DIY Projects

How to Whip Stitch Fleece Blanket Edges (Easy Hand-Sewing Guide)

If tie blankets aren't your style, the whip stitch gives a single piece of fleece a neat, finished edge — entirely by hand, no sewing machine. It's one of the easiest hand stitches there is, and a contrasting yarn color turns the edge itself into decoration.

WHY WHIP STITCH?

A tie blanket needs two layers of fleece. The whip stitch finishes a single layer, so it uses half the fabric — and it lies flatter with a slightly more polished look. That makes it a great pick for baby blankets and gifts.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1 piece of anti-pill fleece, cut to your finished size (fleece barely shrinks, so what you cut is what you get — 1 1/2 yards makes a nice lap blanket, 2 yards a throw)
Yarn in worsted weight, or embroidery floss — a contrasting color looks fantastic as a decorative edge
A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) with a large eye
Sharp scissors
Optional: a ruler and fabric marker for keeping stitches even

STEP 1: CUT YOUR FLEECE

Cut your fleece to the finished size you want and trim off the selvage edges. No fringe needed here — the stitch itself is the edge finish.

STEP 2: THREAD YOUR NEEDLE

Cut about 18 inches of yarn. Longer pieces tangle and fray as you sew, so short lengths save a lot of frustration. Thread the needle and tie a good-sized knot at the end — a couple of stacked overhand knots works fine.

STEP 3: START AT A CORNER

Start on the back side near a corner. Push the needle up through the fleece about 1/2 inch in from the edge, and pull it through until the knot catches on the back.

STEP 4: MAKE THE STITCH

Bring the needle over the edge to the back side, then push it up through the fleece again about 1/2 inch farther along and 1/2 inch in from the edge. Each stitch wraps diagonally around the edge. Then repeat: over the edge, up through the fabric, over the edge, up through the fabric — all the way around.

STEP 5: KEEP IT EVEN

Aim for stitches about 1/2 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep. Even spacing is what makes the edge look professional. A ruler and a few light fabric-marker dots along the edge help enormously.

STEP 6: FINISH

When you run out of yarn, knot off on the back side, trim the tail, and start a new length overlapping one stitch so there are no gaps. At the last corner, take two or three extra stitches to lock it down, knot, and trim. Done!

HELPFUL TIPS

Don't pull the yarn tight. Snug stitches lie flat; tight ones pucker the edge.
Stick to 18-inch yarn lengths. You'll rethread more often, but you'll never fight a tangle.
Contrasting yarn hides nothing, which forces nice even stitches — and it looks great.
Mastered the whip stitch? Try the blanket stitch next: same idea, but each stitch loops through the previous one for a fancier braided edge.

READY TO TRY IT?

One layer of anti-pill fleece is all it takes. Browse our fleece prints: https://fleecequeen.com/collections/new-fleece-arrivals and solid fleece: https://fleecequeen.com/collections/solid-anti-pill-fleece

How to Make a No-Sew Fleece Tie Blanket (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you can use scissors, you can make this blanket. No-sew fleece tie blankets are the classic beginner project — no sewing machine, no needles, no thread. Just two pieces of fleece, a pair of sharp scissors, and about 30 minutes. They make wonderful gifts for babies, kids, and anyone who loves cozy.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

2 pieces of anti-pill fleece in coordinating colors or prints (amounts below)
Sharp fabric scissors, or a rotary cutter and cutting mat
A ruler or tape measure
A flat surface, like a clean floor or a large table

Anti-pill fleece is the best choice for this project because it stays smooth and soft wash after wash — it won't develop those little fuzz balls the way cheaper fleece does. Pick two fabrics you love: two prints, two solids, or one of each.

HOW MUCH FABRIC DO YOU NEED?

Fleece comes 60 inches wide, and you'll lose about 4 inches on every side to the fringe. Here's what to buy of EACH of your two fabrics:

Baby blanket (stroller, car seat): 1 yard each
Child / lap blanket (kids, couch): 1 1/2 yards each
Adult throw (sofa, bed): 2 yards each
Twin bed blanket: 2 1/2 to 3 yards each

STEP 1: PREP YOUR FABRIC

Lay both pieces flat with the pretty sides facing out and smooth out any wrinkles. Trim off the selvage edges — those are the tightly woven factory edges along the sides — and square up the ends so both pieces are the same size.

STEP 2: CUT THE CORNERS

Cut a 4-inch by 4-inch square out of each corner, cutting through both layers at once. This keeps the corners from bunching up when you tie the fringe.

STEP 3: CUT THE FRINGE

Cut strips 4 inches deep and about 1 inch wide all the way around the blanket, through both layers. A ruler is your best friend here — even strips make the finished blanket look neat and professional.

STEP 4: TIE THE KNOTS

Take one front strip and the matching back strip and tie them together in a double knot. Work your way all the way around the blanket. Pull them snug, but not tight — yanking stretches the fleece out of shape.

STEP 5: FINISH

Trim any uneven strip ends, give the blanket a good shake, and toss it in the dryer for 10 minutes to fluff it up. That's it — you're done!

HELPFUL TIPS

Sharp scissors matter more than anything else. Dull blades chew the fleece instead of cutting it.
Even fringe is the whole game. Take your time with the ruler on step 3.
For a baby blanket, tie the knots snug and trim the tails a little shorter.
Fleece barely shrinks, but pre-washing softens it up nicely before you start.

READY TO MAKE ONE?

Grab two coordinating anti-pill fleece fabrics — most blankets take just 1 to 2 yards per side — and you'll have a handmade gift in about half an hour. Browse our fleece prints: https://fleecequeen.com/collections/new-fleece-arrivals and solid fleece: https://fleecequeen.com/collections/solid-anti-pill-fleece