Receiving Blanket for Gabriel

 

Finished blanket

     After a grandbaby is born, I make them a receiving blanket that has all their stats.  My daughter says she likes them because they are warm but also feels like it gives some info in case of a car accident and the parent is not able to communicate.

     Today I am going to share a step by step tutorial with how I make mine.  First I start with 1 1/4 yards of flannel of two coordinating flannels.  I wash them in hot water, no detergent or softener and then dry in a hot dryer.  This gets rid of any sizing and shrinks the fabric so it won't shrink later.  It also softens up the fabric.

     Next I cut them so they are the same size, sometimes one piece of flannel will shrink more than the other.  I then use my computer program to make the embroidery files, I use MasterWorks and the Teddy Bear font.  I make sure the info will fit into a 4 x 4 hoop though sometimes with the name I will go up to the 5 x 7 hoop size if necessary.  I then transfer the files to my embroidery machine.

     I find the center of the corner by folding the two sides so they align and then press a crease.

     Next I fold up the corner 6 inches and press another crease.  This will now be the center of my embroidery design.  

     I then hoop the fabric with the creases lining up with the arrows on the hoop.  I have found that by placing the embroidery center 6 inches from the corner, I am able to hoop the fabric and not have to use sticky paper.

     I then choose the file I want and rotate it 180 degrees.  It is now going to stitch upside down.  I do this so that when I place the hoop into the machine, the large amount of fabric is to the front and not all bunched up in the back.

     I then place the hoop onto the machine and slide a piece of tearaway stabilizer under it.  The stabilizer helps to support the stitches and will tear away easily after I finished the stitching.  I do this on each of the corners and then stitch the name in the center of the blanket.

    

      After the stitching is finished on all four corners and the center of the blanket, I carefully remove the stabilizer and press.  I then place the face fabric right side up on my cutting table and then place the embroidered one, face down and start to pin together.

     At the corners, I use my Cut A Round ruler and round them using the 10" cutting line.

     I then finish my pinning and take it to the machine to sew together.  I use a 3/8 inch seam allowance and sew all the way around, leaving an opening to turn.  After pressing, turning right side out and pressing again, I am ready to finish it.

     I start at the opening and topstitch all around.  This not only closes the opening but will prevent the fabrics from rolling to the other side.

 

     On this blanket I used the double stitch and used a little longer stitch length.  This gives the stitch a little more presence.  Sometimes I just use the single stitch.

     I like making these as they are pretty fast for me to do now and I can have a personalized gift done by the time I get to visit.  

     I hope you liked this step by step instruction blog with the photos.  Maybe you will make one too following these steps.