Sometimes the best gifts we can give our loved-ones is spending time with them. Time interacting with family and friends is especially important for the senior community. Time spent together talking and crafting not only helps fill our human need for interaction, it also helps to stimulate our brains and help build new neural pathways which can improve memory and cognitive acuity.
Here is the perfect craft that is not only easy but also very practical for every family. If your family is like mine, you can never have too many fleece blankets for snuggling on those cold winter days. Let's get started!
Step 1: Choose the Fabric
Choose a print and a contrasting or matching solid. I like to use strong, bold contrasts. You will need a solid and a print that are the same size. My sample uses a nice dark hunter green for the back.
Step 2: Line Up the Two Fabric Pieces.
Line up the two fabrics, right sides OUT. Anti-pill solids are FUZZY on the right side. Anti-pill prints will be more distinct on the front side. Regular prints are hard to tell — use the side that appeals to you.
Step 3: Trim to the Same Size.
Trim the two pieces so that they are the same size.
Step 4: Cut Out the Corners
Cut a 5-inch square from each of the four corners.
Step 5: Cutting the Fringe
Cut fringe on all four sides of the blanket. Cut through both layers of fabric at the same time. Fringe pieces should be a little wider than the width of your finger. Cut in from the edge 5 inches. I like to lay a yard-stick across the fabric, 5 inches from the edge so that I know how far in to make my cut.
Step 6: Begin Tying Knots
Leave your blanket laying flat on the surface, with all fringes lined up. I find it easier to start tying from the left and work right, going around the blanket. If you are left-handed, you may find it easier to start on the right and work left. These knots are called balloon knots... tie them just like you would if you were tying off a balloon! You can also tie a knot like you would make with a shoe lace. That kind of knot will be easier if your hands are arthritic.
Step 7: Continue Around the Blanket
Tie all the fringes together on all four sides of the blanket. You are Finished! Wasn't that easy? All the knots should be snug up to the blanket, but not too tight. The finished blanket should lay flat.
Want matching pillows?
You can use the same directions to make pillows. You'll need a 12-inch pillow form. Cut two pieces of fabric that are 24-inches square. Tie three sides, insert the pillow form and then finish tying the 4th side. Now you've got a full set!