DIY Baby Receiving Blanket

I’m a quilt maker but know that every new mom is not fond of quilts. But I still want to make a handmade gift. No problem, you can make a DIY baby receiving blanket using patchwork blocks.  The difference between a quilt and a blanket, well there’s no batting in the middle or quilting of the receiving blanket. Instead, you make a blanket top and bottom, then sew together and your done. No quilt sandwich, no quilting and no binding needed.  It’s a double sided blanket that has a quilt look but not all the fuss. This tutorial will show you how, so you can whip one up for your next baby shower gift!

This was the first blanket I’ve sewn together with the no binding method. This is a very nice blanket made with soft 100% cotton fabric and looks and feels expensive.  Patchwork blocks are fancy, you could easily just sew two pieces of fabric together following the same instructions and make a fast blanket in 10 minutes. As a quilter, I love this patchwork and incorporating quilt blocks into a non quilt baby blanket. Finished blanket measures 37.5″ x 51″.

In today’s tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make a receiving blanket for baby that looks like a quilt but it’s not. It’s a super soft receiving blanket that is reversible. These patchwork quilt blocks are so cute and scrappy, especially with the hearts sewn on some of them. Add a fun backing fabric and it’s that simple to whip up. The look of a quilt but without the stiffness (quilting and quilt batting), made with 100% cotton fabric pieces. Simple scrap block pattern baby blanket tutorial with ideas to make your scrap blocks. 

This DIY baby receiving blanket does not contain batting, quilting or binding. This no binding method is done by sewing a straight line all the way around the entire blanket leaving a space so you can turn the blanket right-side-out.  Then you sew a top stitch around the outside edge to finish it off.  Basic sewing skills is all you need, try elevating your game and try this simple patchwork blanket.  

Make sure you check these out!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out How To Learn How To Quilt: Beginner Quilting Guide. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine for a little while and already I am jotting down ideas as I see them and reminders about websites where I have seen some ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.

Baby Receiving Blanket – Simple Tutorial

Materials You’ll Need

There are a variety of fabrics you can use for this but the most common would be cotton fabric and flannel fabric. Other popular homemade blankets for babies include a minky fabric for the back. Before diving into your sewing adventure, gather the following materials:

Fabric Scraps: Raid your fabric stash for an assortment of colorful scraps in soft, baby-friendly materials such as flannel, cotton, or minky. These scraps will form the patches of your patchwork blanket, adding a playful and charming touch. You will need about one and a half yards of fabric for the top fabric of the blanket.

Backing Fabric: Choose a coordinating fabric for the backing of your blanket. Opt for a soft and cuddly material that will provide comfort and warmth for the baby. You will need about one and a half yards of fabric for the bottom fabric of the blanket.

Thread: Ensure you have high-quality thread in colors that complement your fabric choices. Consider using a neutral color for versatility or coordinating colors for a fun and whimsical touch.

Sewing Supplies: Gather basic sewing supplies such as scissors, pins, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, and a sewing machine (basic machine). Having these tools on hand will make the sewing process smooth and enjoyable.

Creating Your Patchwork Design

Now that you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to unleash your creativity and design your patchwork baby receiving blanket. To make the patchwork block as shown in my sampler blanket, check out the tutorial on how to make simple patchwork blocks and appliqued hearts with scrap fabric here.

Cutting Fabric Squares: Begin by cutting muslin fabric to sew your fabric scraps onto. My muslin squares were 9″ x 10″. You can choose any dimensions you like, just make enough for the baby blanket size you want.

Sewing Patchwork Blocks: Next step is to start attaching fabric to the muslin blocks. It’s easiest if you place fabric in the middle and work your way to the outer edge of the muslin block. Trim as needed when attaching more scrap fabric to the center fabric piece. Lay out your fabric squares in a pleasing arrangement, experimenting with different colors and patterns until you’re satisfied with the design. Play around with symmetry or create a more eclectic, random layout for added visual interest.

Sewing the Blanket Top: Once you’ve finalized your patchwork blocks, sew the blocks together into rows, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then sew the rows together to complete the top of the blanket. The top row will have 4 blocks, the next row will have the same. There is a total of 6 rows with 4 blocks in each for the sampler blanket.

Assembling Your Blanket

With the patchwork complete, it’s time to assemble your baby receiving blanket:

Layering the Blanket: Trim your backing fabric to the same size as your blanket top. Place the backing fabric and blanket top right sides together (the wrong sides should be facing you). Smooth out any wrinkles or creases to ensure a neat and tidy finish.

Pin and Sew: Secure the layers together by pinning in place with sewing pins or clips all around the outside of the blanket.

Then sew around the entire project using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a 10″ section open. No need for a walking foot, just use your quilting foot to sew. Follow the raw edge of the fabric, straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.5 until done. 

Turn Inside Out: Now put your hand into the 10″ opening and grab the inside of the blanket and pull the quilt right side out until the entire project is turned with the right side of fabric facing outwards.

Next step is to get your corners popped out and along the edge where the top is sewn to the backing. I used one chop stick to do this. Just put your hand into the 10″ opening and move the chopstick around the inside of the blanket that is already turned out, waiting to be top stitched. Just keep working your way around the entire project until done.

Now we need to close the narrow hem of the 10″ opening by folding the top and backing 1/4 inch, pin it, then sew closed.

Top Stitch: Final step, sew a top stitch around the outer edge of the blanket to finish it off. Use any of the decorative stitches on your sewing machine or a simple straight stitch, making sure you use a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

In essence, while quilts may not be for everyone, the beauty and versatility of quilt blocks offer a gateway to creativity and self-expression for quilters of all levels. By embracing the no binding technique and harnessing the power of quilt blocks, quilters can embark on a fulfilling journey of crafting handmade receiving blankets that are as unique and special as the little ones who will snuggle up in them.

Why make DIY baby receiving blanket vs. baby quilt?

Quilts are not for everyone but that doesn’t mean that quilters cannot use quilt blocks to construct a one of a kind, handmade receiving blanket. Using the no binding technique and quilt blocks.

Quilting is an art form cherished by many, but it’s not for everyone. The intricate stitching, meticulous piecing, and hours of dedication required to create a quilt can be daunting for some. However, that doesn’t mean that those who shy away from quilting can’t enjoy the beauty and creativity of quilt blocks in their own way.

For those who prefer a simpler approach, quilt blocks offer a versatile and customizable option for crafting unique and personalized projects. One such project is the creation of a one-of-a-kind handmade receiving blanket using the no binding technique and quilt blocks.

There are so many great things about this receiving blanket. It’s easy, fast, and it’s nice and thick but soft. It’s a quality blanket that any new mom would love to get as a gift. The no binding technique eliminates the need for finishing the edges of the blanket with binding, making the construction process more accessible for beginners and those with limited sewing experience. Instead, the quilt blocks themselves become the focal point of the blanket, seamlessly stitched together to form a cozy and charming piece.

Additionally, quilt blocks offer a convenient way to experiment with different colors, fabrics, and patterns, allowing quilters to mix and match to their heart’s content. From soft pastels for a sweet baby blanket to bold and vibrant hues for a statement piece, the choice of materials is entirely up to the quilter’s imagination.

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DIY Baby Receiving Blanket – BEGINNER SUPPLIES

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

Plus, a receiving blanket with quilt blocks provides an opportunity for quilters to hone their skills and expand their repertoire without committing to a full-scale quilting project. With each block meticulously pieced together, quilters can refine their sewing techniques and gain confidence in their abilities, paving the way for future quilting projects. This is such a good project, I hope you give it a try!

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Want to learn how to crochet? Then check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!