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