Ric Rac Receiving Blanket tutorial.

Want to make an fun double layer flannel receiving blanket? This project is great for even a beginner, and can be done in less than an hour. The ric rac adds the perfect touch to this easy project!

Description:

This tutorial will guide you through sewing a double layer flannel receiving blanket trimmed with ric rac. You may also use the same directions to make burp cloths. It is a great beginner project, and can be done in less than an hour or so. Let me know if you have any questions!

Supplies:

1.5 yd flannel fabric

1.5 yd co-ordinating flannel fabric

5 yd ric rac

matching thread

Directions:

1. Prewash and dry both pieces of flannel. Cut each piece to 39"x39". This will give you a finished blanket of 38.5"x38.5," which is a nice large size, but feel free to adjust it if you would like a smaller blanket. Using a bowl or tupperware lid as a guide (or eye-ball it if you're lazy like I am), trace and cut the corners of the flannel into rounded corners.

2. If you would like to place an applique on your blanket, now is the time. For a great tutorial on how to do an applique, go here.

3. Place ric rac on one piece of flannel so that the middle of the ric rac is 1/4" from the edge of the fabric. Leaving a 3-4" piece of ric rac before you start your stitches, sew ric rac to the flannel using a 1/8" seam allowance. You should be catching the "bottom" curve of the ric rac as you sew. Gently curve the ric rac as you sew around the rounded corners. Note: if you are using extra wide jumbo ric rac (as pictured at top of post) you may want to align the ric rac on the fabric with the curve hanging slightly off the edge of your fabric so your seam allowance doesn't need to be so large.

4. When you have almost sewn the ric rac around the entire piece of flannel, continue to sew until the end and beginning of ric rac overlap about 3/4", pulling each tail end of ric rac off to the side of the flannel (see diagram). Trim ends of excess ric rac.

5. Right sides together, place your flannel piece on top of co-ordinating flannel fabric, matching all sides and corners. Pin together. Stitch 1/4" from edge around all 4 sides of blanket, leaving a 5-6" opening to allow you to turn the blanket right side out.

6. Turn blanket right side out through the opening you created. Press blanket edges, pulling ric rac outward with your fingers as you press (please don't burn your hand as I often like to do) to help ensure that the seam is pressed neatly outward. Handstitch the opening where you turned the blanket through.

7. Topstitch around entire blanket, close to edge of flannel.

8. Admire your great work, you are finished!