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Baby blankets and burp cloths!

Yippeee!  Since my last post here we learned we are to be first-time grandparents this autumn!  That means I’ve been sewing and knitting like a crazy lady (which of course I proudly am). These projects are so fast and easy:  two rectangles, sew together, turn, topstitch, done!   The link to the free PDF is at the end, before the last two photos.

First, here’s a quick 2 minute overview of the entire project!  I used Time-Lapse photography and a few stills so there is no audio;  it is also stored on my itty bitty YouTube channel .  I hope you enjoy and make MANY!  Frankly, a grown-up version of one of these would make a perfect summer porch throw now that I think about it!

So here’s that video.  Scroll down for still photos and explanatory text.

Step 1:  cut both layers the same size.  For the blanket, try 36 x 42 (or width of fabric)—this “landscape” size  is best for non-directional prints.  Or go for a square:  36 or 40/42” works well and accommodates directional designs.

Keep everything smooth and flat as you pin. Leave an opening large enough to fit your hand and some fabric when you turn it right side out.

First thing is to smooth out your fabric. Both flannel (the print) and double-gauze (the blue) tend to wiggle and ripple. I used the squared up blue fabric to “measure” out how much to cut off the sheet (and discovered how off-grain the sheet was cut!).

Step 2:   Pin together making sure the fabric is flat / no ripples (flannel does that, so smooth out from the center and pin.  In the center of one side mark a section about 8” long; this is where you will turn the blanket right side out.  I rough-cut the sheet / flannel so it was a bit bigger than the blue; I trimmed the excess away after sewing the layers together.
Keep everything smooth and flat as you pin. Leave an opening large enough to fit your hand and some fabric when you turn it right side out.

Keep everything smooth and flat as you pin. Leave an opening large enough to fit your hand and some fabric when you turn it right side out.

Step 3:  Mark the corners to round them: easier to sew, much easier to turn and lay flat, less for a baby to chew <ggggg>.  I have plastic templates but the bottom of a large soup or tomato can or a saucer works perfectly. I wanted to use a 1/2″ seam allowance so all the seam allowance would be caught in the topstitching (see below) so I made sure my white chalk line lined up with the seam line (notice ruler is about 1/2″ in from the edge).Note:  I used the blue double-gauze fabric as my edge; I trimmed up the flannel sheet after sewing.
Use a template, dish or big can to mark a curve that aligns with the seemliness.

Use a template, dish or big can to mark a curve that aligns with the seamlines.

Draped over my chair to show scale, you can see the pins in the center to minimize shifting when sewing.

About to sew.. you can (barely) see the pins in the center. On to sewing!

About to sew.. you can (barely) see the pins in the center. On to sewing!

Step 4:  Sew all the way around the blanket.

Step 5:  Trim edges if needed.  Clip corners so the seam allowance won’t bunch up when turned.

Step 6:  Press the seam allowances as stitched (wrong side out).  Then press the seams open (see video above or on YouTube, links above).  Especially press the seam allowances at the opening.

Step 7:  Pin the opening closed.  Select a decorative stitch to secure the edges.  I used a 3-step zigzag to echo the design of the flannel sheet, but often I use the serpentine stitch as I did in the items below.  If you look closely at the photos at the end of the burp cloths and first two flannel blankest, you’ll see the serpentine stitch.

FREE PDF LINK IS HERE! 

A close-up of the burp cloths

A close-up of the burp cloths

And the original two blankies and burp cloths

Alas I gave these to my son and DIL before getting better photos because they were moving houses in addition to expecting soon.  The fabric is perfect for a woodland themed nursery.  I hope they find them as useful as I did.  Enjoy!

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