Nothing quite compares to the comfort of wrapping yourself in a plush Sherpa blanket, especially one that you’ve made yourself.
Making a Sherpa blanket can be a fun and rewarding DIY project that not only enhances your crafting skills but also gives you a custom piece of home decor.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps on how to create your very own Sherpa blanket, from choosing the right materials to the finishing touches.
Choosing Your Materials
Before starting, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth sewing process:
- Sherpa Fleece: Choose high-quality Sherpa fleece for one side of the blanket. Sherpa fleece is known for its softness and warmth, resembling the texture of sheep’s wool.
- Complementary Fabric: For the reverse side, you can select a complementary fabric such as cotton, flannel, or another layer of Sherpa. This fabric should coordinate with the Sherpa fleece in color and design.
- Sewing Machine: A good sewing machine that can handle thick fabrics is essential.
- Thread: Use a durable thread that matches or complements your fabric.
- Fabric Scissors: To cut the fabric cleanly and precisely.
- Pins or Fabric Clips: To hold the fabric layers together while you sew.
- Measuring Tape: For measuring the dimensions of your blanket.
- Optional: Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat: For more precise cuts, especially if you are making a large blanket.
How to Sew a Sherpa Blanket
Making a Sherpa blanket involves simple sewing that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fabric
- Measure and Cut: Determine the desired size of your blanket. A common size for a throw is 50 inches by 60 inches. Add an extra inch on all sides for seam allowances. Cut both the Sherpa fleece and the complementary fabric to these dimensions using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.
2. Pin the Fabrics Together
- Right Sides Together: Lay the Sherpa fleece and the complementary fabric on a flat surface, right sides facing each other. The “right side” is the side you want to show on the finished blanket.
- Pin Around the Edges: Use pins or fabric clips to secure the edges of the fabrics together. Make sure the edges are aligned correctly to prevent puckering.
3. Sew the Blanket
- Stitching the Perimeter: Using a sewing machine, stitch around the perimeter of the blanket. Leave a ½ inch seam allowance and be sure to leave about a 6-inch gap on one side for turning the blanket right side out.
- Reinforce Corners: When you reach a corner, leave the needle down, lift the presser foot, and turn the fabric to maintain a continuous seam line around the corners.
4. Turning and Finishing
- Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the blanket right side out through the gap you left. This will put the right sides of both fabrics on the outside.
- Smooth Out Edges: Use your fingers or a blunt tool like a chopstick to push out the corners and smooth the edges.
- Iron Edges (Optional): Gently iron the edges to flatten them, making sure the iron is set to a low heat suitable for Sherpa fleece.
5. Topstitch the Blanket
- Close the Gap: Pin the open gap so that the edges are tucked inside, consistent with the rest of the blanket’s edges.
- Topstitch Around the Edge: Topstitch close to the edge around the entire perimeter of the blanket. This not only closes the gap but also gives the blanket a finished look and helps the layers stay together.
6. Additional Quilting (Optional)
- Adding Quilting Stitches: If desired, add some quilting stitches across the blanket. This can be straight lines, crosses, or any pattern that pleases you. Quilting helps keep the layers from shifting and adds a decorative touch.
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How to Add Personal Touches
Customizing your Sherpa blanket makes it even more special. Here are some ideas:
- Embroidery: Add embroidered details such as names, initials, or patterns.
- Patches: Sew on patches that reflect your style or interests.
- Decorative Edges: Use a contrasting thread color for the topstitching or add a fringe around the edges.
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How to Take Care of Your Sherpa Blanket
Proper care will keep your Sherpa blanket looking and feeling its best:
- Washing: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
- Drying: Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. Avoid high heat.
- Regular Maintenance: Shake out the blanket regularly to fluff up the fibers and brush lightly with a soft brush to tackle any matting.
In my own experience, sewing a Sherpa blanket was an incredibly rewarding project. When my family adopted a rescue dog last winter, I decided to make a special Sherpa blanket for her to feel welcomed and comfortable in her new home.
Choosing a soft Sherpa fleece and a durable cotton fabric in shades that matched our living room decor, I followed these steps. The process was not only a therapeutic afternoon of crafting but also a wonderful way to bond with our new furry family member.
Imagine snuggling up on a luxurious Puffy Lux Mattress covered with your handmade Sherpa blanket—comfort truly made personal.
Conclusion
Creating a Sherpa blanket is more than just a crafting project; it’s an opportunity to bring a touch of warmth and personality into your home. Follow these steps to make a blanket that you’ll treasure during those cold nights or when simply lounging around. Dive into this DIY adventure and craft a piece that’s uniquely yours.
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