Chances are if you’re a quilter, the world “blanket” isn’t necessarily one you like. This is one of those instances when this is an actual blanket, and not a quilt being called a blanket. 🙂 I first saw my friend Kristen make a blanket out of knit and minky at a quilt retreat about 2 years ago. I thought she was super brave and there was no way I’d ever be willing to try sewing with such finnicky and stretchy fabric. Fast forward 2 years and it’s funny how that has changed! I’ve become more brave with trying new things and not just sticking to quilts.
To make your own knit + minky blanket, you’ll need:
1 1/2 – 2 yards of stretch knit
1 1/2 – 2 yards of minky
a jersey needle
a walking foot
lots of pins
patience
I used a glorious knit from Riley Blake as well as Riley Blake minky and let me tell you, this is the softest knit and minky in the history of ever. My knit comes from the Under the cCnopy collection by Citrus Mint Designs. In case you didn’t know (I didn’t), Riley Blake makes Designer Knits out of select prints from their collections!!! They are so cute and such a fun way to use some favorite prints in a different way.
When you purchase your fabric, make sure you buy the same quantity of the knit as you do of the minky. I did 1.5 yards and ended up with a square about 54″, but if you wanted a rectangle, use 2 yards!
The most non-negotiable thing you need is a jersey needle. I tried sewing with a regular needle and it was NOT pretty. Take the time to head to your local fabric store and buy a package of needles. You will spend less time unpicking than it will take you to do that. Trust me on that one.
Place the right sides of the knit and minky together and profusely pin around the edge. Leave a 10″ hole in one end. Sew using a 1/2″ seam all around the edge, except for your 10″ hole.
Flip the blanket right sides out, then pin the hole closed. You will then topstitch around the edge of the entire perimeter.
That’s it! You’re done! This particular blanket is destined to be a teacher gift for my son’s awesome 2nd grade teacher. I think I see more of these as gifts in my future. I love the ability to make something warm and snuggly without going to the huge time commitment of making a quilt! What’s your go-to teacher gift??
