How to Make a Cherished Blanket
You don’t have to be an expert crofter to create a blanket that will be loved by a child. About 42"
Since the majority of the blankets are given to vulnerable children and we don’t want to add to their health problems, we can only accept blankets made in a smoke-free environment using new materials. If made in a home with pets, please wash using (preferably) unscented laundry products and remove pet hair prior to dropping off completed blanket. Thank you for understanding and helping ensure that our blankets do not contribute to any of our recipients’ health problems.
While making your blanket and / or once it is complete, please consider sharing your special creation on social media. This simple act helps raise awareness for our chapter and the national organization. After completing your blanket, leave it at the drop-off location or bring it to a meeting. (You don’t have to attend meetings to contribute blankets. Most of our members drop-off blankets at times convenient for their schedule.)
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General Blanket Requirements
- New, washable, and handmade (sewn, quilted, knitted, crocheted, or hand-edged fleece)
- Free of smoke, pet hair, chemical odors, mold, mildew, perfume
- Kid-friendly (colors, patterns): We typically are short of boy blankets and younger children blankets
- Sized-appropriately
- General size 42 inches by 42 inches
- Toddler: 42″ x 42″
- Child: 42″ x 42"
- Teen: 42″ or 42"
- Free of embellishments that could be a choking hazard
- Bows / Ribbons
- Buttons
- Fringe (Exception: Fleece tabbed blanket)
- Any holes the children can put their finger in.
Tips for Making a Great Blanket
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Tips for Crocheters and Knitters
- Use acrylic yarn, 4 ply
- NO wool, which can cause allergic reactions
- NO yarn recycled from past .blankets/projects
- Secure ends and weave them into the blanket. Do not just knot and cut off the ends. Instead, leave 4 to 8-inch yarn ends and use a yarn needle to weave the ends into the stitches.
- Use small knitting needles and crochet hooks for baby afghans. Little finger and toes, as well as medical instruments, catch in big stitches/holes,
- Remove all stitch markers
Tips for Quilters
- 100% cotton fabric (Tip: Flannel makes an economical and soft backing)
- NO tapestry, upholstery fabric, burlap, felt, vinyl, or any other stiff or scratchy fabrics
- Consider fabric combos: Make sure the colors and print sizes are appropriate for the age of the person receiving the blanket (example: no babyish designs for a teen blanket)
- Polyester-type or cotton batting
- NO used blankets for batting
- Securely stitch all seams.
- Ensure binding catches all edges and covers all raw edges and quilt batting
- Cut off extra thread tails.
- Secure appliques to the background fabric
- REMOVE ALL PINS!
Tips for Fleece Blanket Makers
- When selecting and cutting fleece, keep in mind the print and size.
- Do not make double-sided blankets. Our partners will not accept them.
- If electing to make a fringed/tabbed blanket, please follow the instructions on this site. The directions have been written to meet the requirements of our partners. Blankets that have too long tassels can be a hazard and catch on medical equipment, for example.
- A skip stitch rotary cutter blade is a great tool for poking holes in fleece before crocheting edging.