The amount of flannel you will need to make a baby blanket will depend on the size of the blanket you intend to make. Generally, for a receiving blanket, you’ll need at least 1 yard of light- to medium-weight flannel fabric for the front and back of your blanket.
For a standard size baby blanket (recommended size by The American Academy of Pediatrics is 36 x 36”), you’ll need at least 2 yards of flannel fabric. For larger blankets such as a crib blanket or a throw blanket, you’ll need 3-4 yards of flannel fabric.
Keep in mind that if you plan to add a quilted border to your baby blanket, you’ll want to purchase 1/4 – 1/3 yard of quilting fabric for the binding. To achieve a luxurious look, you may want to consider using an extended quilting technique, in which case you’ll need an additional 1/3 yard of quilting fabric for the backing.
What fabric is safe for baby blankets?
When choosing fabric for use in a baby blanket, safety is of utmost importance. Generally, soft, natural fabrics are the best options as they are hypoallergenic, breathable, and unlikely to cause any skin irritation or rashes.
Cotton and muslin are both incredibly soft and gentle on delicate skin and are machine washable and durable. Bamboo is also a great choice for baby blankets, as it is extremely soft and doesn’t irritate the skin.
It is very absorbent and breathable and can help regulate temperature. Merino wool is an excellent insulator and durable, but because it is made from animal fibers, it is not suitable for babies with sensitive skin.
Finally, organic cotton is a good choice if you are looking for a material that has not been exposed to toxins or harsh chemicals used in the processing.
Is flannel fabric safe for babies?
Yes, flannel fabric is generally safe for babies. It is typically made from a cotton-wool blend, which gives it a soft feel and helps regulate temperature. Flannel can be gentle and non-irritating against a baby’s sensitive skin, and provides enough warmth and comfort.
It is also fairly breathable, which means it can keep your baby from getting too hot or too cold, something that is especially important for newborns. Furthermore, it typically comes pre-washed, making it even softer and more comfortable, so there is no extra treatment or pre-washing needed before using it on your baby.
Flannel is also very durable, so you can use it for a long time. That said, you should consider getting organic flannel fabric if possible, as this may be more gentle and sometimes has fewer chemicals than regular flannel.
Is polyester safe for baby blanket?
While it is certainly possible to make safe baby blankets from polyester fabrics, it is generally not recommended. Polyester is derived from plastic materials, which can be not only irritating to the baby’s delicate skin but also can hold onto heat and moisture, making it difficult for the child’s skin to breathe.
Additionally, many polyester fabrics are treated with a variety of chemical finishes which can also be hazardous to the child’s health. Furthermore, polyester has very little natural give, making it a less friendly fabric for a baby, as it could potentially restrict movement or cause discomfort.
Overall, it is much safer to use natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, or other sustainable fabrics if you are looking to make your child a comfortable, safe, and environmentally-friendly baby blanket.
Is cotton or polyester better for baby?
When it comes to deciding between cotton or polyester for babies, it depends on the specific needs of the parents and baby. Cotton is a natural material that is soft, gentle and breathable, meaning it will be comfortable for baby’s delicate skin.
Polyester is a synthetic material that is usually cheaper and more durable than cotton, meaning they will last longer.
Cotton can be used for everything from nightwear to towelling. Also, cotton is easier to dye than polyester, so there are more colour options available. On the other hand, polyester is more resistant to wrinkles and does not shrink as much as cotton when washed.
In addition, it dries faster than cotton.
For parents who are concerned about eco-sustainability, cotton is a better choice since it is biodegradable and its production is less damaging to the environment.
Overall, both cotton and polyester have their benefits and drawbacks. It’s up to the parents to weigh the pros and cons to determine what fabric will best suit the needs of their baby.
How big are baby blankets usually?
Baby blankets come in a variety of sizes, so there is no one specific size for them. The average size for baby blankets that are used for swaddling techiniques is around 36 inches by 36 inches, however some can be as small as 24 inches by 24 inches and as large as 40 inches by 40 inches.
These sizes are just guidelines, however, and it’s important to remember that when purchasing baby blankets, that you should measure the actual baby, rather than the blanket. It’s also important to remember that while swaddling, you should always leave a bit of room for the baby’s movements, so choose a size that will fit the baby, but still allow for some flexibility.
In general, when shopping for baby blankets, it’s a good idea to look for options that are made from soft, breathable fabrics and have plenty of room for the baby to move freely without feeling restricted, as this can help promote comfort and safety.
How do you finish the edges of a flannel blanket?
The best way to finish the edges of a flannel blanket is by using a serger sewing machine. A serger machine uses multiple threads to give the edge of the blanket more durability, strength, and a professional finish.
Start by threading your serger machine with 4 spools of thread. Create 4 loops of thread at the back of the machine, one for the needle and one each for the upper, lower, and left loopers. After setting up the thread, adjust the tension on your thread to the desired setting.
Place the blanket on your machine and using the thread to guide you, line up the blanket’s edge with the serger’s blade. Begin sewing with a reliable stitch, such as a three-thread, four-thread, or overlock stitch.
Continue until you reach and complete the whole edge of the blanket. Don’t forget to backstitch at the start and end of the blanket’s edge. This will keep the stitching from coming undone. You can also use a regular sewing machine with a zigzag or stretch stitch to finish the ends of the flannel blanket.
Be sure to adjust the tension so that the stitches are not too tight or loose. Secure the ends with a few backstitches at the end.
What can I make with baby flannel?
Baby flannel is a wonderfully versatile fabric, and there is so much you can make with it! You can use baby flannel to make a variety of clothing items, such as onesies, sleep sacks, receiving blankets, quilts, swaddling blankets, and burp cloths.
Not only is it great for clothing items but you can also use it to craft many other items for your little one as well. You can make stuffed animals, pillows, crib sheets and bedding, bibs, soft toys, and even quilted wall art.
Get creative and you might be surprised by what you can come up with using baby flannel.
Can you make a no sew blanket with flannel?
Yes, it’s possible to make a no-sew blanket with flannel. Flannel is a great material for a no-sew blanket project because it is lightweight and durable. You can start by cutting or tearing the flannel into strips.
For a larger blanket, you’ll need five yards of fabric cut into 12-inch wide strips. However, if you’re just making a small throw-sized blanket, you’ll need two and a half yards of fabric cut into 8-inch wide strips.
Then, tie the strips together using a simple knot. You don’t need to sew any of the pieces together, and the knots will hold the fabric in place. Make sure to leave enough fabric at the ends so that you can tie off the blanket when you are done.
If you want to add some extra embellishments, you can do so by adding ribbons, trims, buttons, or anything else that you’d like. Once you’re finished, your no-sew flannel blanket is ready to be used and enjoyed!.
Do baby blankets need batting?
Whether or not a baby blanket needs batting depends on the type of project being done. If you’re creating a quilted baby blanket, for example, then batting will be necessary to provide the warmth and insulation typically associated with quilts.
If you’re making a lightweight baby blanket, however, batting may not be necessary. Additionally, if you are creating a crochet or knit baby blanket, batting may not be required since these materials tend to be able to keep babies warm on their own.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to add batting to a baby blanket is yours to make, as it will depend on the type of project you’re undertaking and the desired outcome.
How do you attach satin binding to a baby blanket?
Attaching satin binding to a baby blanket is a simple yet effective way to protect it from wear and tear, and give it a beautiful finished edge. The first step is to cut the binding to the desired length, making sure to leave an extra few inches for folding at the beginning and end.
Then, you want to double fold the satin binding and press it flat with an iron on the lowest setting. Make sure that you fold the binding in the same direction on both edges. Next, pin the binding to the raw edges of the blanket, starting on one side and finishing on the other side in a single continuous piece.
Finally, stitch the binding to the blanket, making sure to catch both sides while sewing a straight line along the edge of the satin binding. After it is stitched in place, you can trim the excess binding and you’re finished! Now your blanket is protected and looks beautiful!.
How do you sew satin blanket binding on fleece?
To sew satin blanket binding onto fleece, you will need a sewing machine, thread, a pair of scissors, a ruler and some satin blanket binding. Start by cutting several pieces of the satin blanket binding to size – they should be slightly larger than the length of the fleece.
Fold the binding in half lengthwise, ironing it in place if necessary. Position the folded edge of the binding approximately ¼” away from the edge of the fabric, pin it in place and then sew it with a straight stitch about ¼” away from the folded edge.
Repeat for the other side of the fabric, making sure the binding pieces reach if there is an overlap. Trim away the excess fabric from the binding and finish the edges with a zigzag stitch. Now that you have sewn the binding onto your fleece, you can cut away the excess binding and tie a knot to finish the project.
