I’ve had a pile of washed flannel on a chair here near my computer for a while now. I had wanted to make a few more receiving blankets like I made before - earlier in the summer. (This blog post has a reference to the original post showing where I got the idea.)

I managed to squeeze them in today. They are pretty fast once you have the fabric washed.

This is how I made mine.

I folded the washed fabric twice and trimmed to 20” square - trimming off the frayed edges. Then I turned it 90 degrees and cut again - this time trimming off the selvages. In theory anyway, I then had about a 40” square.

Then I matched the two pieces I wanted to go together and pinned. I then sewed around the edges, trying to straighten anything that was wonky using 1/2” seams (or more).

I managed to get these four done this afternoon - and I like each of them. I’m leaving them here with Rachael to be used in the store as samples, but then she can give them away to our children who might have children :) and could use them.

If you wanted to order flannel from us, just order 3 yards of two different ones - and you will have enough to make 2 very nice reversible, double-sided jumbo flannel receiving blankets. They will make wonderful presents which will last quite a while since the flannel we have is very nice. They are soft and cuddly.

They are quick and easy to make - these are things that your new moms would use every day!

How’s that for a present with value?

To summarize, how I made these:

1. Wash the flannel (you need 2 pieces for each receiving blanket) - to make sure you have enough for shrinkage, give yourself 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 yards for each. Flannel sometimes shrinks a lot. Go ahead and use warm or hot water since these will be used for babies and toddlers and bound to be washed in warm or hot water.

2. Cut a 40” square. This is how I did mine:

   Fold the flannel in half and then half again.

   Line up on your mat and trim at the 20” line. Do NOT trim off the fold. Trim off the frayed edges.

   Turn the fabric (folded) 90 degrees. Trim at the 20” line. Do not trim the folded edge.

   Open up - you should now have a nice square about 40”x40”.

3. Repeat for other piece.

4. Match right sides together (use pins!) and sew around the edges, using a 1/2” or more seam allowance. If there is any unevenness to the cuts, you can make the adjustment when you sew the seam. Leave at least 5” open for turning.

5. Trim excess out of corners.

6. Turn inside out. Poke out the corners carefully.

7. Press.

8. Top stitch near the edge, closing up the opening with the top stitching.

9. Top stitch again about 2” in from the edge, just to help keep things in place.

10. Sit back and admire your beautiful receiving blanket!

    YOU ARE DONE!

The first one will take maybe an hour - but after that - once the fabric is washed, they are quick to make.

Have a great day wherever you are reading this! Stay safe!

Oh…our flannel is here. Have fun!

Be sure to check out what my sis has for you in the store here!

Here’s one of the beauties we have!