12.18.2008

Crafts for the Craft Challenged: Tie Blanket

This year, in an effort to be thoughtful and frugal, I decided to make tie blankets for my nieces' and nephews' Christmas gifts. What you must understand about me is that I am terrified of sewing machines (I was sternly warned to stay away from my mother's as a child and I think it put an unnatural fear in me). So, the only blankets I know how to make involve no thread at all.

Thus, the tie blanket. You tie it together. I KNOW.


So, here is my first attempt at a pictorial lesson. Indulge me.

You will need:

- 2 same size pieces of fleece - I vary the size of the blanket on the size of the person. Also, I like to use a pattern on one side and a solid on the other

- Pins

- Very sharp scissors

- A large area to spread out the fleece. I've found a made bed works well, or a large piece of cardboard.

- A glass of white wine, so if you spill it on the blanket it won't stain. Red is okay if it's in a sippy cup.

Step 1: Lay the pieces of fleece on top of each other. If you're using a pattern, make sure the nice side is facing out. Smooth the fleece out and even the edges.














Step 2: Pin the fleece together at 6 inch or so intervals, whatever you need to keep everything together.














Step 3: On the edges, cut 1 inch wide, 4-6 inch long (depending on how fringe-y you want the blanket) strips. Go all the way around.














It'll look all fancy like this:



















Step 4: Cut squares out at the corners, about 4"x4". You'll understand why when you tie.


Step 5: Start tying knots. Be careful not to skip pieces. Keep tying till you can't tie no more. Literally, not figuratively.


















It'll look like this. A little bunchy.



Step 6: Gently pull the bunchy out. You might hear a little ripping sound. If its from the fabric, don't worry. If it's NOT from the fabric, drink more wine, you probably need it.



Step 7: Stand back and bask in the glory of your domesticity.

2 comments:

the story of my life... said...

You are awesome!! I can't believe how much we are the same!! Matthew has a blanket like that unade in the closet pinned but I gave up...
until today!!

Heather D said...

Glad you picked it up again! I still have a bunch pinned in the closet for when I have free time. HA HA HA.