A receiving blanket should ideally be made of a thin, breathable, and soft fabric that is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. Common materials used for making these blankets are flannel, cotton, sherpa, muslin, and bamboo.
Cotton and flannel blankets are the most popular options because they are lightweight, absorbent, and machine washable. Muslin is also a popular choice due its thin, lightweight and breathable qualities.
If you prefer something a bit thicker, sherpa or bamboo blankets are great for providing added warmth. No matter what material you choose, make sure to look for high-quality products with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, as this ensures that any materials used are free from potentially harmful substances.
What are the measurements for a receiving blanket?
A standard-sized receiving blanket is typically 30 inches x 40 inches. However, some receiving blankets vary in size and can range from 25 inches x 30 inches to 35 inches x 45 inches. In addition, some of the larger sizes may also be referred to as “swaddling blankets”.
Receiving blankets are typically made from soft materials such as cotton, cotton flannel, or muslin and are light enough to easily be wrapped around a newborn baby. They are also often decorated with beautiful prints, colors, and designs.
Receiving blankets are highly versatile and can be used for many different purposes, such as swaddling, burping, or as a nursing cover.
How much yarn do you need for a receiving blanket?
The amount of yarn you need for a receiving blanket will depend on the size of the blanket you plan on making, as well as the type and weight of the yarn you choose. For a typical-size baby blanket, you should plan to purchase approximately 500-600 yards of a worsted or medium-weight yarn in your desired color.
If you’re using an inexpensive acrylic yarn, you should purchase an additional 150-200 yards to ensure you have enough should you encounter any issues while crocheting. It’s important to remember that the actual amount of yarn you need may vary based on the stitch pattern and size of hooks or needles you use to create your blanket.
If you’re making a larger blanket, such as one for a toddler, you’ll need double the amount of the yarn given for a baby blanket. For a specific project, it’s always a good idea to get a bit more yarn than you project to ensure that you have enough for your blanket.
How do you make a single layer receiving blanket?
Making a single-layer receiving blanket is a fairly simple process that can be done in two different ways.
The first way to make a receiving blanket involves a sewing machine. You’ll need to start by preparing your material, which can be any lightweight fabric, such as muslin or flannel. Cut two pieces of fabric that are 31-inches by 40-inches in size.
Then, place the two pieces of fabric together with the wrong sides facing each other. Make sure the edges line up.
Use a straight stitch to sew around the edges of the blanket, leaving a 4-inch opening around one side for turning. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam you sew. After that, clip the edges of the blanket, taking care not to clip the stitched seams.
Then, turn the blanket inside out to hide the seams, pushing out the corners with something like a chopstick or another pointed object.
Finally, hand-stitch the 4-inch opening closed, using an invisible stitch. Then, the receiving blanket is ready to be used.
Alternatively, the receiving blanket can also be made with a serger. Start by preparing your fabric as mentioned above. Then, place the two pieces of fabric together with the wrong sides facing each other and secure the layers to the feed dogs with a serger thread.
Start from the corner and serge around the edges of the blanket, leaving a 3-inch seam allowance. After that, the receiving blanket is ready to be used without any turning.
No matter which method you decide to use, making a single-layer receiving blanket will be a fairly quick and easy task.
Does a self binding blanket have to be square?
No, a self binding blanket does not have to be square. These blankets are typically rectangular, but the length and width could be adjusted to fit your needs. For example, if you need a smaller size blanket, you could simply make the length and width a little shorter.
Self binding blankets are also known as no-sew blankets because they do not need to be sewn along the edges. Instead, pieces of fabric are folded and tucked over the edges of the blanket, so the shape can be adjusted to whatever size you need.
Is receiving blanket same as swaddle blanket?
No, receiving blankets and swaddle blankets are not the same. Receiving blankets are much larger and more lightweight and typically measure 30” x 40”. They are made from a variety of materials, such as cotton, flannel, fleece, and more.
These blankets are generally used for wrapping a baby for warmth in a carriage or stroller, for draping over a baby’s car seat, and as a soft play surface on the floor.
On the other hand, swaddle blankets are smaller, usually measuring between 20” x 20” or 24” x 24”, and are usually made of thinner fabric than receiving blankets, like muslin or cotton. Swaddle blankets are designed to wrap snugly around a baby and are designed to mimic the feeling of being in the womb, helping to make the baby feel safe and secure.
In addition, swaddling can help to prevent the baby from waking itself up with jerky movements, aiding in longer and more restful sleep.
Why are all receiving blankets the same?
The size of a receiving blanket is typically 42″ square. While other blanket styles intended for different purposes may vary in size, it is traditional for a receiving blanket to remain the same regardless of where it is purchased.
This is because the size of a receiving blanket is usually large enough to be used in a variety of ways that are beneficial for both a newborn baby and the parent caring for them. The blanket can be used for swaddling, for naps and during overnight sleep, nursing and even as a light blanket to keep a baby warm during walks outdoors.
The square-shaped blanket also offers flexibility. It is large enough to be used as a floor or playmat at home, or as a changing mat when out and about. The larger size of the blanket also shields a baby from the elements while they’re in the car seat or a stroller, and the blanket can also be used to cover a parent that is breastfeeding in public.
By keeping the size of the blanket the same, parents can purchase and be sure to always have the right size at hand both in the home and on the go.
Are flannel blankets the same as receiving blankets?
No, flannel blankets and receiving blankets are not the same. Flannel blankets are usually larger and thicker than receiving blankets, which are thinner and lighter. Receiving blankets are typically used to wrap around babies instead of covering them, while flannel blankets are used to cover sleeping people or furniture.
Flannel material in general is known for its soft and cozy feel, so flannel blankets are commonly used for snuggling or providing warmth. Receiving blankets, on the other hand, are typically made from materials like muslin or cotton, which are light and breathable.
Receiving blankets are also often used for swaddling infants since they are thin and can be easily secured.
Can I use a muslin blanket as a receiving blanket?
Yes, you can definitely use a muslin blanket as a receiving blanket. Muslin is a lightweight, breathable fabric, which makes it an ideal choice for swaddling and cuddling baby. It is lightweight and soft so it is gentle against baby’s sensitive skin.
The fabric is also a bit stretchy, which allows you to wrap your baby securely while still providing a comfortable level of support and snugness. In addition, muslin is absorbent and breathable, so if there are a few spills or baby drools, it will help keep baby dry and comfortable.
Muslin blankets can be machine washed easily, are wrinkle resistant, and they dry quickly. Therefore, they offer the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and practicality that makes them an ideal choice for receiving blankets.
How many receiving blankets does a newborn need?
A newborn baby will typically need between three to five receiving blankets. However, the exact number will depend on a number of factors. The number of blankets can vary based on the size of the family, the season, the climate where you live, how often you do the laundry, and the size of your baby.
Generally speaking, it’s best to have at least 3-4 receiving blankets on hand for your newborn. Receiving blankets are incredibly versatile and can be used for swaddling, keeping your baby warm, using as a nursing cover, protecting a car seat from drool, and even as a light summer blanket in warm months.
If you’re looking for more specific blanket counts, in a small family in the summer months with a 6-month old baby, having 8 blankets on hand will generally be enough. For a colder climate in the winter months with a newborn, 18-20 blankets could be necessary.
Ultimately, the number of receiving blankets you need to have on hand for your newborn baby will depend on their needs and how often you plan to do laundry.
How big is a flannel baby blanket?
Flannel baby blankets come in a variety of sizes, ranging from the smallest 0-6 months blankets measuring 24” x 34”, to crib blankets at 36” x 48” and even larger blankets, such as those intended for a toddler or young child, measuring 45” x 60”.
You can also find different sizes of pre-cut flannel fabric available, such as 30” x 30” and 42” x 34”, to create just the right size baby blanket for your needs. When making a flannel baby blanket with pre-cut fabric, you usually make two pieces, then sew them together, with enough extra fabric for a border.