Wrapped in Love, better known as Self-Binding Blankets

One of my favorite fabric stores had the cutest baby blankets on display. On closer inspection I figured out that the blanket back was wrapped to the front to form a border. How was this done? I had to buy the instructions. Once I figured out they were pretty easy to make, I had to teach everyone else how to make them too.

While I was in St. Louis with Chris, Lacy and family, I learned that Colter didn't have but one flannel blanket. So, I made several for him my last day there. And, since every baby deserves a cuddly blanket, here goes:

Materials needed for one 35" x 35" blanket.

1 1/4 yd fabric for blanket back
1 yd fabric for blanket front

1. Cut fabric for blanket back: 40" x 40" square
2. Cut fabric for blanket front: 30" x 30" square.

3. Mark the center of each side of both fabric pieces with a small clip.

4. With right sides together, match the center notches of the two pieces of fabric.

The ends won't match, because remember that one piece is smaller than the other.

5. Sew all four sides, matching up center notches. I use a 1/2" seam allowance. Whatever seam allowance you use, sew to within that allowance of the end. (Ex: if using 1/2" seam allowance, sew to 1/2" of end.) Leave a 6" to 8" opening for turning in one of the sides.

If you do this right, the seams will meet up with the corners of the blanket back hanging out.

6. the next part is the trickiest part. Fold each corner of the blanket so that the seams are lined up on top of each other. The corners will fold into a triangle. This photo shows the stitching, but imagine it without the stitching.

7. Using a ruler or other straight-edge, line it up with the blanket edge across the corner triangle. Mark this line. Repeat for each corner.

8. Sew on the line you've marked, from the side seams to the opposite edge.

9. Clip the corners and turn through the side opening.

10. The best part: once you've turned the blanket, it should naturally open to it's completed shape, borders and all. Press the blanket and even out the borders as you go. Press the raw edges of the opening under. Pin the entire border in place.

11. Sew the border in place along the seam, closing the turning opening.

That's it! Wrap around the baby and enjoy.

Colter's new blankets, in different colors and weights.

My darling Colter, who loves being cuddled in his new blankets.

Once you understand the technique, you can be creative and vary the sizes. Basically, the blanket back is cut larger than the blanket front by double the size of the desired border width (plus seam allowances). A 10" difference creates a 2 1/2" border.

You can use any combination of fabrics, assuming they can be washed together. I always pre-wash my fabrics (before cutting) so I won't have to worry about uneven shrinkage.

I've used pre-quilted fabrics on the back (the blue gingham in the photos), which makes a nice padded blanket. Using two layers of cotton makes a nice summer weight blanket, while layers of flannel makes a slightly heavier warmer blanket. You can also add an additional layer of fabric between the two layers for more padding.

I would love to see your creations! Please share.