For a blanket that will cover an adult, you will need 2 pieces of fabric that is 2 yards (1. 8 m) long and 60 inches (150 cm) in width, plus an additional 1⁄2 yard (0. 5 m) for the pillow. [1] X Research source For a baby blanket, buy two 1 1⁄2 yards (1. 4 m) of fabric. Trim these later to crib size (usually 36 inches b 44 inches) and use the remaining fabric for the pillow. Fleece, flannel, or cotton fabric are good choices to make warm, cozy blankets. You may also find soft, plush fabrics perfect for baby. [2] X Research source If you plan to use your quillow for picnics, consider making one side of the blanket water-proof with either water-proof fabric or a heavy vinyl shower curtain. This will help keep your blanket dry in wet grass and make it easier to clean off dirt and sand. [3] X Research source
Get the same size batting as your fabric (or bigger–you will trim it down). Cotton batting is a popular choice because it is breathable and ages well, plus it’s machine washable. If you’re looking for cotton batting with a little more “poof,” look for one with scrim or a cotton/polyester blend. [5] X Research source Wool batting is durable and is a great choice for a blanket you want to be extra-warm. It is a little more expensive than other batting, and you must be very careful when washing, or it will clump up inside your blanket. [6] X Research source Polyester batting is inexpensive and will retain it’s shape, making it ideal for a baby blanket, since it will be washed regularly. It’s a little more more “poofy” than wool or cotton, so don’t get one that is too thick. [7] X Research source
Place a self-healing matt under the fabric before you cut. This will make it easier to slice through and won’t damage the table or floor underneath. If you aren’t sure about the dimensions of the pillow pocket, find the measurement for 1/4 of the length of the main blanket, then add 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) to that number. Then find 1/3 of the width of the main blanket, and add 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) to that number. Remember you will lose roughly between 1/8-1/4 of an inch when you sew the quilt together, depending on the seam.
Trim the batting to the exact size of the fabric, if it is not already the same size. Leave a 12 inch (30. 5 cm) opening somewhere along the edge.
If you have trouble sewing a straight line, mark the 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) seam with a colored pencil or “invisible” marking pen that rinses out with a little water. [8] X Research source You may choose to zig-zag stitch the raw edges as well if you think the blanket will be frequently laundered or get a lot of rough use. Use sharp scissors to trim off the four corners with a diagonal cut. Don’t clip your stitches![9] X Research source Press the edges with a hot iron to lock the stitches and increase the durability of your blanket.
Smooth out the quilt and iron to the edges. Pressing your quilt will ensure a neat, polished look when you are finished. Fold in the raw edges of the 12 inch (30. 5 cm) opening so it is even with the rest of the blanket and press it with the iron. Pin it closed, with the excess fabric (or raw edge) tucked into the opening.
This 1/4 seam should be between the edge of the blanket and the 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) seam you already sewed. You can skip the final seam and just sew the opening shut with a 1⁄8 inch (0. 3 cm) seam, but the blanket won’t be quite as durable and the edges may not look quite as clean. [10] X Research source
One side of the rectangle should still be open so you can flip the fabric right-side out. Snip off the corners with scissors. This gives your pocket nice, sharp edges.
Press the fabric with a warm iron, locking the stitches and smoothing out any wrinkles. Fold the open side of the rectangle so its is even with the edge of the rest of the pillow pocket. Use the iron to crease the fold and pin the opening closed.
The top of the blanket is one of the shorter sides of the rectangular blanket (the width). If you made a square blanket, the top is whichever side you choose. Measure the blanket on either side of the pillow pocket, making sure it is in the exact center on the edge of the blanket (not the exact middle of the entire blanket). You can sew the pocket on the front or back of the main blanket. It will be concealed if you sew it on the side that is on the ground. If the pillow pocket is on the front of the blanket, you can use it as a storage pocket while the blanket is in use.
The top of the blanket is one of the shorter sides of the rectangular blanket (the width). If you made a square blanket, the top is whichever side you choose. Measure the blanket on either side of the pillow pocket, making sure it is in the exact center on the edge of the blanket (not the exact middle of the entire blanket). You can sew the pocket on the front or back of the main blanket. It will be concealed if you sew it on the side that is on the ground. If the pillow pocket is on the front of the blanket, you can use it as a storage pocket while the blanket is in use.
If you were to flip the blanket over now, the pillow pocket would be fully visible, with the open edge at the top.
The blanket should now be folded to the dimensions of the pillow pocket.
It may help to think of it this way: the pillow pocket is being flipped inside out and you are stuffing the blanket into the flipped pocket. It may take a few tries to get the hang of the flip.
