Whether you’re a beginner just getting into the DIY scene or a seasoned crafter ready for a challenge, I’ve got a project for you. Let’s dive into these step-by-step guides to making your very own DIY cozy blankets and throws that are perfect for fall. Trust me, you’ll want to curl up in these by the end of the day.
DIY Cozy Blankets and Throws: Crafting Comfort for Fall
Beginner Level: No-Sew Fleece Blanket
I’m going to start with a project so simple, even my dog could probably do it (though her version would be covered in fur). The no-sew fleece blanket is a classic for a reason: it’s quick, easy, and oh-so-soft. Plus, you don’t need any special crafting skills or tools beyond a pair of scissors.
What You’ll Need:
- Two pieces of fleece fabric (the same size) – go for fun fall prints or warm, earthy tones!
- A good pair of fabric scissors
- A ruler or measuring tape
DIY Cozy Blankets and Throws; Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Pick Your Fabrics: Start by choosing two fleece fabrics. You’ll want one side to be a fun pattern and the other a solid, or you can mix and match patterns if you’re feeling wild.
- Trim the Fabric: Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other and trim them to the same size if needed. Make sure the edges line up.
- Cut Fringe: Around the entire edge of the fabric, cut strips that are about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. You’re essentially creating fringe all the way around both pieces of fabric.
- Tie Knots: Here’s where the magic happens. Take the top and bottom piece of fabric for each strip of fringe and tie them together in a double knot. Do this all the way around the blanket until the two pieces of fabric are fully tied together.
- Admire Your Work: That’s it! You’ve just made yourself a cozy, no-sew fleece blanket. Now go snuggle up in it and bask in your crafting glory.
Bonus tip: These blankets make amazing gifts, especially if you pick fabrics based on the recipient’s favorite colors or themes. And who doesn’t love a handmade gift?
Intermediate Level: Hand-Knitted Chunky Throw Blanket
If you’re ready to take things up a notch and channel your inner cozy queen (or king), the hand-knitted chunky throw blanket is where it’s at. This blanket is not only ridiculously soft and warm, but it’s also super trendy. You know those Instagram-perfect chunky knit blankets? Yeah, we’re making one of those – and you don’t even need knitting needles.
What You’ll Need:
- Chunky yarn (about 7-8 skeins for a medium-sized blanket)
- Your hands (yep, that’s all!)
DIY Cozy Blankets and Throws; Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a Slip Knot: Make a slip knot with your yarn, leaving a long enough tail for weaving in later.
- Cast On: Using just your hands, cast on stitches by pulling loops of yarn through the slip knot. Continue this until you have about 20-25 stitches (depending on how wide you want your blanket to be).
- Start Knitting: Pull a loop of yarn through each of the cast-on stitches, creating a second row. The key here is to keep your loops consistent in size, but hey, a little variation just adds character, right?
- Keep Going: Continue pulling loops through each stitch until you’ve reached the desired length of your blanket. This can take a couple of hours depending on your pace, but it’s super relaxing – especially if you’re catching up on a show at the same time.
- Cast Off: Once you’ve reached your preferred length, it’s time to cast off. Just pull a loop through each of the final stitches, and secure the yarn by pulling the end through the last loop.
- Weave in the Ends: Use the tail ends of the yarn to weave in any loose pieces and secure the blanket’s edges. You can do this with your fingers or a large darning needle if you’re fancy like that.
And voila! You’ve got yourself a Pinterest-worthy, hand-knitted chunky throw that’s perfect for cozying up by the fire (or, you know, the Netflix queue).
Advanced Level: DIY Quilted Throw Blanket
Alright, crafting champs – this one’s for you. If you’re ready to tackle a more advanced project and flex your sewing muscles, a DIY quilted throw blanket is the ultimate cozy fall craft. It requires a bit more time and effort, but trust me, the end result is so worth it. Plus, you get major bragging rights.
If you are looking for a different style of blanket, check out this tutorial on DIYDunnLumber.com!
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric for the quilt top (cut into squares or strips)
- Batting (for the middle layer)
- Fabric for the backing
- Sewing machine (or, if you’re super ambitious, you can hand sew!)
- Fabric scissors
- Thread
DIY Cozy Blankets and Throws; Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose Your Fabrics: Pick your fabrics – for a fall vibe, go with warm colors, plaids, or cute autumn-themed prints. Cut your fabric into equal-sized squares or strips, depending on the pattern you want.
- Assemble the Quilt Top: Lay out your squares or strips in the desired pattern, then sew them together row by row using a quarter-inch seam allowance.
- Layer It Up: Once your quilt top is complete, lay it on top of the batting and backing fabric, with the right sides of the top and backing facing each other. Pin the layers together.
- Sew It All Together: Sew around the edges of the quilt, leaving a small gap to turn it right side out. After turning it, hand-stitch the gap closed.
- Quilt It: To finish, quilt through all three layers by stitching along the seams of your quilt top or creating a pattern with your stitches. This will keep the layers from shifting and add extra texture.
Now you’ve got a cozy, handmade quilted throw that will become a treasured part of your home. Just picture it draped over the back of your couch, ready for chilly fall evenings.
DIY Cozy Blankets and Throws: Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re going for a simple no-sew project or diving headfirst into hand-knitting or quilting, making your own cozy blankets and throws is the ultimate fall craft. Not only will you have a beautiful, functional piece to add to your home decor, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of saying, “Yeah, I made that.”
So grab some yarn, fabric, and a hot drink – it’s time to get crafting!