DIY Self Binding PLUSH BLANKET

This DIY self binding plush blanket is the coziest thing ever and makes for a fun sewing project. The mitered corners are really not as hard as they look to sew!
These blankets can be made any size you want. Combine flannel, fleece, Minky, Sherpa, and other plush fabrics to make an adorable and unique, and soft blankey.
This tutorial is loaded with tips and tricks for easy construction.
Materials & Items Needed: 1:04
Minky and Flannel: 4:36
Fleece and Flanner: 18:55
Sherpa and Plush: 19:59
Materials & Items Needed:
• Sewing machine
• Scissors /Rotary Cutter, mat ,ruler(optional)
• Straight Pin and 2 Safety Pins
• Seam gauge or ruler
• Iron
GET THE PATTERN HERE
Pattern includes a Common Blanket Size Chart !!!!!!!!
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[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I’m so happy you mentioned buying pre made blankets when getting them at an a good price. I do that when ever I can. Most beginners they would not think to do this.

[@roriemcfadden6097]

Do you mean sewist?

[@jeanne3259]

You are so right I would never buy a pre-made blanket. Thank you for the idea.

[@jojomomster3772]

Also fleece throws

[@JanHowell]

love saving money when I can

[@susieczellar4580]

Thank you so much for taking the time to clearly demonstrate how to pin, adjust, and sew the plushy fabrics.

[@jenniferhaukaas5034]

This had to be one of the best tutorials I've watched to complete a blanket like this. I have seen many different ways to sew self binding blankets with minky and plush, but I think this method is going to be the one that works the best for me. I can't wait to give it a try on my next orders. thank you for sharing!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful, and you're so welcome. Let me know how it goes.

[@mak675]

This is the first time I've watched your tutorial. It's great. I may try to resurrect a partially completed fleece/flannel quilt I started a number of years ago. I really messed it up. But, after watching this, I'm convinced my earlier attempt is salvageable. Yay!!! Thanks a bunch.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@tykematlack7588]

You make sewing so easy and fun! I sure appreciate you!!

[@JanHowell]

Oh thank you! That is my goal. You made my day. :)

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Jan, I really really enjoyed and appreciate your time and effort in bringing us all this great project. I’m going to make some of these for babies who are in sheltered because of their parents are no longer together. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤❤

[@JanHowell]

That is wonderful Mags.

[@suebean3873]

Yes, we’ve all sewn those corners wrongly at one point or another but like you, I don’t cut until I check them all. Thank God! Lol. Great tutorial, thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@jayneevanderheym352]

Sew very CUTE! Have a new grand baby coming. Will give it a try. Made the apron from your video with my granddaughter . My granddaughter had a great time and would not take it off. Thank you for great tutorials. ☺️

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome. Have fun sewing for your new grand baby. How exciting!

[@barbaraoaker972]

Jan, Finally a tutorial on the mitered corners that makes sense to my brain. I tried one of these a few years ago and it was a hot mess. Thanks again!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thoughtsofjoyk]

Oh my goodness! I literally just finished making your flannel self-binding baby blanket a couple hours ago!!! I used a piece that I made up with 5” squares (5x6 squares) for the inner part. I thought I’d give that a try. It turned out super cute. 😊

[@JanHowell]

Sounds way cute! Thanks for sharing.

[@user-jh3fz9db5b]

i just bought my first sewing machine! ive been wating one for a while now!!! never used one personally before but my mother has a couple she has used throughout my years growing up and honestly i never took intrest to learn till recently and this video has really helped me on blanket making. I want to make blankets for my family for Christmas! your video has seriously given me the pointers i needed to do the job! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@kaybateman7720]

This is the best tutorial on plush and flannel fabric. Thank you for all of your tips

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@alicewilliamsen8801]

How adorable! Glad you gave the tip on the corners. I always have trouble with that.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@veevee111]

Thanks for demonstrating the options and tips for working with different comfy fabrics. I'm saving this video for my files. 👍

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@angelamanning7122]

Thank you for taking the time with important detailed instructions on this video. Enjoying soaking in your videos! New subscriber!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful! and you are so welcome.

[@igayparisjr]

Ty for all of your tips and tricks! 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@alejandroelyn5]

Beautiful blankets, made easy with your detail instructions. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nildaotero2933]

New subscriber, thank you so much for the great tips.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful! You are so welcome!

[@reekrobinson8127]

I always think this is the perfect way to sew a self binding Blanket I will be sharing . Awesome Job with the alignment and fabric description and on how to match fabric with stretch. Thank for the video

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@mrs7872]

OMGosh! I need to watch this video a million times. So much useful information--thank you SO much!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@mrs7872]

@@JanHowell In actuality, I am making my first quilt EVER, and it will be backed with a store bought plush blanket, and I just could NOT wrap my head around how I was going to wrap the edge of the 'regular' fabric part of the front. I'm very nervous, but watching this again fortifies me and I will probably have this video at hand when it finally is time to finish-which will be probably Monday. Thank you so much again.

[@biomedlib]

Hi Jan, every time I watch this video, I learn something I overlooked. The "jewel" you shared about incorrectly measured mitered corners creating unequal borders provided an "A ha" moment for me. Thanks again, and Happy Holiday.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you. You are so welcome Merry Christmas to you!

[@karenraabis5296]

That fabric is gorgeous

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@cookingwithchar]

I used to use old plush blankets in good shape for the inside of my quilts for extra warmth

[@JanHowell]

Great idea, thanks for sharing.

[@jillhesson362]

Very clear! Thank-you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@tearose3763]

Thank you Jan, this is great

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@melodeebourdeau]

This video is great!! I followed this tutorial and made my granddaughter a fleece/cotton blanket today!! Thank you for the help!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful. You are so welcome!

[@susanfindlay562]

I love your tutorial! The corner measurement is so helpful! I will try it with my next blanket! Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@doloresboule7135]

Thank you

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome

[@hattiedraper1061]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are welcome!

[@user-do8em7qp6l]

Thank you for your easy to follow tutorials! Your voice makes it so enjoyable to listen to and follow along. I watched your other video and you said NOT to wash the flannel as it makes it look different. But now you say wash it. Does it really matter if it is pre washed? Thank you again!

[@JanHowell]

Personally, I don't pre-wash if I'm giving it as a gift, and I don't think it makes a huge difference. It ends up being just as cozy and the look of a blanket.

[@antoniasieger8421]

Thank you!!!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@user-wq1pw9yl6m]

Thanks so much Jan! I made my first flannel/flannel blanket and it turned out perfectly with your tutorial! I’m now going to make a fleece to flannel blanket! Apologies if this has been asked and answered but should you wash the fleece first when using fleece and flannel? Also can you please given dimensions for front and back for a baby blanket? Sending best wishes from rainy Seattle! ❤

[@JanHowell]

I would wash the flannel, not the fleece. The fleece will not shrink, but the flannel will on the first washing. After that you should be good.

[@tarinawarby5971]

Thanks for the instruction! Hope my blankets turn out.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome and I'm sure they'll turn out just fine.

[@colleen8192]

Great tutorial, thankyou for your detailed tips. Just what I needed!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karonwostenholme6533]

Great idea for us beginners x thank you for sharing xx

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊

[@maryryckman8421]

Your directions to make these blankets for great. I'm so excited to start my blanket following your instructions thank you for job well done

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@karencox3820]

Excellent tutorial- thank you so much!

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome!

[@craftyfrogger]

Are you able to do the zig zag stitch with the walking foot or do you need to change it?

[@christinewarby5491]

I have made baby blankets from a larger ready made blanket and it is very economical.

[@JanHowell]

That's wonderful.

[@trishaspencer9956]

Good idea with the larger flat pins, I recently gave an adult (thank goodness) a Sherpa hoodie with a pin in it. Those little pins really do get lost in Sherpa and it was very embarrassing and potentially dangerous to have someone pull out a pin. Love the way you did the corners.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Thank you Jan. a very thorough instructional video. All of the blankets are great 💕

[@JanHowell]

Thank you so much!

[@Maria-Antonietta]

💖deliziose !!! Grazie per la spiegazione chiarissima .... anche se.... in inglese 😜🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@esperansaloughran693]

Thank you for expert instructions! Lovely ideas, and Merry Christmas!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome and Merry Christmas to you!

[@PrincessJazzmyn]

New Subscriber Alert. Love you Miss Queen!

[@thefaketdm5283]

I love it 🙏💕👍💕🤩💕❤️👏🥰🤩thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@niksand1713]

Great video, thanks!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@jillhesson362]

Question…when your blanket is complete do you reinforce the layers with top stitching down the middle of the blanket? TIA

[@JanHowell]

You may want to check out this video, where I share at this point, ways you can reinvorce the blanket and batting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIqZXoqDZd6er7csi=Np-vWd4sZhG1vyvq&t=833

[@elsaguadalupemedinaruiz7263]

Increible trabajo, te agradeseria mucho la traducción en español, soy principiante, gracias todo está bellisimo.

[@PenMom9]

Awesome!!!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks!!

[@alliemille]

Do you need to stitch the two materials together in the center (like an x stitch) to prevent the material from balling up in the wash?

[@JanHowell]

Yes, I talk about that in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIqZXoqDZd6er7csi=WbgcyRgIkCNv0Atk

[@maggiecollins6764]

Absolutely love this! My question is so whatever size my top is I wanna go 3 inches more on the back Even if it’s a rectangle ?

[@JanHowell]

The backing needs to be 6 inches bigger than the front. So 3 inches wider on each side

[@alok-iz8lq]

This helped me a lot I couldn't get the seams to match never the same size makes me crazy

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@mcalexab]

Thank you so much for your videos! They're so easy to follow and understand as a beginner. Do you have a video that shows how to handle corners when using the serpentine stitch?

[@JanHowell]

No, sorry. I would just let the machine finish one cycle, leave the needle down and rotate fabric.

[@Teresa-L.2024]

I'd use a walking foot for those stretchy fabrics so they don't shift while sewing.

[@JanHowell]

Yes, I use a walking foot too. It really does help!

[@msmeyer8]

Hi Jan, would you have to tie a larger two sided plush quilt, and what size would you say is a larger quilt? Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Yes, you'll need to tie or free sew/quilt on the sewing machine. If in doubt, I would tie it.

[@chouguinadia8170]

Magnifique ❤❤❤

[@JanHowell]

❤️

[@DreVeis1]

Hey great video, but what does it mean when the bottom thread keeps bunching? I followed all steps but fell off there

[@JanHowell]

You may want to check out this tutorial. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6G4l5emn9WGa68. It sounds like you may need to retread the upper thread and make sure it is in the tension guide.

[@nicolepayton3620]

I followed your baby blanket tutorial and it worked great! Trying with a 50x80 cotton fabric and a 60x90 minky fabric. After following the steps up to pinning I pinned 2 of the sides and the point at the corner was uneven/didnt come to a nice point. I’m off somewhere but don’t know how to troubleshoot this. Please help!!

[@nicolepayton3620]

I think it’s the thing you about to show at 8:51 that I need to do better but I’m struggling.

[@JanHowell]

Start pinning from the center of each side out to the points. I must admit the plush fabric can be challenging to work with. Also make sure the most stretch of the fabrics are the same for the top and bottom pieces

[@kaybateman7720]

Does the fabric need to be cut into a square for the mitered corners or will a rectangle work too?

[@JanHowell]

No, they can be rectangular too.

[@kathleenpeterson9479]

Going to do one of these this weekend. Fleece on the border, a stretchy fabric for the panel. What do you recommend as far as the size for a baby blanket? Thank you so much.

[@JanHowell]

I do have a printable pattern that includes a 6 Common Blanket Size Chart with cutting measurements! Size just depends on what you need. You can get the pattern here. youmakeitsimple.com/product/self-binding-plush-blanket-printable-pdf/ let me know if you have further questions.

[@nicolepayton3620]

Will this approach work w/ a cotton fabric (got a really cute construction vehicle Robert Kaufman fabric) and a layer of fleece or minky?

[@JanHowell]

Yes, absolutely.

[@angelaeaves9686]

great tutorial. I am attempting to sew a pieced quilt top to a plush back. Would you suggest using a stretch needle or walking foot when sewing these two together? I am so nervous!

[@JanHowell]

I would just recommend a universal needle. That is what I used.

[@morenagomes7607]

Genial!👏🧵

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@alliemille]

At 13mins why not stitch from one corner marker to the other? Why start half way and then sew from on the bottom side?

[@JanHowell]

This keeps the sides even. Otherwise when you stitch around like that, it tends to pull to one side and you can get twisting.

[@cindifairchild1846]

LOVED this video. I now have left over pieces of the plush blanket and flannel and wondering what the smaller pieces could be used for. I know bibs and burp cloths for the flannel (made those also) but what about the plush?

[@JanHowell]

I will be posting a tutorial, hopefully soon, making some fun little plush baby toys and accessories using small pieces of fabric. So save your pieces.

[@jamieevans1387]

One thing I was wondering is if you are using 2 plush fabrics, how do you keep ⁵ middle from billowing after you throw them in the dryer? Do they separate in the middle?

[@JanHowell]

On smaller blankets, you don't have to worry about it, but on larger blankets you can tack it down in some different ways that I explain in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apWZgqF5gqqlg7c

[@elsiesanchez3468]

When you sew with the fluffy fabric, what stitch length and tension do you recommend.

[@JanHowell]

Use a stitch length at 2.5 - 3 and regular tension.

[@sylviah1234]

I have made many self binded baby blankets for my first great grandson and they turned out so beautiful for a first time sewing these. Today Easter Sunday my 2nd great grandson was born. I've been sewing a Minky and flannel combination blanket and its also a blocked top. It turned out ok running serpentine stitches up and across. The Minky binding is giving me fits. I'm taking it all off today. I didn't cut it on the bias and just don't like the way it turned out. I have probably ripped out nearly everything on this blanket at least once :)) My Question is. Do you cut minky binding on the bias will it make a difference.?

[@sylviah1234]

This is not a self binding blanket it's my first quilt, I choose not to add a batting and like its drape and softness.

[@JanHowell]

Minky can be challengeing to work with. Try one out of flannel first. I would not cut minky on the bias.

[@erinbrowning8892]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I have a question about lining up the stretchy side to the stretchy side. My top piece is a quilted piece that has both flannel and minky fabric, how do I line them up?

[@JanHowell]

Do the best you can as to determine the most stretchy sides and then line them up.

[@lalagamma4452]

Lovely would be great for dementia and Alzheimer's patients too. TY 🧵🥰🐞🤗🧵

[@paullynn1369]

I was wondering if you can do a cotton patchwork front with the fleece as backing?

[@JanHowell]

I don't see why not?

[@michellebrown5643]

Hi Jan! I watched the first self binding blanket tutorial and I thought you left a 1/4 inch allowance at each corner. On this one you leave a 1/2 inch allowance. Is this because of the fabric you are using?

[@JanHowell]

Yes. You are correct.

[@Hisbeloved14ever]

Hi Jan, I’m just getting started on a double sided fleece blanket and am using your tutorial. I’ve got all the sides pinned up and will begin sewing it tomorrow. I really like your detailed description on lining up the corners and I hope mine come out all aligned! 🙏🏻 Do you tack the fleece down by tying it together in places to keep it from shifting once completed? It seems like it would shift if not. Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Yes I would tie it down. Let me know how it goes 😉

[@Hisbeloved14ever]

@@JanHowell thank you! Right now I’m checking my corner measurements over again. Should I be using polyester thread or does it matter?

[@JanHowell]

@@Hisbeloved14ever it doesn’t matter. I usually just use an all-purpose thread

[@jeanne3259]

I have a question, on the first blanket did she see on the back after sewing on the front? Thanks

[@JanHowell]

Nope, I did it just the same way as the first blanket. Let me know if you have further questions.

[@jocelynjefferson7044]

how long should it take to make a queen size blanket .

[@JanHowell]

I'm not sure. I haven't made a blanket that big using this technique. A blanket that big will need to be tied or quilted.

[@biomedlib]

Hello Jan, why did you sew a 1/2" seam allowance? Most quilters push sewing a 1/4" seam allowance. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

When you are sewing with regular quilters cotton, you can use that small 1/4 inch seam. However, this fabric is so shifting and bulky that I add that extra on the seams to make sure you catch all layers.

[@biomedlib]

@@JanHowell Makes sense. Thank you,😊

[@t-snizz]

Would this work with jersey knit fabric?

[@JanHowell]

You may find this method a little easier for knit fabric. The mitered corners may get tricky with knit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH6zmYVvaqiHgcksi=e0ShTEsKP6cuQLx1

[@trishasargeant6435]

Hello. I have a question about measurements for the SBB blanket? When you say as 10” or whatever. Do you add 5” to each end of the length and then 5” to the width on each side. Or do you just add it to the length? I hope this makes sense to anyone. I am hoping to make a blanket approx 30 x 38” ( finished product. Thank you xx Trish

[@JanHowell]

Hi Trisha, You add 10 inches to the length and width of the back piece. After it is sewn using the instructions, you'll have a binding that is 5 inches all the way around. So if you want a blanket measuring approx. 30 x 38. You'll cut the front piece of fabric 25 x 33 and the backing (binding fabric) 35 x 43. I hope that makes sense. Let me know if you have further questions.

[@trishasargeant6435]

@@JanHowell thank you I'm going to use those very measurements. I'll let you know if I get stuck. Lol I've actually made a couple of these. But my brain just will not let me work out the sizes... Sigh x r

[@trishasargeant6435]

And thank you for taking the time to message me xx trish

[@portialanden6353]

Hi Jan, I saw this video again and wanted to ask a question about the blankets. Is it necessary to tie, or somehow tack down the middle for the front and back not stay together? Know what I mean? If I have confused you I'll try to reword my question.

[@JanHowell]

If it’s s small blanket you may get away with not tacking down or tying. You could always wash one up without tying and see what it does. Depends a lot on what fabric combinations you’re using. I hope that was helpful. Let me know if I misunderstood

[@portialanden6353]

@@JanHowell no you didn't misunderstand. Thank you for answering my question. What state do you live in? Just curious....

[@JanHowell]

@@portialanden6353 utah

[@portialanden6353]

@@JanHowell I was just thinking, back to my first question...would a double adhesive fleece or lightweight double side adhesive stabilizer work for tacking together layers of these blankets? I was thinking cuddle fabric for the back and eighter flannel or double gause fabric for the middle front. I'm in Kansas.

[@cherylskowronski4126]

Have you tried using press and seal?

[@JanHowell]

no I have not

[@KJ-gs2rq]

Does this miter process work for a rectangular shaped blanket?

[@JanHowell]

Yes , it works on a rectangular blanket

[@halimahh6840]

Hi..is it possible to make a rectangle blanket?

[@JanHowell]

Blankets can be made ANY SIZE. For a 2 1/2 inch border, you just make the back piece 10 inches bigger than the front piece. So if you wanted a finished blanket that measures 35 x 40. The back cut piece would measure 40 x 45. The front piece would measure 30 x 35 inches. You may also want to check out this video, it shows how to add batting, but also may help with the measurement thing. Let me know if you have further questions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIqZXoqDZd6er7c

[@halimahh6840]

@@JanHowell greeaaaaaat!!! Thank uu

[@adoniabryant7496]

Does the 3-inch measurements go for any size blanket?

[@JanHowell]

Yes