How to Make Fleece Blankets

Creating diy fleece blanket is an enjoyable and practical activity perfect for all skill levels. These soft and cozy blankets make wonderful gifts, home accessories, or charitable donations, and the process to make them is both simple and rewarding. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can craft a customized blanket that reflects your style while providing warmth and comfort.

Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking for an easy project, making fleece blankets is a fun and satisfying endeavor. This guide will walk you through how to make fleece blankets effectively and with minimal effort.

Types of Fleece Blanket Projects

Fleece blanket projects come in a variety of styles, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs and skill level. Here are some popular types:

No-Sew Fleece Blankets 

  This is the simplest and most popular type of fleece blanket project, perfect for beginners. By tying knots along the edges of two layers of fleece fabric, you can create a cozy and stylish blanket without any sewing required. 

Sewn Edge Fleece Blankets 

  For those with basic sewing skills, adding a stitched edge can give your fleece blanket a polished and professional look. You can use decorative stitching techniques to enhance the design and ensure durability. 

Fleece Quilts 

  A fleece quilt involves combining multiple fleece squares into one large blanket. This project is perfect for creating a unique patchwork design and allows for endless customization options using different colors and patterns. 

Themed Fleece Blankets 

  These blankets are great for personalizing gifts or creating something special for yourself. Use fleece featuring your favorite sports team, movie characters, or seasonal designs to make your blanket stand out. 

Weighted Fleece Blankets 

  Incorporating weighted materials into a fleece blanket is a functional and comforting project. These blankets are ideal for relaxation and can help alleviate stress while providing warmth. 

Each of these projects offers an opportunity to experiment with various techniques and designs, making fleece blanket crafting a creative and enjoyable activity.

Benefits of Making Your Own 

Creating your own fleece blankets comes with numerous benefits that go beyond just having a warm and cozy throw. Firstly, it allows you to tailor the design, size, and color to perfectly suit your personal preferences or home décor. Secondly, handmade blankets often hold sentimental value, making them wonderful gifts for loved ones.

Additionally, crafting your own blankets can be a relaxing and therapeutic process, allowing you to express creativity while engaging in a hands-on activity. Lastly, making your own fleece blankets can be cost-effective, as you can control the quality and quantity of materials used, ensuring a durable and high-quality finished product.

10 Methods How to Make Fleece Blankets

1. The Classic No-Sew Tied Fringe Method

One of the most popular and beginner-friendly ways to make a fleece blanket is the no-sew tied fringe method, which combines creativity with simplicity. Start by selecting two coordinating fleece fabrics—typically 1 to 2 yards each, depending on your desired blanket size.

Lay the fabrics on top of each other, right sides facing outward, and trim them so they match evenly. Cut out a 4×4 inch square from each corner, then proceed to cut fringe around all four edges—typically strips that are 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. Tie each top and bottom fringe piece together with a double knot.

This method not only secures the two layers but also adds a soft decorative edge that’s charming and cozy. It’s perfect for gifts, children’s blankets, or quick comfort projects.

2. The Sewn Hemmed Edge Blanket

For a polished and clean finish, consider sewing a hem around your fleece blanket. Begin by folding each edge of your fleece over about half an inch, and then folding it again to encase the raw edge. Pin or clip the folds in place, then use a sewing machine to stitch along the folded edge using a straight or zigzag stitch.

This method ensures the edges won’t fray and gives the blanket a more professional appearance. It’s ideal for adult throws or when giving a handmade fleece blanket as a more refined gift. Choose thread colors that match or contrast for a decorative element.

3. Double-Layer Sewn Blanket with Turned Edges

If you prefer the durability and warmth of a two-layer fleece blanket but want to avoid fringe, the turned-edge sewing method is an excellent choice. Lay two fleece pieces right sides together, stitch around the perimeter leaving a 6-inch gap, and then turn the blanket right side out through that gap.

Once turned, hand-stitch or machine stitch the opening closed, and optionally top-stitch around the entire edge for a crisp finish. This method creates a reversible, smooth-edged fleece blanket that feels luxurious and is great for cooler climates.

4. Corner-Pocket Fleece Blanket

Adding a corner pocket to your fleece blanket is a functional and fun option, especially useful for wrapping around your shoulders or tucking in your feet.

Start with a large rectangle of fleece for the main blanket and a smaller square or triangle for the pocket. Sew the pocket onto one corner of the main blanket, hemming or serging the edges first for durability. This is particularly great for travel blankets or gifts for people who like extra coziness during chilly evenings. Choose a contrasting color or printed fleece for the pocket to add visual interest.

5. Appliqué and Embellished Fleece Blankets

For those looking to personalize their fleece blanket, adding appliqués or embellishments is an artistic method. Start with a basic single-layer fleece base and cut shapes, letters, or patterns out of scrap fleece or felt. Sew these decorative pieces onto the main blanket using a tight zigzag stitch or hand embroidery techniques. You can add names, animals, stars, or sports themes—whatever suits your style or the recipient’s interests. This method turns a basic blanket into a customized, heartfelt creation, ideal for baby showers, holidays, or keepsakes.

6. Serger-Finished Edge Method

If you own a serger (overlock machine), making fleece blankets becomes both efficient and elegant. A serger trims and encloses the fabric edge simultaneously, giving you a tidy, stretchy edge finish that won’t fray.

Simply cut your fleece to the desired dimensions and serge around the edges, optionally rounding the corners to make sewing smoother. You can use matching or contrasting thread for design flair. This method is fast and produces a modern, professional look suitable for any recipient.

7. Blanket-Stitched Edging by Hand

For a rustic, handcrafted touch, consider finishing your fleece blanket with a blanket stitch by hand. Fold the edge over once or leave it raw, and then use embroidery floss or yarn to hand-stitch around the entire perimeter. Blanket stitching not only reinforces the edges but also provides a decorative flair reminiscent of traditional quilting or heirloom crafts. This method takes time but can be very meditative and is perfect for creating a handmade treasure with vintage charm.

8. Braided Edge Fleece Blanket

A braided edge fleece blanket is another no-sew method that offers a stylish twist on the classic fringe. After cutting out a border and fringe similar to the tied fringe method, you’ll make a small slit in each strip near the base. Then, looping one fringe through the next all the way around the blanket, you create a chain-like braided appearance.

This method looks particularly neat and adds an extra layer of detail that elevates the entire piece. It’s a great option when you want a tidy finish but don’t have access to a sewing machine.

9. Quilted Look Fleece Blanket

To give your fleece blanket a quilted look and prevent shifting in double layers, sew through the fabric at regular intervals. Begin by pinning or clipping two layers of fleece together, then use your sewing machine to stitch lines across the blanket in a grid or diagonal pattern.

This quilting effect not only keeps the layers in place but also adds a beautiful texture and feel. You can stitch in contrasting thread for added decoration or keep it subtle with matching tones. It’s great for extra warmth and for making heavier, bed-sized fleece blankets.

10. Baby Lovey or Mini Fleece Blanket

Sometimes a smaller project is just as impactful as a large one. Making a baby lovey—a small fleece comfort blanket—is an excellent way to use scrap pieces and create a meaningful gift. Cut your fleece into a small square or rectangle (typically around 12×12 to 18×18 inches) and finish it using any of the above methods: sewn edges, serged trim, or tied fringe.

You can even add soft ribbons, tags, or plush animal heads to the corners for extra sensory play. These mini blankets are cherished by babies and toddlers and are easy to wash and carry around.

Conclusion

Whether you’re working with a sewing machine, a serger, or just a pair of scissors, fleece blankets are one of the easiest and most satisfying projects to create. Their soft texture, warmth, and versatility make them ideal for gifts, home décor, and comfort. So, there you have it – a quick and easy guide on how to make fleece blankets.