Fleece blankets

[SmilieFace]

What's the best way to make a fleece blanket? I'm not wanting a no-sew/tie blanket, and I don't have a serger (with me). I'm interested in finding directions for one layer of fleece. (I found some directions for two layers -- just sew together and then turn.) Can anyone help?

ETA: Oh, I found some instructions for using a blanket stitch with yarn, but I don't want to hand sew that much! Is there another way?

[momquilts]

Fleece doesn't fray so just trim the selvage off and use it. Or trim with a wavy blade in the rotary cutter. Not sure what type of finish you're looking for.

[kaitlinnegan]

You can just turn the edges under and zigzag to catch the cut edge of the fleece, but there really isn't a need to finish the edges of polar fleece - it's just decorative. You could try out some fancy stitches on a scrap and see if you like any of those, either on the turned under edge or on the raw edge.

Or, do you have one of the fancier fleeces, like minky or something like that? Those might need finishing.

[bridesmom]

I've seen some really nice ones, where you take 2 layers of fleece, square them up, cut about 6" of fringe, approx 1 1/2" wide and knot the 4 pieces together, makes a really nice blanket.
Here's a link http://www.craftelf.com/Craft_elf_general_no_sew_fleece_blanket.htm

[MartySews2]

I sew all of my fleece blankets on my serger. Before I had a serger, I just used pinking shears to cut the edges (removing the selvedge) & a decorative stitch from my machine with embroidery thread. It made a nice finish but my hands were sore from using the pinking shears.
Marty

[Mom of Six]

I did some 1 layer ones like that you sew a 3" hem Then cut the corner like you would if tying (cut out a 3"square), Then cut into the hem up to about 1/8 inch from the stitching about 1/2" apart. this should make loops all the way around. then you pull them inside each other going all the way around. This leaves a braided edge. I will try to find a picture & post it for you. If you ever made the loom potholders as a kid the edge looks like the edge on those.
this is the only picture I can find right now
http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n159 ... 002071.jpg
Here is a web site with other ideas
http://www.linusidaho.org/finishafleeceblanket.htm

[lendube]

I made two tied blankets for this Xmas. They turned out fine. I've also just used the "blanket stitch" on my machine. Try it with a wooley nylon and a topstitch needle if that will work. I just set the stitch for the longest possible and it looked very nice.

[sewingmom]

I just remembered two fleeze blankets I made for my tall dgs's. I sewed a double layer border around the edges of a single layer blanket. I made them extra long and the boys really liked them. The double layer border made them look professonaly made. Just cut your border fabric 2wice as wide as you want it and sandwhich the edge of your blanket between the edges of your fleece border then machine stitch. I think I used 2 rows of stitching. You could use a double needle and make it extra nice. Just be sure which side of the blanket is the wrong side before you start stitching because the back side will looke like a serged stitcha dn the top will loke like a coverlocked stitch from the top side.

[SmilieFace]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I didn't know if the fleece would look too plain if I just left an unfinished edge. Barb, I love the site you posted: it has a lot of great ideas.

This was actually for a fleece blanket for my sister. After all this searching, she decided she wanted to do a no-sew blanket. We spent a while lining up the fabric, cutting fringes, and knotting it. Fun times.

[Shellymoon]

I do mine on the serger with the thickest wooly nylon thread I can find and use the rolled hem or picot edge trim. They look really nice. I did several for Christmas like this. Be sure to put a little seam sealant on the corners so it won't unravel. And you're done!