These tied fleece blankets are really fun to put together and are great to give as gifts. I made them years ago and when I recently saw fleece blankets on sale, I thought I would refresh my memory and give them a try again. These blankets are so versatile. You can find fleece in almost any color or pattern, so you can personalize the blanket for whoever you are giving it to.
I found fleece pieces that were already pre-cut to 50″ x 60″. They had a finished edging on them, but I just cut the edging off and was able to remove it easily. If you want to pick out your own fleece at a fabric store, you will need about 1 to 1 1/4 yards of each (usually a patterned print and a solid).
- Spread out and lay the two pieces of fleece with the wrong sides together. You can tell the wrong side usually looks more faded.
2. When the fabric is together (make sure to smooth out any creases) trim any excess fabric as necessary so the blanket is the same size on all sides. It is SO important to have very sharp scissors to cut the fleece for this project. Fiskars makes great soft grip razor sharp scissors that work really well for cutting fleece.
3. Cut out a square approximately 4 1/2 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches long from each corner of the fabric. The pictures below show a square that size with one inch lines drawn in black marker (which you will need for measuring the next step of the blanket). The reason for cutting out the fabric from the corners is to help prevent bunching of the material and to make tying easier.
4. Next, pick one side to start on and cut out slits (like a fringe) 4 1/2 inches long by 1 inch wide. Make a square out of a heavy paper that is pre-measured (like I show below). This will help be a quick guide as you are making your cuts along the fabric.
Note: I like to cut and knot one side at a time, but it is all a personal preference. You can cut the entire blanket first and then knot it or do one side at a time. Either way works just as well. Sometimes my hands get tired of cutting, so I prefer to change it up a little 🙂 Also, be sure that if you are not going to finish the blanket in one sitting, you have it in a safe place where it can stay until you can finish it. It is NOT easy to move the blanket once you have it cut and started.
5. Begin tying the knots. I prefer to do a specific type of knot versus just tying the pieces together because I think it gives the blanket a more finished, cleaner look. I have included some pictures below to help show how I knot my blankets.
6. Once you get into a groove with tying, the blanket can be finished pretty quickly. I was able to fully complete this blanket in just under 2 hours!
Finished!! The blanket is machine washable and I have never had a problem with the ties coming apart. Make sure to wash it on a gentle cycle. Then put it in the dryer for a few minutes and then let hang dry.
