If you want to learn how to sew a blanket, here’s my DIY blanket tutorial!

I was passing through the sewing section in Walmart when an item in the remnant basket caught my eye. It was an undyed textured natural fiber with a loose weave. I had no idea what it was so I picked it up. 

The clearance tag said it was Monk Cloth and it was only $5.44 for the entire piece. 

After a quick google search, I realized this was the fabric used for afghans and it’s 100% cotton. Typically, it’s used as a base for a needlework project, but I loved the creamy color just the way it was. 

Needless to say, I bought it. I had no idea what the measurements were, and it had a run in it. Nothing I couldn’t tie off though. 

I eyeballed it to be about the size of a throw blanket. It was not a very warm fabric due to the loose weave, but it had a charming little bit of weight to it. 

This made it perfect for a spring or maybe even summer throw blanket. Who doesn’t want to cuddle under a slightly weighted blanket without starting to sweat?!

I didn’t know such things existed so I’m delighted to try it out this summer!

Here’s how I took this lovely bit of fabric and sewed it into a blanket!

What is the easiest blanket to make?

Definitely a throw blanket! All you need to do is cut and finish the edges and you are done. 

This makes it a perfect sewing project for beginners. There are no extra steps involved. 

How much fabric do you need for a blanket?

2 yards of fabric will give you a nice throw blanket with a little room to spare. However, if you are wanting a large blanket, get 3 yards for some extra wiggle room. 

If you want a backing to your blanket, get double the amount. 

What’s the size of a typical throw blanket?

The standard size of a throw blanket is 50”x60”. If you want a large throw blanket, increase both measurements by 10”. This gives you a blanket that is 60”x70”. 

What size blanket will 2 yards make?

This will give you roughly enough fabric for a standard size throw blanket if it’s one sided. If you are making double-sided blanket, this is enough fabric for a baby blanket or a crib blanket.

What is a handmade blanket called?

This depends on how it is made. If all that is done to the fabric is the edges being finished, then it is a throw blanket. If it is made out of little pieces pieced together, it’s called a quilt. If it is crocheted or knitted, then it’s called an afgan. 

What is the warmest material to make a blanket out of?

Wool or fleece is your best option if you are wanting a super warm blanket. A quilt will also be pretty warm since it will have layers of fabric with batting in between. 

It really depends on the type of fabric and the layers involved. That is what makes a warm blanket.

How to hand sew a blanket

To hand sew a blanket, you simply need to know how to stitch an invisible rolled hem. Depending on the weave of your fabric and if you want the stitch to be visible, you could also use a blanket stitch.

Is one yard enough for a blanket?

This is enough fabric for a baby blanket. You want at least 2 yards for an adult sized blanket.  

How wide to make a throw blanket

Usually, a throw blanket is about 50” wide. 

Take into account the size of the bolt of fabric that you are considering before making the purchase especially if you are purchasing online. I failed to take this into account once and ended up buying twice the amount that I needed. 

How to Make a Blanket

Determine the size you want. The typical size of a throw blanket is 50”x60”. The fabric I am using here is a remnant I snatched from the clearance section at Walmart. I planned to use the entire thing for a blanket so I have not measured it. 

Measure and cut to desired size. Lay out your fabric flat and smooth out any creases. Measure out a rectangle that is 50″ x 60″.

I also trimmed some tangled threads off the edges to make it easier to sew. 

Hem. Simply finish the edges with a rolled hem or double fold and you are good to go! Typically, I fold the fabric ¼” and then another ¼” on top of itself for a small hem. This fabric however has a very loose weave so I gave myself a ¾” seam allowance to make sure all the loose ends were encased inside. 

I also like set me needle to the farthest left setting to make sure the edge doesn’t slip out.

Trim off extra threads and enjoy! Drape your blanket over your favorite chair or stash it in a basket to snuggle under later. 

Just like that, you’ve made yourself a blanket!