Friday, September 23, 2011

Easy No Sew Fleece Blanket Edging

What a week I have had – some good and some not so good.  How about I start with the good.
I think I mentioned the Joann’s fabric store in Grand Island, NE. is having a liquidation sale as they are opening a new store in another location in town and I guess they are not moving any of the merchandise from the old store to the new one so they have had very good sales going on.  I purchased the anti-pill fleece in 2 yard segments to make single layer throws for my daughters, sons in law and grand children – 8 in all.  I didn’t want the throws to get too heavy so that is why I only used one layer for each.

IMG_4664
I found directions on the internet for making the throws without the knots you usually see.  This edging looks more like a woven or crocheted edge.  I pretty much followed the directions on Pieces By Polly blog with a few changes of my own to make the 8 throws.
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Here are the step by step photos and directions I used to make them.  I purchased Anit-Pill Fleece in 2 yard cuts…wanted the throws to be able to be washed and dried without getting pills which make fleece ugly and not so cozy.

Step 1  I trimmed the selvages off and straightened the ends.  This part is not difficult as they don’t have to be perfect rectangles.  The fabric always is wiggly so who is going to know if it is a llittle off square one way or another.
 IMG_4536
 Step 2 - Cut 1” slits around the entire edge and a 2” square out of each corner.  The 1” cuts are 2” deep.  I stuck a piece of painters tape 2” in from the edges of the fleece, laid the straight edge of the fleece on one of the lines of my cutting mat then used the rotary cutter to eyeball cutting every inch.  If it did not come out even in 1” increments I eyeballed to the end of where I IMG_4537was cutting and either added a little to each 1” fringe or subtracted a little so I wouldn’t have a really skinny or really fat strip at the corners.  I did cut through 2 layers at a time and it was no problem to keep my cuts even.  The tape really helped and cutting into it a little at times didn’t dull the rotary cutter like hitting the edge of a ruler would.  I cut the corners out with a scissors to avoid overcutting into the side strips.

After this step is done the rest could be finished sitting in my favorite chair and watching TV,  listening to music or an audio book.  These fleece throws are so easy even kids can do the edge treatment but would do the fringe cutting for them to keep them safe from those sharp rotary blades.  How about making a Christmas gift for grandparents or in my case I have gifts for my family for Christmas….OK, now on to the finishing of the edge treatment.
IMG_4539 
Step 3  Cut a small slit about 1/2” to 3/4” from the end of each strip with a scissors.  These small clips into the fleece are only about 3/8” long.  As you can see in the photo I just folded over the end and snipped to get the slit I needed.




IMG_4541
I had a large crochet hook to use for the next step.  It is a size N but the size isn’t important, just need something that it will go through the slits I cut and be able to grab the next strip and pull it through.  The original web page had them using a looped paper clip  or wire for this step.  Check out the photos on that page.

Step 4  Starting in the center of one long side the crochet hook is slipped through the slit of one strip and into the one next in line. ( I am a left handed person so I am working from left to right – if you are a right handed person you will be going from right to left.  If you can’t figure it out check out the photos from the blog I learned this from here.  I was going to photograph it for right handed people but decided no, I am always having to transpose everything for myself from right handed directions so this time right handers would have to transpose and  I would just show how I did it.  If it were a complicated procedure I would have made it easy but since it is really pretty simple and self explanatory through the photos it stays left handed.)

The second strip is pulled through the slit of the first one and now the second one is on the crochet hook.  Next put the crochet hook through the slit in the next strip and pull it through….keep doing this all around the throw until you only have one strip left.
IMG_4548Step 5 The corners are treated no differently than the sides.  As the strips are pulled through and around the corners you will get a rounding of the corner and can keep going along the next side.  No fancy stuff just the same thing you have been doing on the sides. 
Step 6  The last strip is cut in half to make two smaller strips.  Cut a slit in the first strip close to the body of the throw and pull one of the half strips through that slit from the back then hook the other small strip and pull it through the last one you hooked as you worked around the throw.
  IMG_4549 IMG_4550
Tie the two smaller strips together in a double knot and try to hide it under the back if you can.  I had trouble with this part and decided if the knot showed a little that was OK.  The ending is the only place where you have a small knot.  If you have ever used those other kind of throws made with two layers and knotted fringe you know how uncomfortable it is to lay on those huge knots.  With this edge the only knot is small and hopefully pretty invisible and not lumpy to lay on. 
IMG_4551 IMG_4554
Notice how nice the edges look plus it looks so fancy but now you know how easy it is to achieve.  IMG_4630I have all 8 throws finished now and ready to wrap for Christmas.  This is the earliest I have ever gotten a gift made for Christmas so I am thrilled.  They were so simple to make and the edges finished off so quickly.  Isn’t this a pretty stack of finished throws?  If you have any questions or don’t understand just leave a comment and I will try to answer.

The bad part of my week went like this …read on if you are interested.  John and I were going to take a few days vacation to see parts of western Nebraska this week.  We left home on Tuesday – my birthday - and headed west.  I had woken that morning with a stiff neck but it wasn’t too bad so just took some Advil and went on our merry way.  Had a great dinner at Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse in Paxton and found a motel at Ogallala – feeling good but still a little stiff neck. 

To hopefully make a long story shorter I woke during the night with Charlie Horse like muscle seizures  in the muscles on the right side of my neck.  If I moved or flinched or maybe did nothing it would cramp up and be very painful.  This kept up the rest of the night off and on into the morning.  We decided I sure would not be able to enjoy any part of the trip so headed home.  I can tell you that every bump the car drove over for the 3 1/2 hours home caused the muscles to seize and finally seeing our home approach was a welcome sight. 

Luckily I could get into my chiropractor right away and he used an electronic gizmo that I will call electric acupuncture to put a little electric current into the muscle to make it relax.  Here is a description of it in Wikipedia here.  There are no needles and I didn’t even feel the current but it made those cramping muscles relax then he could do a little adjustment to help.  I am using ice on the neck now to reduce the swelling and plan to see him in a few days to get the rest of the kinks worked out.  My neck is still pretty sore but no more spasms.  Yippee!

With harvest starting next week we will have to put off our trip until after we are done or another time.  We don’t want to do it in the winter as it is just to cold to enjoy the places we wanted to stop and explore.  We had planned to see  Lake McConaughey, Chimney Rock, Scottsbluff National Monument, Agate Falls National Park, Wineries in Western Nebraska plus what ever the notion hit us that would be interesting.  It was a big disappointment not to be able to go on but would have been torture for me.  This was to be a relaxing, go where and when we wanted kind of trip for a few days.

I am much better now and look forward to getting all straightened out by the first of the week. The soreness is already going away so that is another positive thing.   I will be driving the tractor and grain cart soon so need to be in tip top shape for that.

This post is from the blog, Nebraska Views. If you are not currently reading this via e-mail or an RSS feed, then this post has been stolen or scraped from the Nebraska Views blog.  Stolen content can be reported HERE .” 

Until Later,
Lynn

91 comments:

Huskerbabe said...

I'm so sorry that you had such a sore neck. It's amazing how miserable it can be. I could have recommended a great chiro here in Ogallala.

Hope you get to tour this part of the state soon. When you come make sure you hit Toadstool Park, we loved it.

Betty Lou said...

Wonderful tutorial, so much better than the tied strips. Good for charity quilts.

Debbie said...

Really great idea. Glad you are feeling better. Those neck problems affect your entire well being. Thanks for the tutorial. Well done.

Unknown said...

I really like this edging better! I never make these cuz I dont like the edging. My kids always pull them, and stretch them out. (Grama likes to make them) so I would make one like this.

Polly @ Pieces by Polly said...

I just cut the fringe for making another two of these tonight...stadium blankets for football games. Love the idea of the crochet hook...if only I had one. Thanks for linking to my post.

Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva said...

What a super neat idea. I hadn't seen this finishing technique before. I really like it, and will have to try it out.
~Kimberlee

Audrey said...

Great finishing technique. Looks like it would be a great one to do on projects!
www.oneshoeparenting.blogspot.com

http://thankfullga447 said...

Sorry about your neck and thanks for the tutorial, Christmas presents done. I live in Omaha, NE. Great new LQS on Pacific at Countryside Village.
The store is More Sew For You.

Regina said...

This is great - since those knotted ones are nearly always 2 layers and sometimes just too thick and heavy... and so often I find a fleece I love but can't find a good coordinate. I think I need a trip to the store now!

Featheronawire Sally Bramald said...

I've just discovered the joy of Ibuprofen gell....
Love the tutorial.

Mihills Family Blog said...

I've just seen this post. I like to make these fleece blankets for my grandkids, but I always use 2 patterns of fleece and then tie them the usual way. I have two questions about your method. Wouldn't they have a tendency to come undone eventually...especially after washing? And since I do like to use 2 layers, could I still use this method?

Thanks!

Becky said...

I am a new follower. My husband and I split time between Missouri and Idaho, so when I saw you were from Nebraska I thought "hey, I drive through there often." You are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country!
Thanks for your tutorial for this new type of edging on fleece blankets. I was getting tired of the tied kind, and I have no creativity at all :) so thanks!

Kaylyn said...

That is a great way to finish off a fleece blanket. It looks so pretty. Thanks for the directions.

Jennibell said...

I found this project in Pinterest and think my daughter will really enjoy making some this year.

Unknown said...

What an awesome tute! I'll have to try this one.
Thanks from a fellow Nebraskan.

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

This is so cool. I saw it on Pinterest. :o) Gonna follow your blog if you don't mind. Love making new blog friends. Nice to *meet* you.
xo
Kelli

Anonymous said...

Love this way of doing it. Never liked the tie-it method so never did it. BTW the electrical device you are referring to can be called a "tinz unit" i used to work at a chiro and loved hooking myself up to one to relaxing. it stimulates your muscles to stop spasming!

Kim Rosema said...

This is wonderful! I'd much rather do this than tie knots! Thanks for sharing!

Christine said...

Is is possible to do this with two pieces of fleece, rather than tying them together, could you make this pretty edge?

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

Gorgeous-thanks!!

VickiT said...

Actually, a TENS unit: transcutaneous nerve stimulation and it is truly a wonderful invention that has been around for many years!

Anonymous said...

I am curious as well about doing ths with two layers of fleece. If anyone has tried it,let me+ know how it worked out for you please!

Jennifer V said...

What a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing. I really want to try this now! I'm sure your grandchildren will love these cute blankets.

Stacey said...

For those of you who were asking about doing this with 2 different patterns of fleece...I made a blanket with this finish tonight using 2 different patterns. This finish looks like a braided edge and it turned out perfectly. Depending on the way you pull the next loop through, you can alter the color that shows up in the "braid". I plan on using this technique for several more blankets!

Jennifer @ Mom Spotted said...

My thing is that the knots come out after washings I can only imagine the issues this will cause when washing. Do they come completely fall apart?

Polly @ Pieces by Polly said...

Hey Lynn, just thought I'd let you know...this year I tried making double layer ones using the braided/crochet technique...and it works great. You can see my post about it here http://helpinglittlehands.blogspot.com/2011/11/double-layered-no-sew-braided-fleece.html

Lisa Pauls said...

I make double sided fleece's . Is this technique something that would work? It makes sense for one piece of fabric but what about two together?

Lynn said...

I am sorry I can not reply to some of you that leave comments - you have your settings set at "no reply" so there is no way I can email you back unless you leave me an email address or change your settings. I try to answer all the questions I get with a valid address.

To answer several "no reply" questions I personally have not made the fleece blankets with two layers but have heard from some commenters that they have used this method to join two layers, alternating the strips as they are woven.

Lynn

doodlydoo said...

Another Pinner here (and fellow Nebraskan). I'm looking forward to trying this method with my young daughters. I think I know what Daddy's getting for Christmas this year!

Susan V said...

Oh Thank you so much! Saw this on Pinterest and did a double layer blanket. Pulled the back color over the front color and 'crocheted' it, then flipped the blanket over and did the front color in the opposite direction. LOVE IT!! THank you!!!

Shannon said...

Thank you so much for this. I was planning on making a few throws for Christmas and then my sewing machine died so I found this at the most perfect time!

Tanya said...

Found this via Pinterest too~ fantastic idea for the leftover fleece I have from my son's superhero cape! Thanks for posting a great tutorial *and* for posting it left handed....so refreshing to finally look at something that looks exactly how I would do it :)

Lori Hinueber said...

LOVE it, so cool!

kbest5495 said...

I love this look...so much classier and finished. Will have to try soon. Thanks for the wonderful directions.

marie said...

Thanks so much for this great idea. I "make" a lot of fleece throws for gifts, but I've never seen this edge finish. Love it!!
I found it on Pinterest.

ArtfullyJune said...

Thanks for showing this - I love the finished look to the edge this way. I repinned to your post as I followed a pin to your main blog address.

خياطة وتفصيل said...

Method is simple and easy that Sagrb Thank you

Loretta said...

Thanks for sharing this!! My boy gets too hot with a tied blanket. I will definitely do this for him!!

Cynthia said...

I acquired 2 large garbage bags of fleece today, and looking on the web at all the fringed fleece blankets, I didn't really want to do that...I'm not a fan of it done with fleece. But finding YOUR tutorial with the fancy edging was just the ticket. And from one lefty to another, thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you SO much for this pattern! I am going to make my 2 grandsons, both graduating in May and going on to college, each one as a present. They both love to be warm, and this will be a little of grandma when they're away from home. Can't wait to get started - perhaps will make a larger one? They're both over 6' tall.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the new idea on how to finish a fleece blanket. I'm a little confused tho' as it looks like the blanket is only 1 layer of fleece. The "traditional" knotted blankets I have made used knots to attach/secure the 2 layers of fleece blanket together.

I like this idea as even folding the knotted ones is a pain how much room the knots take up. I just wasn't sure how this style was an alternative to knotted versions since if the blanket is only 1 layer, what are you knotting together?
thanks

Blue Star Vermont said...

Thank you so much for a wonderful way to finish a fleece blanket. As soon as I can take a break from sewing my aprons, I would love to try it. Would you like me to pin this to Pinterest with a link to your blog to spread good word of you there?

Dale said...

LOVE this finish for a fleece blanket. Best I've seen yet! Going to try this. Thanks so much for sharing!!

MJerzak said...

this is so cool!! thank you for teaching it!!!

fusionmom said...

This is so finished looking I love it. I can't wait to try it. Thank you for the very clear instructions.

Anonymous said...

thanks for the neat edging. found fleece for $1 a yard on clearance at our local wally-world. bought 40 yards to make throws for the kids at our local head-start center. hated the idea of tying all of them. also glad to see directions written from left-handed perspective!

Anonymous said...

perfect for a baby quilt as well instead of those uncomfortable knots...

Khris said...

I prefer the two layers of fleece...have you tried doing this technique with two pieces together? I have made heaps of the knotted ones and my family and friends LOVE them....thick, warm and cozy.

Jane said...

One more Pinner here... I'll try this technique! I have two cuts of fleece and was thinking that I wanted something different from the knotted finish. It's gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I made a 2 layered one tonight inspired by this tutorial. I had to go around the blanket twice but it worked perfectly. I started in the middle of a long side like the tutorial said but worked diagonally. I took a strip from the top and hooked it through the one on the bottom that was 1 to the right of the one below where I started. I am left handed so went from left to right so if you're right handed, I would imagine that you would loop it through the one to the left of the one below where you started. Anyway, i took the bottom one and looped it through the strip to the right of the one right above it. I continued that all the way around TWICE because I skipped one every time and then tied it as she instructed. :)

Anonymous said...

Dollar Stores sometimes carry them, so you don't have a pay an arm and a leg for one.

Anonymous said...

Just found this post on Pinterest. I cannot wait to try this. I am going to make them for my nephews. I am also a leftie so I have the same transposing problem!!! :-)

Humane Helpers' Helping Hearts said...

Does anyone think I could use these to make my dog beds?? I volunteer locally with my animal shelter and we have a Pet Adoption and Appreciation Day every Fall and Spring and we always try to find neat things for people to buy and help raise money.. I wasn't sure of this would hold the stuffing in the beds? It would be wonderful if it did because I am concerned that dogs will really like to chew the tassels left from the knotting.. sebing@hotmail.com

Lynn said...

I can not answer your email directly since it has a no-reply address. I don't think this would make a good finish for a dog bed as the loops would get caught in the dogs nails and they too would get chewed. I don't think it would hold stuffing either for that use. It probably would be better to just sew it up like you would a pillow. The fleece would be soft but you might want to make it like a pillowcase so it could be laundered too.
Lynn

dark autumn said...

This. Is the Cutest idea! I have made many blankets for people how need a pick-me-up or are fighting an illness, it always takes me so long to do a blanket stitch because I make my blankies BIG. This is an excellent and lovely alternative. Thank you for sharing this. I wish I was clever like this.

A Scrap of Time said...

Love this edge! I never cared for the hard knots around a super soft blanket. I will definitely be making these in the coming months!

Anonymous said...

JUST made a two layer fleece blanket for my "soon to be" great nephew using the knot method....UGH!! Wish I had found this tutorial two weeks ago! Darn it! But I will definitely be using this method in the future! :o)

Anonymous said...

can you use this method if you want a two layer fleece?

Stela Zambrano said...

Hermoso detalle

Stela Zambrano said...

Bien explicado el paso a paso, muchas gracias

SONIA MARIA said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SONIA MARIA said...

great

Jasmine breeze said...

Love the Idea

Anonymous said...

Hello from Germany! I absolutely love this idea and I'll have to go on a hunt for some fleece fabric now! I have a 9 month old son and I couldn't help but notice how much you don't get along with just two or three blankets, due to the frequently flying food and liquids.... lol, so I'll stock up on these awesome blankets and this idea really made my lazy bum happy.
A very belated happy birthday to you, Lynn!! And thank you!

Isabelle Worth

AnneK said...

Aren't you clever! I saw this on Pinterest today and I think I'll make some throws for my family now. Thanks for the great tip. :-) --Anne

Marilyn said...

Great idea. After making two for each grandchild I swore off these blankets because of the knots.One blanket took me 7 month to finish but it was because of my lupus.Now I have another grandchild on the way and I'm happy to say Ill be making another one and this method will help with my arthritic hands!I'm back in business! LOL. Thanks for posting this -Marilyn

Anonymous said...

I don't see why not. Instead of looping into the same fabric, just loop them into each other, like a braid.

Anonymous said...

I use fleece tie side blankets for all 4 of my dogs and they love them and dont chew the knots (but I know how different dogs can be lol). 2 of my dogs like to nest under the blankets (in their kennel and with my blankets on the bed or couch) and my other 2 lounge on top. Their great for keeping them warm on a cold floor.

Sharon in NE said...

Found you from Pinterest. Love this idea. My neck gets adjusted once a month when I get a great massage up here in northeast Nebraska (Norfolk).
Thanks for sharing!

online tutors said...

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online tutors said...

Thank you, amazing job! This was the information I required.

algebra help said...

Thanks for the great post on your blog, it really gives me an insight on this topic.

Mary L. said...

Great tutorial, Lynne! Thank you. Hope you neck is much better and stays that way.

magicamentemem said...

Grazie per il tutorial, originale e delizioso. Laura

Unknown said...

I used to live in Hastings Nebraska! I am in love with these blankets and plan on making knew for each of my children. My 7 year old loves doing crafts so after i make the cuts i am going to let her "sew" it together. She will love it. Thanks for the easy step by step directions. Found you on pinterest.
Morgan

Unknown said...

i was wondering if you could do this with double layer fleece. if you could email me the answer that would be great. lochnerkn@yahoo.com
thanks again,
Kristina

laura82 said...

Do they come undone when you wash it?

Pres. Eleni said...

Thanks for the tutorial, I used it and love the results. Made single and double layer items and linked it to a post. Happy Valentine's Day!

born imaginative. said...

so neat!

natalia said...

Your tutorial just so pretty! I wish you strong health!

Read God's Word said...

That is really neat! Thanks for sharing.

Sylvie said...

What a brilliant idea.. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I found this blog through Pinterest... What I'd like to know is, how does a person pin a blog post to Pinterest? Can anyone help?
Thanks Sylvie

Now siren free said...

Found your blog on Pinterest. My granddaughter wanted a fleece blanket, and made one using your tutorial for the hooked edging. Turned out wonderfully, so much nicer than the knots. Thanks for what you do!!
Onda

Unknown said...

I am so happy so find this method of making the fleece blankets. I have made both of the other kinds of knotted ones (one with knots, one a pull through), but had never seen this. I have just finished making one with two layers of fleece. I hadn't thought about the washing of this one, but I am now concerned. Please tell me it washes perfectly before I make my next one. I love the look. Thank you so much. I don't know about the no comments thing so my email is: suzannyelton@yahoo.com I do not use the Google account.

jdyhnt said...

Thanks for the tutorial on how to do the edging. I really like the clean fancier look to it! I may have to make the granddaughters blankets :)

Unknown said...

Wouldn't it come apart in the wash?

Unknown said...

Eat more bananas! Thanks for the great tut! Feel better!

leni-on-the-blog said...

Thats awsome,thank you very much.
Many greetings from Nina from Berlin,Germany.

M said...

needed a quick boarder for a fleece blanket for a new baby and found your post. WONDERFUL! great tutorial and pictures, but my favorite... I am left handed and it was awesome you left the instructions that way. thank you!!!

Unknown said...

I love the left handed instructions....it's tough being left handed in a right handed world sometimes....thanks for keeping the tutorial in "lefties mode"

Creations By Cindy said...

Saw this on Pinterest and love it! So thankful to find a lefty that can show me how to do something! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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