Learning the skill of quilting a baby blanket is a fun way to kill time. Making one from scratch entails cutting cloth into tiny pieces and stitching them onto a thick padding.
Quilting is a great way to learn something new and make something meaningful for someone.
Your (or your friend’s) infant or toddler will love a quilted baby blanket.
Do you wish you knew the secret to making a soft, cozy blanket for your baby? If you keep reading, I’ll tell you the quickest and simplest way to make one yourself.
The Benefits Of Baby Blankets
A sense of security
One of the greatest advantages of baby blankets is the feeling of security and protection they give to infants who are used to being cocooned in the warmth and safety of the womb. Although swaddling is ideal for this purpose since it snugly wraps the baby in soft fabric while still allowing for movement, different types of blankets can achieve the same result.
Stimulation of the senses
Of course, the blanket can also provide the tactile stimulation that newborns and infants need. You probably already know that babies find the tactlessness of blankets to be quite enticing. In addition, babies might enjoy the visual stimulation provided by the variety of vibrant colors and patterns available. As if that weren’t enough, the movement of blankets can generate some quiet but intriguing sounds to a baby. It may come as a surprise, but baby blankets actually provide a surprising amount of stimulation for infants.
Improved sleep
Parents can also benefit from the use of a baby blanket in lulling their child to sleep. Since getting enough sleep is crucial for a baby’s growth and development, and for the health and sanity of the parents, having blankets on hand at all times is a must when you have a newborn in the house. Swaddling is a tried and true method for doing this. In fact, a blanket can be more effective than a dummy at soothing a fussy baby if used properly, and it eliminates the need to get up in the middle of the night to reposition dummies in irritable infants’ mouths.
Temperature regulation
We have to assist infants in maintaining a healthy body temperature till they are at least 18 months old. The versatility of a blanket, especially one made from a natural material like wool, makes it perfect for this purpose; you can adjust the temperature by adding or removing layers as needed, and you won’t have to rummage through a pile of baby garments.
There is a lot more to the growth and development of infants than meets the eye when it comes to the significance of baby blankets. In light of this, if you or someone you know is having a baby, practicing your crochet abilities on a cute baby blanket or two is not a bad idea. Be sure to use the smoothest, least scratchy materials you can find.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Quilt A Baby Blanket
Baby blanket quilting is a rewarding and satisfying experience, but it does take some time. However, with the correct equipment, the process can be sped up significantly.
Step 1. Prepare the materials
These materials are required to complete a quilt for a baby:
- Rotating shears (or a pair of sharp scissors)
- Grater for cutting on
- Ruler
- Many varieties of straight and safety pins
- Threads
- Distinctive patterns and hues in a variety of fabrics (for the front and the back)
- Batting for quilts
- Iron
Quilt battings are the thick layers of fabric used to increase a quilt’s thermal properties. There are multiple quilt batting options available, but cotton would be best for beginners.
Sewing skills are required for making a quilt. You have the option of using either a sewing machine or doing the stitching by hand.
However, the latter choice requires more time investment, yet both methods are effective.
There is a wide variety of quilt patterns available, from the simplest to the most intricate. Let’s start with the easiest option, the patchwork quilt, for this how-to.
Fabric is divided into squares, then sewn together in a symmetrical arrangement, to create the design.
Step 2. Prepare the fabrics
Cut the fabric only after it has been washed. Before using the garments, wash them to remove any extra colours and debris.
After that, iron away the wrinkles to make the fabric smooth and nice.
The standard size for a baby blanket is 30 inches by 30 inches.
You can certainly construct one of a different size, but if you do, keep in mind that a 1/4-inch seam allowance on both sides will make sewing the squares together much simpler.
A blanket with a size of 30 by 30 inches would require 36 squares measuring 5 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches.
Create rows and columns using the squares of fabric you cut out. At this stage, you get to create the blanket of your dreams.
Step 3. Quilting
Now comes the toughest but ultimately most worthwhile part of the process. Pieces of fabric, batting, and squares must be sewn together.
Get started joining the squares in rows. Stitch the 1/4-inch seam allowance together on top of two squares.
Spread them out and do the same thing with the next square. If you look at the patchwork from the back, you shouldn’t be able to make out any of the stitches.
The final product will be long, narrow strips of fabric. Get rid of the wrinkles and start sewing right away.
Stack them up like that and stitch the quarter-inch seams together.
You can finish the quilt top by sewing it to the batting and backing. Batting and backing should be cut two inches larger than the top.
The backing should go on the bottom, the batting in the middle, and the quilt top on top, in that order.
Straighten the quilt out and iron away the creases, beginning in the middle and working your way to the outside.
Using pins or basting spray, secure the fabrics together from the center outward. Join the layers by stitching, first in the middle and then outward.
You can sew the patchwork together in a straight line, or you can follow the seams you’ve already made.
The bindings, which will secure the quilt’s corners, are the only remaining step.
Begin by cutting a strip of fabric that is three to three and a half inches wide and long enough to cover one side of your quilt.
Press the bindings open along their length to make a seam, then secure them with pins. Sew the binding on the blanket with a seam allowance of 1/2 inch.
This must be done on all sides.
Stitch the folded bindings onto the blanket. Take out all the tacks and store the materials somewhere secure.
Step 4. Enjoy
Congratulations! Finally, all of your efforts have paid off. Congratulations, you have just made a baby a quilted blanket.
What materials make blankets safe for babies?
Babies have delicate skin, therefore it’s important to choose a blanket that won’t cause any irritation.
Infants, and especially newborns, have poorly established mechanisms for controlling their body temperature. Therefore, you should search for textiles that allow air to circulate and do not retain moisture or heat. Baby-friendly fabrics include, but are not limited to:
- cotton
- Cane rayon
- fleece
- gauze
How we chose these blankets for babies
We based our compilation on factors including weight, fabric, size, reviews, and aesthetics.
Naturally, we also gave top priority to the safest options, which meant excluding any with ribbons, tassels, or even buttons that could come loose and cause a choking or entanglement hazard.
Price guide
- $ = under $15
- $$ = $15–$30
- $$$ = above $30
Healthline Parenthood’s picks of the best blankets for babies
Hudson Baby Plush Blanket and Animal Security Blanket
When shopping for a blanket for a newborn, consider this option from Hudson Baby. It’s not only extremely plush and cuddly, but it also has a lovable stuffed animal companion to go along with it. This package is great for giving because there are prints for both sexes.
The blanket is a generous 30 by 36 inches in size, and the lovey is a cozy 14 by 14. The majority of parents agree that their children instantly took a like to the lovey because of its “ridiculously soft” fabric, while a minority express concern that the threads may disintegrate rapidly.
Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Baby Quilt
Our executive editor adores Little Unicorn’s cotton muslin quilts. Even if they cost more, the extra effort put in to creating them and the longevity of their use may be well worth it. These 47-by-47-inch blankets come in a wide variety of solid colors and patterns, from outer space to fruits and vegetables, and are a great addition to any baby’s nursery.
Luvable Friends Receiving Blankets Bundle
Baby blankets are typically inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk, which is good news when you consider how many things you’ll need to buy for your newborn in the first year.
It’s worth noting that parents have said that burp cloths are more suited for burping than swaddling because of their compact size (30 inches by 30 inches). Additionally, some reviewers noted that the edges frayed rather quickly after washing.
Hudson Baby Printed Mink Blanket with Sherpa Backing
This plush, sherpa-lined baby blanket from Hudson Baby measures 30 by 40 inches and is available in more than 20 various patterns; it is perfect for keeping infants and toddlers warm on chilly fall and winter days.
This blanket has gained a following due to its affordable price, durability, and ease of care in the washing machine. However, one mother cautions that it loses its form after a few washing.
Stork Wares Personalized Baby Blanket
Stork Wares produces a cute fleece blanket that may be customized with baby’s name (at no extra cost!) in a range of themes (safari, floral, dinosaur). They are produced in the USA and come in adorable packaging, making them perfect for a baby shower.
Many parents have commented on the incredible softness of these blankets, and how much better they feel after being washed.
TILLYOU Cotton Wearable Blanket
You should already know that newborns shouldn’t have anything in their cribs but a mattress and a breathable crib sheet when they sleep. If you’re worried, though, these wearable blankets are a terrific way to keep your baby toasty and secure while they sleep.
These sleeveless, zip-up wearable blankets are offered in four sizes to accommodate infants from birth to 24 months. There are four adorable patterns to choose from, and each one has a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes without removing the sleep sack entirely.
JJ Cole Urban Bundleme
Especially if you reside in a colder region, this indulgence is well worth the cost. In spite of the fact that it is technically a bunting bag, we recommend this option from JJ Cole because it is designed to adequately keep your baby warm on walks and car rides in the winter.
The sherpa lining of the Urban Bundleme bunting bag makes it extremely soft and comfortable to carry about. Easy zip-up access means you won’t have to battle to get your kid in and out, and it’s made to fit a wide variety of common strollers and baby carriers. In addition, the bag’s side openings allow you to attach the straps of a stroller or car seat for further safety.
Boritar Baby Minky Blanket
If you’re a parent who frequently travels by car or plane, you should invest in a blanket that is both comfortable and easy to pack. Boritar has created a high-quality minky blanket that is both lightweight and easy to store when not in use. When the inevitable happens, you can throw it in the washing machine.
It’s 30 by 40 inches, so it’s compact without sacrificing luxury, and it’s super soft (or you can opt for the oversized blanket that measures 50 by 60 inches). You can use it to keep your own legs toasty on your next flight if your child isn’t utilizing it.
aden + anais Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4pk
Truth be told, swaddling isn’t always easy. These muslin swaddles from aden + anais are large and light, making the job a little less daunting. Parents appreciate these swaddles because they are machine washable, come in a broad range of patterns, and are a convenient 47 by 47 inches in size.
These muslin swaddles come in a set of four, however they are still more expensive than similar products sold elsewhere online. In addition, the overall softness of these swaddles is generally well-received, with few customers complaining about variation.
Parade Everything Organic Baby Blanket
If you care about your infant and the environment, you don’t have to choose between the two. All of Parade’s hand-printed patterns are crafted with eco-friendly dyes on cotton that has been ethically sourced.
Parental approval ratings for Parade’s standard-sized (40 by 40 inch) blankets are extremely high. However, some customers have mentioned that the colors are different in person than they appear in online images.
What to look for in a baby blanket
There are a few things to consider when searching for the perfect baby blanket:
- Breathability. A blanket’s breathability can be confirmed in a more straightforward manner than you might think. The blanket should be held up in front of a vent or fan to cool it down. An option for warmer weather is a breeze that can be felt.
- Materials. You should think about whether you need a heavier or lighter weight depending on the season. Several baby blankets are in your future; choose from a variety of fabric weights to maximize your selections.
- Safety. Baby blankets featuring tassels, hanging ribbons, or buttons should be avoided. It is important to stay away from anything that can easily fray, come loose, or provide a choking or tangling hazard.
- How big it is and how thick it is. Baby blankets differ in size from the standard receiving blanket to much larger and thicker alternatives. Swaddling and tummy time are two activities that call for different sized and thicker blankets.
- Style. Naturally, you get to decide this! Think about what you’d like to see in the baby’s room and throughout the house.
Conclusion
The process of learning to quilt a baby blanket is simple. The remaining processes of cutting and sewing over and over again are a little more challenging but well worth it.
The quilt can be used to keep your baby warm or gifted to a new parent. With this information in hand, you may launch a successful quilting enterprise.
