neater?
Using a rotary cutter and a self-healing mat with a quilting ruler can give you very precise cuts for the fringe, leading to a neater finish. However, sharp scissors and a regular ruler are perfectly adequate for excellent results. Ensure your cuts are consistent in width and depth.
Q3: What if my fabric isn’t wide enough?
If your fabric isn’t wide enough for your desired blanket size, you will need to sew panels together to achieve the desired width before you start the no-sew fringe process. This is a sewing step, but you can still apply the no-sew fringe afterward.
Q4: How do I make a round or shaped no-sew blanket?
While the standard rectangle is easiest, you can adapt the fringe method for shapes. You’ll need to carefully cut the curves or shapes and then cut fringe along those specific edges. This requires more precision with your cutting.
Q5: Can I use glue instead of tying the fringe?
While fabric glue might hold the fringe, it often stiffens the fabric and isn’t as durable or washable as tying knots. The tying method is the standard and most recommended approach for no stitch fleece blankets for a reason – it’s secure and maintains the fabric’s softness.
Q6: What is the best fabric for no-sew blankets?
Anti-pill fleece is generally considered the best for its durability and resistance to pilling. However, any soft fleece fabric will work well for these simple fleece blanket no sew projects.
Q7: My blanket looks a bit lumpy after tying. What did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the fabric layers weren’t perfectly aligned before cutting, or if the knots were tied too tightly and unevenly. Try to lay your fabric flat and smooth it out as much as possible before cutting and ensure your knots are consistent.
Conclusion
Creating no-sew fleece blankets is a wonderfully rewarding craft that requires minimal skill and equipment. Whether you’re making fleece tie blankets for yourself, as gifts, or for a charity project, this method of blanket making without needle is accessible and enjoyable. You can achieve beautiful, cozy results with just scissors and fleece, proving that no stitch fleece creations are entirely within reach. So grab your fabric, follow these simple steps, and enjoy making your own gorgeous homemade fleece blankets no sew. These DIY fleece blankets no sewing are a testament to how easy and fun crafting can be!