My Experience With Making Tie Blankets

I have always enjoyed making blankets for myself and my loved ones. One of my favorite types of blankets to make is a tie blanket. They are easy to make, require minimal sewing skills, and can be customized with any fabric pattern or color. However, one of the biggest challenges I faced when making tie blankets was figuring out how much material I needed. After some trial and error, I have finally found the perfect formula for determining the right amount of material for a perfect tie blanket.

How Much Material for a Tie Blanket?

The amount of material you need for a tie blanket depends on the size of the blanket you want to make. If you want to make a small lap blanket, you will need less material than if you want to make a full-sized bed blanket. As a general rule of thumb, you will need two pieces of fabric that are the same size and can be tied together to create the blanket.

Formula for Determining Material Amount:

(Length of Blanket + 4 inches) x (Width of Blanket + 4 inches) = Total Square Inches of Fabric Needed

For example, if you want to make a twin-sized blanket that is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, you would use the following formula:

(80 + 4) x (60 + 4) = 5,040 square inches of fabric needed

You will need two pieces of fabric that are each 60 inches x 80 inches, which equals 9,600 square inches of fabric. Therefore, you will need just over half a yard of fabric that is 60 inches wide to make one blanket.

Step-by-Step Guide for Making a Tie Blanket

1. Choose two pieces of fabric that are the same size and can be tied together. You can use any type of fabric, but fleece and flannel are popular choices.

2. Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other with the right sides facing each other.

3. Cut off any excess fabric so that both pieces are the same size.

4. Cut 1-inch-wide strips around all four edges of the fabric, making sure that the strips are the same size on each side. The strips should be about 4 inches long.

5. Tie each strip together in a knot, making sure that the knots are tight and secure.

6. Continue tying the strips together around the entire blanket until all of the edges are tied.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Making a Tie Blanket

Choose two fabrics that complement each other in color and pattern.
Use a rotary cutter and mat to cut the strips instead of scissors.
Make sure to tie the knots tightly so that the blanket stays together after washing.
Use a decorative stitch on your sewing machine to sew around the edges of the blanket for extra stability.
Make a smaller version of the blanket as a lap blanket or baby blanket.
Use a solid color fabric on one side and a patterned fabric on the other for a reversible blanket.
Add embellishments such as pom-poms or tassels to the corners of the blanket.
Use a flannel or minky fabric for a super cozy blanket.
Make a tie blanket as a gift for a friend or family member.
Experiment with different knot styles for a unique look.

Pros and Cons of Making a Tie Blanket

Pros:

Easy to make, even for beginners
Requires minimal sewing skills
Customizable with any fabric pattern or color
Can be made in any size
Great for gifts or personal use

Cons:

Not as durable as a professionally sewn blanket
May not hold up as well after washing
Knots may come undone over time
May require more fabric than a sewn blanket

FAQs

Q: Can I use any type of fabric for a tie blanket?

A: Yes, you can use any type of fabric for a tie blanket. However, fleece and flannel are popular choices because they are soft and cozy.

Q: Do I need to sew the edges of the blanket before tying the strips together?

A: No, you do not need to sew the edges of the blanket before tying the strips together. However, you can use a decorative stitch on your sewing machine to sew around the edges for extra stability.

Q: How do I care for a tie blanket?

A: Tie blankets can be machine washed and dried. However, make sure to tie the knots tightly so that they do not come undone in the wash.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

I absolutely love making tie blankets. They are easy to make, require minimal sewing skills, and can be customized with any fabric pattern or color. However, I have found that they are not as durable as professionally sewn blankets and may not hold up as well after washing. That being said, tie blankets are great for personal use or as gifts for friends and family. I would highly recommend trying your hand at making a tie blanket if you have not already!