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Original poster

Sewing a blanket

32 replies

Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 21:59

I am tempted to have a go at making a patchwork type blanket, but have no idea how to do it.

I can sew, I have made clothes from patterns for my DC's, and I have a basic(ish) sewing machine. I also have the beginnings of a fabric collection to help get me started.

I just need some guidance from you talented people on how to do it and what fabrics work best etc etc.

OP posts:
discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:09

The best fabrics are cotton or poly cotton, in co-ordinating / contrasting designs /colours etc. and of equal weight have a look at quilt designs online.
One of the most basic (I have it on my bed) is a block pattern of equal lenghth strips laid out in squares of strips, these blocks are then laid out at 90degrees to each other to make a nice pattern. You have to work out how much the width is going to be buy measuring the length, take away both seam allowances and calculate how many widths of what size you need to make a tidy pattern, the normal is 3 or four lengths to each block making a square. Once you do each block stitch the blocks together in strips to the length of the bed, then stitch across the widths to reinforce the strength. Mine have the central panal that covers the top of the bed with a complimenting strip that runs around all 4 sides and reaches to the ground. When you have got that far ask us about the actual stuffing etc.

Original poster
Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 22:13

I thought I might start with a small comforter type blankie as a practice. All the designs I see online are pretty using florals etc. I was hoping to try something a bit different - for the DC's. Do you have any ideas I can steal?

What is the best way to acquire fabric for such a project?

OP posts:
discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:21

Sheets fron the charity shops or cheap ones from Primark etc, especially if they are in the sale. A haberdashers. Ask friends, they will alsways have a pillow case or a quilt cover that they no longer use. And you can always dye them if nessesary.
But if you are thinking of something different go for it, it doesnt have to be floral it can be as crazy as you like. Get loads of bits, different colours designs etc. cut them to size then lay them out on a table to get an idea about patterns, layout etc and whether bright orange should go with Navy blue, it actually does but in small quantities, it stops the blue being too depressing.
You could try the library for quilting books to get you started.

Original poster
Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 22:24

Thank you for your advice you have been very helpful indeed. I will have a look in the library when there next to see if they have a book.

I'm sure this will turn into one of those neverending projects

OP posts:
discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:27

Are you anywhere near North Wales. There is a fantastic place there called Aberkhans
www.abakhanfabrics.co.uk/ which has the most amazing amount of fabric, materials and craft item anywhere I have ever been. This place isn't a shop, its 4 wharehouse/barns absolutly full of everything a craft'y person could want.
It is so popular that they have coach trips organised there from Liverpool etc.

Original poster
Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 22:30

Unfortunately I am nowhere near north wales . It sounds fabulous- the Rag Market in Birmingham used to be a good place for fabric, but didn't seem that great there when I last went, and we just don't seem to have any fabric shops locally anymore.

Maybe I could arrange a short break ?

OP posts:
discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:31

Arrrgghh Ive started talking about 'that place' again and Im going up there to visit Mum tomorrow, tell me I can't go there pleeeease, I will spend loads (because its so cheap) and loads. Help!!!

Original poster
Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 22:35

You could go and look for some cotton robot print fabric for me

I need some to line a fleece jacket for DS1 (he specifically requested robots) and I cannot find any fabric other than the Disney Robot print.

I only want a simple tiny print but I can't find anything anywhere!

OP posts:
discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:37

It is worth it, it really is for all you crafters out there, check the web site, the picture of a building on the top bar is the number 1 wharehouse, they have all the remnants down stairs and all the rolls up stairs. To squeeze all the rolls in they are slotted onto bars that come out of the wall horizontally and are stacked about 10 rolls high by the lenght of the building. Its the only place I have ever been that I've been able to get bra wire and corset stiffeners in the same building without ordering.
They alsdo have about 40 odd pattern books.
There is a 4* hotel just up the road and for those on a budget there is plenty of camping/caravan sites and b&b's just down the road in Prestatyn.

discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:39

Phew they are closed , got the date wrong Ime going up on the 1st.
Maybe you can phone them and ask if they do mail order?

Original poster
Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 22:40

Oooh just noticed they have an online shop - I'm gonna have a browse!

OP posts:
discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:48

Don't browse don't, its only 1 click away from buying loads and loads, But check out the sale stuff, I was looking for robots in the fleece section and they have got cars, cats, dogs, frogs but no robots. Some at £1.99 metre. Why can't I go tomorrow (cause Mum won't be there) or on the 2nd (because all the kids cant get together any other day).

Original poster
Washersaurus · 30/12/2007 22:54

I found some robot in the PVC section, but it is cotton I really need. It looks really cheap (bargain-wise, not cheap & nasty) - I didn't check out their delivery charges though.

I made DS1 a plain red fleece jacket with car and truck appliques, with a tiny traffic print cotton fabric for the lining. He loves it and wants to wear it every day, but it is getting embarrassingly too small for him now so I HAVE to make him a new one.

I just need cotton robot fabric for the lining - and I was convinced it would be easy to find...

OP posts:
dizzyday07 · 31/12/2007 00:17

Robots fabric in blue

or in green

dizzyday07 · 31/12/2007 01:19

Here is a link to an easy looking little quilt

Original poster
Washersaurus · 31/12/2007 20:28

Oh Dizzy that blog is fantastic - I think I am going to have a go at making that blanket.
Thanks for the link to the robot fabric too.

OP posts:
OverRated · 31/12/2007 20:33

Califrau made one of these - photo in her profile.

I copied and made on too - think there is a photo in my profile. V. Easy to make.

Psychobabble · 31/12/2007 20:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Gingermonkey · 02/01/2008 10:56

ebay is great for FQs, and you can also getting pre cut squares in different sizes, which might be a good idea for your first attempt (says she who is going to do the same thing!), as you know they are perfect. Search for quilt squares, there are loads on ebay.com and the shipping is usually quite reasonable.

Psychobabble · 02/01/2008 20:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Washersaurus · 02/01/2008 20:56

So what is the failsafe method of cutting squares without a rotary cutter & cutting mat? Do I need to do lots of paper templates or something similarly time consuming to make them neat?

OP posts:
Psychobabble · 14/01/2008 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

dizzyday07 · 14/01/2008 21:58

well lets see a pic of it so far.

It might get my inspiration flowing to get on with the one I want to make DD!!

Psychobabble · 15/01/2008 13:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

dizzyday07 · 15/01/2008 13:55

That's really pretty.

Well done it looks ace.