Sew/Serge A Professional Looking Fleece Blanket in 45 Minutes

[@babs0128]

You're great! Thank you for sharing. I hope you don't take offense to this but you have the perfect grandma voice. I don't have grandparents but If I did I think my grandma would sound like you. Soft and patient voice!

[@suzannem2880]

Hi Cynthia! My fleece blanket turned out beautifully using your method. I can't Thank You enough for sharing with others. It's a good thing! Blessings to you and your family! Suzanne )

[@tammylandrum9179]

New to serging and LOVE the video ..... Appreciate the detail of machine settings thread type etc, most ppl don't put all that in and being a beginner we NEED that detailed information!😀

[@stitched4u77]

Great video. Please make more on this wonderful Compulock serger! You did a great job explaining everything very well.

[@judydillard2340]

Your instructions are clear and easy to follow plus I appreciate the close ups and hints. Thanks

[@cynsew]

Thank you, Judy!!!!

[@Rashana1031]

I'm working on a blanket now and had no clue and you gave me and idea thank you so much.. the people who gave this video a thumbs down are nuts smh

[@pattywilson1666]

Thanks for taking the time to show this...I learned not to trim the corners together.....great tip!!!

[@frogs1919]

Thank you Cynthia! The cd was an amazing trick! I get my serger next week so this is leaving me with great ideas for some fleece and flannel I have been saving! Thank you again great video!

[@cynsew]

Glad you can use some of my tips! You will love your serger! Cindy

[@deniselawrence7491]

Great video and instructions on the fleece blanket so much nicer than just cut and tied blankets. Thanks for sharing!

[@daisymduke]

Thank you so much for taking the time to video and post! I wasn't sure what type of stitch to use on my fleece blanket but I knew what look I was going for. Your blanket and stitch was exactly what I wanted to do. With your help and guidance I was able to accomplished it and it turned out very nice. Thank you again :)

[@cynsew]

Great, this makes my day!

[@cynthiafedak4714]

I agree with you, sewing the two pieces of fleece is the best way to go, so much nicer than the ties, and more professional looking. I too buy fleece on sale and give fleece blankets as gifts. I only wish we had a Joannes in Canada for fabric, prices and the variety, just great!

[@sarabhorton]

thanks so much for posting this! i'm getting my serger tomorrow and this looks like a perfect first project to get my feet wet!

[@knackfulknitter]

I am so happy I saw your video tutorial! I will get more fleece to double it and also put my friends name on it. He goes through dialysis 3 days a week. Thank you, again!

[@sewfunnytoys]

thanks for posting this tutorial. I followed your instructions since I wanted to try something different than a knot-tied blanket & it worked great. I will check out your other post, if there are any upcoming videos.

[@JenniferJones-cr2uy]

great tutorial haven't tried it yet but her instructions are very clear so I have much hope

[@cynsew]

I don't know how I missed seeing this message from you, but saw it this morning. I take that as a compliment!! Thank you so much! Cindy

[@CryTears1]

Sometimes I use the FreyCheck stuff to "lock" the threads in place so they won't ever come undone...perhaps is an overkill...but if I'd learned the motto "A stitch in Time, saves Nine"...I'd be ahead of my sewing projects! Thanks for sharing your talents!

[@gail020759]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you. I'm new to serging and loving all of it!!

[@MennoniteFarmhouse]

Hi! I have a Janome Compulock 888 Serger and I'm still novice with all the attachments that came with it... I would love to see more videos using the different feet! Love the video!!

[@fancystitching]

Thank you for making the video. You did a fantastic job explaining...

[@beverlyblust9188]

Thank You Cynthia! I'm making a double sided blanket and your blog is what I was looking for. Fleece is so expensive, I was afraid to make an error. Your instructions certainly are easy to follow.

[@SIZTUHK]

Jo-Ann fabrics is having a good sale right now. I bought some fleece yesterday for 1.50 per yard

[@suethompson4568]

Thanks for the information . My husband went out and brought me a Janome serger and I love it!

[@christineshapiro5179]

Thank you. it looks very nice. Have you tried washing and drying this blanket after sewing it? If so do the layers tangle and twist up as they are only sewed together on the ends? I would think that without some "quilting" the two layers would shift around a lot in the washer/dryer.

[@Patsysmatsy]

Thank you so much! You made a confusing project SO EASY!! I appreciate you sharing your talent with us!

[@cynsew]

+Paticakes Thank you, it is my pleasure to share so every one can learn!

[@stickledpink]

WOW, that does look really great when you are finished. The extra steps make a difference. Lucky grandchildren :)

[@cynsew]

Thank You!!

[@faliray4889]

Your directions are very clear. Thank you.

[@jackiemaddox6933]

Hi Cynthia, thank you so much for this great tutorial. Made the blanket a few years ago, but after reading all the comments/questions, I plan to try it again. My son loved because he's a Indianapolis Colts fan and that the fleece I used. I wasn't totally satisfied with the serged edges. Probably should have practiced a little more before using it on the actual project. Thanks again

[@cynsew]

Thank you Jackie! Glad you are trying it again. If I can help in any way, just let me know!!!

[@cynsew]

I have a daughter named April also!! The machine that I have is a Janome 10001. I love it and it sews great! This is the machine that I am sewing out the word "Jace" on. I use an embroidery software that is called "Embird" that you can enter any names or words and then transfer that information to your sewing machine and sew it out. If I can help in any way, just let me know! Cindy

[@dawnlewallen6900]

This was a WONDERFUL video. Very helpful. Thank you!!

[@Beanie602]

I make fleece blankets for the Veteran's Hospital. A yard and a half is a good size because they can throw it over their shoulder or over their lap. I also make baby receiving blankets out of soft flannel. 1 1/4 yards makes a perfect square for a baby. I round the corners by tracing a cereal bowl and cutting it with my rotary cutter.

[@BlackcatNZ]

Excellent Vodeos, you explaind it all so well :) I have never thought of embroidering without a hoop,will have to give that a go! :)

[@pamwilson2957]

Cynthia - In making a double-layer fleece blanket, do you need to do any stitching throughout the blanket to keep the two layers from separating during washing or using? Will just sewing around the edges keep the blanket together? Thank you.

[@MaggyMay42]

Thank you for sharing! Very easy to understand

[@northtexastees8572]

Thanks for sharing! Even 5 years later, great information!

[@ladynredmichigan]

Thanks for making this video. I learned a lot. I recently bought a used Janome MC1100SE that I am learning so much with. Thank you for taking the time to help us newbies!

[@cindydickerson7770]

Thank you for your lovely note and you are very welcome!

[@billsalvey]

The best gift is one that comes from the heart.

[@cynsew]

I purchase 3 yards of fleece and just make my blanket 1 1/2 yards long. What ever the width is, is what I use. I make the blanket extra thick my using 2 layers sewn together. That is why I purchase 3 layers. Hope this helps! Cynthia

[@nhcharmedone]

Very nicely done!

[@bonnieyoung3313]

Love this video, your blanket looks great! Thanks for sharing!

[@annwarren4171]

Hi, Great useful video. Thank you. Would you please tell me what settings you used for the fleece on the overlocker? Thanks again. Regards

[@Dredworld]

Do you dis-engage the cutting blades on the serger?

[@pineappleprincess5138]

Now i need to buy myself a centering ruler..how genius!

[@lelandup2]

If you want to know which side is the right side just tug on the fabric side to side ( selvedge to selvedge), It wil curl under. The side it curls towards is the wrong side of the fleece fabric.

[@hiambeidoun3310]

carpet estore

[@ejdarly4733]

That looks very nice.

[@grannysquareswagonwheels2604]

I've never heard the tip about not clipping through both layers when clipping corners. Thanks.

[@Dukkemor]

Hi Cyntia :-) Could you maybe please do a video for us dummies on how you use/spool up the yarn for using in the serger? Have tried a lot to but had so far no luck what sew ever to do it, .. bought the yarn and tried, no luck .. buahh. Higs, Anette in DK

[@kathytomlinson2796]

I would love to know how you did the name, what did you use for template and how does it work?

[@maryhull531]

Beautiful . Did you disengage the blade ? Love it .

[@quilterstitch]

I am confused about the threads you chose. Did you use standard polyester serging cone thread in the needle, and then the Wooley nylon in upper looper, and #10 crochet 100% cotton in Lower looper? If I got that right, do these different threads play nice together when this is washed? Which if the threads makes the visible overcasting thread...wooley nylon, I assume? Thanks

[@bda302528]

Thank you so much! I have had lots of trouble with the corners. Do you know if there is a way to loosen the pressure on the presser foot? I can't get two layers of fleece under it when I lift the foot to turn the corner....

[@christinewalsh7262]

Just beautiful. What size is blanket please. Would love to be able to put name on a blanket. Thank you

[@kayandjerrybussjaeger3089]

This is a great video and tutorial. I sew fleece blankets for my friend to give her neices and she likes the blanket binding sewed around the edges. Do you have a tutorial for how to sew this kind of binding onto a single layer fleece blanket. Should I use Wooly Nylon Thread in my sewing machine to do this binding trim. I am so impressed that you actually reply to questions. That is very considerate of you.

[@cynsew]

I usuallly don't sew with just one layer. I like a thick blanket, but I would think this should work just the same for one layer. I would used the Wooly Nylon thread because of the stretch. Now you say you are using your sewing machine and not a serger. I still would use the Wooly Nylon in my sewing machine and maybe use a blanket stitch on my sewing machine. Be sure to play around with your settings on a scrap first to make sure you like the look.

[@pamwilson2957]

Cynthia - Is one side of your blanket on the fold? I am sewing 2 layers of fleece together but having a hard time getting the edges to line up. Smoothing the fabric with my hands makes the top layer stretch & become larger than the bottom layer. Flipping the fabrics creates the same problem. How do you get the 2 sides together correctly when one side clings to the other. I am using a print on one side and a solid for the other so I do not have a fold side and they were cut at different times.

[@cabreecher]

I absolutely love this techneque. Thanks for sharing.

[@pnut91red]

Hi Cynthia :-) If you were using two different colors of fleece for a reversible blanket, would you wash them separately first? I usually do but sometimes the fabric is a little softer and more difficult to manage after washing. What would you recommend? Thank you!

[@ironrose888]

Looks great and I’m sure that it’s very warm and cozy. I think I would have put the wrong sides together and sewed around the edges. Just another option. I love using my serger but I don’t like threading it.

[@Dukkemor]

Hello Cynthia Thank you for a great video (o: Could I ask you to show how you do the threads on your serger .. I am no english nor american so I do not quite understand what you mean. You mention some crochet thread .. yes?? Thank you bunches. Dukkemor

[@elenabrown3515]

Hi Cynthia, could I use that foot with a janome 1500, it us a simple sewing machine, thank you

[@cynsew]

I should have put on the video that when I serge the edge, I have the knife down. You do not want to cut the edge. Thanks, Cindy

[@maxineschmidt504]

could i use a regular sewing machine to go around the edges? i.e. zig zag?

[@cynsew]

Sure you can! I would make the blanket the same way and instead of putting the zig zag along the edge of the blanket, I would indent it about 1/2 inch. I think this will still look very nice!

[@erin.olliart]

Love that blanket edge. I actually have a blanket someone gave me with a similar edge and its so cute. I was wondering though if any serger can use the crochet thread in the loopers?? I crochet so I have lotttsss of this around and will be getting a serger soon. thanks.

[@cynsew]

+Erin Harden I am not sure Erin. My serger is more of a top of the line model and handles the light weight crochet thread fine. If you are going to be purchasing a new one, I would ask before buying.

[@manuvac8607]

Excellent video, and many thanks for sharing your precious experience! Many people do not know how it was without internet... You are not blogging any more? Wish you the very best & have a good time, manu

[@cynsew]

I will be blogging again. My mother has been sick, so I have been trying to take care of her and watching my grandchildren so sewing was put on the back burner. I am ready to get started again, so keep watching!

[@manuvac8607]

I perfectly understand. Family is the most important thing. I keep watching ;)

[@Sewmanolo]

beautiful job wow.

[@saraaronzon4562]

I’m can’t find the three thread over edge stitch on my serger instructions. Is it t also called the 3-thread Overlock stitch - wide?

[@shaynalinkie]

I like the not-so-fuzzy side also!

[@cynsew]

@fancystitching I am glad you liked the video. I usually buy 3 yards of fleece and cut it in half. The blanket ends up being about 60 X 54 in size. If you would like written directions, come over to my blog and look under March Posts.

[@lopogirl]

Is your overlock blade down then at the end?

[@fancystitching]

I really enjoyed your vedio. What size is the blanket?

[@muellerad]

HI What type of sewing machine do you have that can do the name JACE like you did? I want to get a sewing machine..and wondering what type of machine you have.

[@distinctivefabric3083]

Thank you for your demonstration.Big Help

[@gaylevaughn]

I do not have a serger but a very good sewing machine ... is there a particular stitch I could use that would create the same edging? Thank you!

[@cynsew]

Gayle, this edge takes three threads and you can't do that with a sewing machine. You could try the crochet thread in the bobbin of your sewing machine and regular thread in your needle and choose a stitch that you like and see if this would work. You would have to change the tension on your bobbin, so I would only try this if you are an experienced seamstress. Most people that use thick thread in the bobbin have a separate bobbin case that they use just for heavy thread.

[@hanlieharoldt]

Thanks. Did you use the same machine to sew the template, i.e, the names of your grandchildren?

[@lfemmecoure]

where did you get that board that your blanket is on?

[@annwarren4171]

Hi again, I meant settings for a 4 thread? Thank you.

[@Miss-Laine]

What kind of embroidery machine do you have?

[@cynsew]

Yes the two layers will stay together without any other stitching. They just kind of stick together. Now I use polar fleece and have never had a problem.

[@1545454able]

Love the outcome! Questions if you do not mind: 1. what else can you use in place of an empty spool for the crochet thread? 2. what is the difference between wooly nylon and bulky nylon? And which is your preference and why? Can't wait to get started on my granddaughter's blanket. Great video from a Professional. Thank you

[@cynsew]

You could use wooly nylon but it doesn't fill as nice as the crochet thread. Bulky nylon does not have as much stretch as wooly nylon. I would stay away from that. It just seems cheaper to me.

[@1545454able]

I purchased #10 crochet thread today..but I do not have an empty spool for the crochet thread. What do you suggest I could use for a spool.

[@1545454able]

Also, I researched the other threads, and one store is replacing the wooly nylon with "stretch yarn thread" I have used this thread on another project, and it is very nice. Would you recommend stretch yarn thread to replace wooly nylon? It is expensive..:-( but only a few cents above wooly nylon. So I am thinking to use stretch yarn thread and crochet for my blanket. I will let you know how it turns out. (as soon as I can figure out a spool to put the crochet thread on)

[@jeaniewinstrom6203]

Would have appreciated information on how much fleece to use to make a throw blanket. The web link is not working.

[@jordjosh2]

How do you get the name on it....will my serger or sewing machine do it

[@crafteymag]

I have a Janome 10,000 Special Edition and a Janome 11k. How do I get to that stitch you just did on this blanket? I really like the edge on your blanket.

[@cynsew]

Hi Margaret, That stitch was done with my Janome Compulock Serger. The Janome 10,000 did the sewing and embroidery.

[@crafteymag]

Cynthia Dickerson Oh I see, thanks!

[@Sooz3112]

Very helpful, thank you. Can I ask, do you have a pressure dial on your serger please? I don't know whether to buy one with a pressure dial for fleece blankets or whether it's not really necessary. The blanket looked great, it's amazing to make things ourselves and give as gifts :) x

[@cindydickerson7770]

That is a good question. I do have a pressure dial. I don’t change it often but I love it when I need it. My advise would be to buy the best serger that you can afford. A heavier built better quality serger will last and run better for you.

[@Sooz3112]

@@cindydickerson7770 Thank you :). I appreciate it. The one that I've seen - it has a pressure dial (new model), but I'd been considering buying an old Frister & Rossmann overlocker but I can't find anything about it online, so I'm hesitating because I think it'll be difficult to repair if it breaks down. It doesn't have a pressure dial, but that's not a deal breaker...I'm just wary because of parts being potentially obselete. I'll buy the best that I can afford, but I won't go for all the bells and whistles, just a solid, well built machine...the one I've seen - it has a pressure dial too... Thanks x

[@stephanievermillion3908]

Hi there. Question: Do we have to sew it first? Thank you for the tutorial! Just got a serger 😀

[@cynsew]

If you are doubing the layers, then yes, it is best to sew it first to hold everything together. If you don't I really think you are going to have a mess..

[@christinasideris3071]

Good Morning! I love your tutorials. Could you tell me what type of Embroidery Machine you use. I recently purchased my first beginner Brother PE 770, but already want to upgrade. The font on this machine is perfect for hair bows and small projects but I want to embroider larger things…suggestion? I'm still new to this….Could you help me?

[@marianal7345]

Thank you really helpful tips.

[@juanitacrain1380]

When you sewed it together how wide was your seam?

[@cynsew]

I made it about a 1-inch seam. That way when I turned it right side out I would catch the thickness from the sewn seam into my serger stitch so it was nice and thick on the edge. Does this make sense to you?

[@jerowen0212]

When you sewed both layers together initially, did you have to pull quite a bit to get the two layers to move as you were sewing? I am trying to make a ladybug blanket and it just seems like I have to pull so hard to get the layers to move. I do have on my even feed walking foot. I have a Janome 8900QCP that I am trying to sew this with. I am just afraid that by pulling I am going to hurt my machine. And, do you use a thicker thread when sewing the two layers together?

[@cynsew]

No I did not have that trouble, but I was using my walking foot. Maybe if you release the pressure foot tension a little it will help your material to glad through easier.

[@jerowen0212]

Thank you Cindy. I tried my "little machine" and it seems to work a bit better on that one. Just not as nice as working with cotton for me. I enjoyed your tutorial.

[@GpD79]

This looks really great! Pardon my ignorance, I'm a novice to sewing, but is it possible to make an edge like that without a serger? If not, is there a good stitched that that could be used to make an edge using a regular sewing machine? If so, what do you recommend?

[@cynsew]

Once in a while I do something different. You would follow the video all the way to the last step of doing the edge of the blanket. I turn it right side out and then I use my sewing machine. I sew a large zigzag stitch to the edge. I come in about 1/2 inch along the edge. You will know where to put it by feeling when the turned seam allowance stops on the inside. I sew this zigzag stitch there and I try to use a heavier thread or I have even used a twin needle. This looks very nice also! Hope this helps!

[@GpD79]

Cynthia Dickerson Thanks for the info! You're very kind to share it. Unfortunately, I'm such a novice that I am still confused of what you're talking about! LOL. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the info. Let me know if you ever make a video with this technique.

[@cksavage4249]

Would like to know how much material to buy and see how to sew it together. Did not see what you were using for the letters.

[@cynsew]

+MinhoKidGaming// there is a link to the website with the sewing information and how much fabric is needed. The letters are done with an embroidery/sewing machine. If you click on more up above you will see the website and the information on the font used for the lettering.

[@cksavage4249]

Thank you.

[@ladyluck2607]

Hi Cynthia, this video is great and I am going to do a small sample before attempting regular size. I did get a little confused when you show your edge stitching, looks like you have already sewn around the edges and turned it? Is that correct? did you do the first time around with regular threads? Can't wait to try this! :)

[@cynsew]

I am sorry that I didn't see your question until now! How did your sample turn out? To your question, yes I did sew around the edges and turned it right side out before I did the edge stitching!

[@vickieschlagenhauf9137]

I want to know the dimensions of your blanket. I would love to make each one of my children one. they range from 2-21 (grandchildren) Thanks so much .

[@debbiephelps1184]

I am assuming when you serge, you don't use the cutting blade?

[@twodevilsonegod]

I love how your blanket turned out. I just got my serger (Singer Profinish) can I use the same settings & thread if I wanted to get the same look? Thanks for sharing😉

[@cynsew]

My serger was a more top of the line serger. If you have a nice sturdy well built serger, I would think it could handle this job. I would start with my settings, go slow maybe by turning the hand wheel and see how the stitch does. If it looks good, then sew slowly and go from there. You might need to tweak the settings, if necessary. Let me know how you make out.

[@twodevilsonegod]

I'll try it. Thank you😊

[@tonib9277]

I would love how to doing the serging portion, but I don't know how to disengage the cutter on the serger.

[@cynsew]

There should be some sort of knob inside of your serber to disengage the cutter. What kind of serger do you have? Do you have the instruction book?

[@tonib9277]

I have an older White SuperLock 534. I love this machine because it is soft "white noise" instead of a loud machine. I just never figured out how to prevent it from cutting. No, I bought it used and don't have the manual.

[@cynsew]

www.butchwax.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Whi_09_503-504-523-524_superlock_SM_P2.pdf I found this online, it is the manual for your serger. You could print this out! Hope this helps!! Cindy

[@cynsew]

@sarabhorton I am glad you are going to try it Sara!! Let me know how it goes!! Cindy

[@debsturat]

Do you wash your fleece before you sew it? Mine always shrinks lopsided so wondering if you wait to wash. Thank you

[@cynsew]

Yes, I wash first.

[@natellareal]

Hello! Thanks for the video, I have a question about finishing edges, do you put the knives up when stitching? Are the edges come out evenly without using serger knives?

[@cynsew]

Yes, my knives are down and I do not use them because the edge of my blanket is already sewn.

[@trudimillsaps2021]

What kind of sewing machine are you using? Does it do monogramming?

[@cynsew]

I have a Janome 15,000 that I do my sewing with and yes it monograms and embroiders. Now if you are asking what I am using in the video. This is a serger by Janome and it is called a Compulock. It is very outdated but it still does a great job. If you need more help, just let me know.

[@margaritawarrens2510]

I did not heard you mention to disengage the knife.

[@morgannwilliams967]

I just tried serging flannel pajama pants last night since I’m short and hemming them, and it turned out stretching it out. 😢

[@msdixie1972]

Did you just stop serging at the end and pull the fabric out to make the thread tail, or did you serge off? Also, do you have another video of the embroidery without the hoop?

[@cynsew]

I did not make a video on the embroidery. Also, I did serge off the edge and then as in the video, I pulled it through the other stitches. Any other questions, I am happy to help!

[@msdixie1972]

Cynthia Dickerson thanks so much! I would love to see how you did the embroidery without the hoop if you ever do it again! I have an embroidery machine and also just got a serger for Christmas :) thanks again for the reply!