I will continue to distribute blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing and food on a regular basis, in the hope that my modest efforts will give some comfort to those people we are able help.
Mohamed Al-Fayed
Do you sometimes find yourself in need of a quick baby gift but you don't have the time to make a quilt? This is a simple project that can be made in any size you want. It can be a doll quilt, a baby quilt or like this one a blanket to cover the top of a NICU bed to shield the preemie baby from the harsh lights.
It looks a little strange when you cut it out and are sewing it because the back is so much larger than the front. This is because the back wraps around to the front side to become a faux binding or edge. Once you make one the method will make more sense to you and you will want to make several to keep on hand or donate.
For this small NICU blanket a 25" square of backing was cut and a 15" square for the front. Use the formula in the picture above to figure out your sizes to cut. You may want to make one as big as possible with the yardage you have. For example if you have a piece of flannel that you can cut a 42" square from this would be your back. Decide how much of an edge you want to have. A 10" difference will leave an edge of about 2.25". If that is what you want then with 1/4" seam allowance the center would be a 32" square.
Match the centers of each side of the backing and front right sides together and pin. Do two opposites, sew them then pin and sew the two remaining opposite sides.
Place a pin 1/4" away from the edge of the front.
You must begin and end your sewing at this point
to leave the last 1/4" free to miter the corners.
Leave an opening of 4" - 5" along one side for turning later.
It will look a little strange with big dog ears at each corner after the first four seams are done. DO NOT TURN it right side out yet! Flatten the blanket and center the front making sure each seam is an equal distance from the edge.
Align the outer corners as pictured below.
Press a crease along the 45 degree angle on both sides of each corner as pictured below.
Pin carefully aligning these creases at each corner.
Stitch along the crease at all four corners. Begin and end your stitching about one stitch length away from the intersection and the edge of the corner. Be sure to backstitch a couple of stitches at the beginning and end of each seam so it can't come out.
Trim seam. Press these seams open.
NOW turn it right side out through the opening
you left in one of the long seams.
Flatten blanket and smooth it out to get the same amount of backing showing at each side. Pin the opening closed. Press.
Stitch along the seam allowance all the way around. This will close the opening and you can use a decorative stitch here if you wish. Contrasting thread would be a nice accent it too.
Finished Flannel Blanket
Isn't it cute?
That's all there is to it! Let me know if you use this tutorial to make some blankets. If you wish to make some to donate to a NICU check with them first about what size they would prefer. This one finished at about 19 1/2" square. They can be rectangles too you just have to start with 2 proportioned rectangles.
