Create the perfect cozy blanket for a chilly day or make some sweet homemade gifts with these EASY No Sew Fleece Blanket Instructions!
Then… be sure to also try making this gorgeous Fleece Scarf with Fringes, too!
No Sew Fleece Blanket Instructions
There’s nothing cozier than being wrapped up in a soft, warm blanket, right? That’s why I know you’ll love this easy No Sew Fleece Blanket Tutorial!
Sherry writes: "They make great gifts! Made them for my family a few years ago and they still cuddle with them!! Just made one for my grand dog!!"
If you’ve been wondering How to Make a Fleece Blanket… they’re actually such a cinch to make!
Not only are they fun to add to your home as a cozy throw, but fleece blankets also make the best Baby Shower gifts, and Christmas gifts for kids and adults!
Plus, if you wait for the fleece to go on sale… they’re so inexpensive to make, too!
So what are you waiting for? Check out these simple step-by-step instructions and learn how to make a fleece tie blanket…
Related: More No Sew Craft Projects
What Type of Fabric to Use for a Fleece Blanket?
Fleece blankets are so simple to personalize. Just customize your fabric choice for each individual with a fun pattern that suits their decor or interests!
Here are some print ideas to get you brainstorming…
- Animals
- Camouflage
- Character themes
- Christmas prints
- Floral patterns
- Nature prints
- Paw print for pets
- Plaid
- Sport Teams, etc!
What Type of Fleece is Best for Blankets?
Following are my two favorite choices of fleece fabric when making cozy no sew blankets…
- Blizzard Fleece {Polar Fleece – thick, heavy, and warm}
- Anti Pill Fleece {Polar Fleece – just as cozy as Blizzard Fleece, but slower to develop pill balls when washing}
Both are soft, so my first choice is always the Anti Pill Fleece.
It can be slightly more expensive, but if you wait for a sale, it won’t be much more at all.
Do I Need Batting for a Fleece Blanket?
Nope… no batting is required for these Fleece Tie Blankets. You’ll simply use two layers of fleece tied together.
Easy-peasy!
Supplies Needed for a DIY Fleece Blanket
Here’s what you’ll need…
- Patterned Fleece
- Solid Colored Fleece
- Sharp Fabric Shears and Ruler… or a Rotary Cutter + Cutting Mat
How Many Yards of Fabric Do I Need for a No Sew Fleece Blanket?
For Small Blanket: (for babies, small kids, or pets) – 1 1/3 yards of Patterned Fleece + 1 1/3 yards of Solid Fleece
For Large Blanket: (for teens or adults) – 2 yards of Patterned Fleece + 2 yards of Solid Fleece
How to Make a No Sew Fleece Blanket
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Line up both pieces of fleece. (with the ‘wrong’ or ‘dull’ sides facing in towards each other). Then lay that down on a flat surface. (floor, dining room table, etc.)
2. Trim off any extra pieces, so your layers are nice and even, then carefully smooth out any bumps.
3. Now cut a 4″ x 4″ square from each of the four corners.
4. Don’t toss the squares ~ I used my leftover fleece as backing on my Photo Coasters!
5. It’s time to start snipping! And speaking of snipping, I used to have a border collie named Roy that went bazerko every time I used a pair of scissors. He would run around the house like a crazy man, then come back for more.
The fixation got so strange, that we could just say the words “snip snip”… or just be completely silent and pretend to be cutting like a scissors with just our fingers, and he would go WILD!! 😉 Meet Roy…
Anyhoo… now back to the blanket ~ we’re getting sidetracked here!
To cut the fringes, you can either use a rotary cutter with a cutting mat, or if you don’t have one… simply use a ruler and sharp fabric scissors. I used my Fiskars Fabric Shears.
Pro Tip: Never use your fabric scissors to cut paper, as they’ll quickly become blunt. Designate them as fabric scissors only, and they will work like a charm!
6. Cut each fringe about 1″ wide, and 4″ long. (I went just under 4″, because I didn’t want my fringes to be too dangly.) You can even take a piece of masking tape at this point and tape it down across the blanket as your guide, so you don’t cut up too far.
7. Once you’ve completed the cutting, it’s time to start tying those knots! You can do a simple knot, or even try a different style of knot… on this blanket I did the right over left knot, then left over right knot on each section.
I guess it’s called the ‘Square Knot’? Whatever knot you choose, just be sure to double knot each time, so they don’t come undone. 🙂
And there you have it… an easy handmade gift! Have fun picking out your fleece ~ these are so many fun and pretty options!
I even made some manly ones for my little boys, and let them pick out the fabric.
One chose a deep dark blue with fish, and the other chose some green/tan camouflage fleece. That’s why I chose this fabric here, just to keep things girly in my own personal world. 🙂
How to Wash a Fleece Blanket
We’ve had a LOT of fleece blankets in our home over the years, and here is what I’ve learned to work the best when washing fleece to keep it soft…
- Use Only a Small Amount of Detergent
- Cold Water
- Gentle Cycle {with Lower Spin}
- Tumble Dry Low Heat
No Sew Fleece Blanket Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This No Sew Fleece Blanket Tutorial…
Sherry writes: “They make great gifts! Made them for my family a few years ago and they still cuddle with them!! Just made one for my grand dog!!”
Joyce writes: “We love them! Easy project!”
Mar writes: “I made one for each of my daughters and they love them!!!”
Nicole writes: “So fun and easy to make, and warm!”
Suzy writes: “I make these for baby shower gifts as well as for gifts for family and friends”
Ellen writes: “I make these blankets ALL THE TIME!!! They are awesome holiday or birthday or anytime gifts. I enjoy making them!!!”
Nadine writes: “They are easy to make, and so nice”
Danielle writes: “My kids love these blankets. They have at least 3 – 4, over the years the characters have changed. I made my daughter one for her college last year for Christmas.”
Dianna writes: “Great gifts for the guys if you get the sports team fleece!”
Deborah writes: “Love these! So easy to make and everyone loves them!!!”
Pamela writes: “Fast and easy to learn, and make great Christmas gifts!”
Marie writes: “My daughter made several as gifts for friends. It’s super easy to make and you can make any size. It’s great for folks that have to go to their kids’ sports throughout the cool seasons.”
Lisa writes: “We were given one of these as a Christmas gift a few years ago and still use it – so warm & cozy!”
Jennifer writes: “I’ve done them 2 or 3 times! So fun, easy and simple!!!! They’re awesome for littles… so soft and comfy! I’ve given two as baby shower gifts!!!”
Mills writes: “I have made so many of these as gifts! (pillows too!!)”
Jessica writes: “I just made a blanket with matching pillows for my nephew. You can do any size pillow and I just cut about about 3 inches longer on each side of the pillow. I made 18 inch pillows so I cut the fleece at about 25 inches. Tip for pillows: watch the clearance section at stores like Kohl’s and stack the coupons on top of the clearance to get high quality pillow inserts for under $5.”
More Fabulously Easy Crafts
So are you ready for even more fabric inspired crafting ideas??
Get inspired with these fabulous Craft Projects and tips below…
How to Make a Fleece Scarf with Fringes
When you know how to make a fleece scarf, you can afford as many scarves as you want!
No Sew Toilet Paper Pumpkin Craft
These no sew toilet paper pumpkins are about as simple as can be to make, and will honestly take you less than 5 minutes to put together!
Needle Minder Magnets DIY (How to Make Your Own in 5 Minutes)
Keep your needle handy when you’re sewing, cross stitching and embroidering with DIY Needle Minder Magnets! They’re SO quick and easy to make!
How to Make Photo Coasters
These easy DIY Photo Coasters start with a simple tile, and transform into sweet keepsakes that make great thrifty gifts!
Clipboard Crafts (DIY Decorating Clipboards Ideas)
You’ll love learning How to Make Customized Decorative Clipboards with these easy DIY decorating ideas for clipboards!
Homemade Soy Candles
Have you been thinking about making your own candles? I’ve got to tell you… Homemade Soy Candles are so easy to make!
10 Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids
Nothing beats homemade ornaments by the kids. These are my favorite ornaments that I’ll treasure forever!
BIG List of Easy Craft Projects
Feeling crafty?? It’s time to get your Craft on and get inspired to do some fun crafts!
Frugal Fashionista (Today’s Top Deals to Save BIG!)
Get ready for some seriously sweet Frugal Fashionista Deals and Tips to save you more money!
So did you try making a blanket with this No Sew Fleece Blanket Tutorial yet?
Leave a comment & share!
Don't Miss Out... Subscribe Now!
Jason Moore says
“I absolutely love how you’ve detailed every step of the no-sew fleece blanket process! The idea of adding character-themed fabrics is genius—I’ve seen firsthand how popular those are with customers. Do you find that Blizzard Fleece is preferred for its thickness, or do most people gravitate toward Anti-Pill for easier care? Great post—I’ll be sharing this one!”
Heidi says
Hi Jason ~ here’s what I’ve found when comparing the types of fleece…
Blizzard Fleece {Polar Fleece – thick, heavy, and warm}
Anti Pill Fleece {Polar Fleece – just as cozy as Blizzard Fleece, but slower to develop pill balls when washing}
Both work well, but I usually first opt for Anti Pill Fleece. It can be a bit more expensive, but will wash up a little better. Hope that helps! 🙂
Joanna says
Just found this online when looking for baby blankets. I’m crocheting one for my daughter and baby to be, but I wanted a warm one to give her as well. This looks like such a good idea. One question, though. Do the two pieces of fleece separate at all? I guess I’m thinking especially when washing. And by the way, border collies are smart but very neurotic lol. I had one that was like that too. sweet, though. Thanks for the idea!
Heidi says
Hi Joanna,
These blankets are great for babies! They’re very warm and cozy. I’ve made several and washed them over and over and over… I’ve never had the pieces of fleece separate. Hope that helps!
That’s so fun that you had a border collie, too! Aren’t they crazy, silly, and SO sweet? 😉
Kim says
I have seen where people are an X from corner to opposite corner of they are after of separation.
Ellie K. Norton says
A few years ago, Joanne’s sold blanket kits. One of my son’s built a back yard Koi pond … I found a kit with bright orange Koi and made him the blanket for whenever he takes a hammock-break from gardening !
GrammyA says
These will be my new go-to blankets when the church or other charities ask for new blankets for the homeless, only in a Full size. Thanks for the instructions!!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome! What a great idea to donate to charities and the homeless shelters!
Summer says
Is it best to wash the fleece before or after making the blanket?
GrammyA says
I see you didn’t get an answer, so I’ll give you my opinion! I always wash fabrics before I cut them; it shrinks whatever is going to shrink so when you match up the fabrics, they’ll still match before sewing. It also removes excel dyes, so I wash all fabrics separately.
Hope that helps!
Lisa says
I’m going to make 2 small ones to go under the girls’ car seat to protect my leather seats, and if I make them in a pretty style for each girl, it will create assigned seating! 🙂
Heidi says
That’s a great idea, Lisa!
Brittany says
Just scored LOTS of fleece for 75% off at Joann’s Black Friday sale. I will be making lots of blankets to gift for Christmas this year. Thanks for the easy tutorial!
Heidi says
Yay for deals on the fleece! Have fun making your blankets, Brittany! 🙂
Glenna says
Hi, I just saw your instructions and was surprised at how similar they are to the way I make my blankets. I just wanted to offer another suggestion for using up the 4-inch corner scraps. I make catnip toys out of mine. I sew through two matching pieces of fleece (right sides together) almost all of the way around on a sewing machine, leaving ~a 1 1/2 inch opening on one side. Then I turn the casing right-side out and fill it with ~1/4 oz. of catnip (I bought a silicone funnel with a 1-inch wide throat online especially for this purpose, and it works really well). Then I stitch the opening shut by hand. One of my “crafty” friends leaves one side totally unsewn, and then sews it shut with a zig-zag stitch on her sewing machine once the catnip is added (I only have an old machine from the 1930’s, so I can’t do it that way). Her way is a lot easier than mine and still looks really cute!
Nance says
Several of my fellow dialysis patients have these blankets. It is always cold at dialysis, and these are wonderful for helping to keep us warm. They are also easy to store in our lockers.
Tammy Spalsbury says
Hi yes the no sew blankets are easy to make. But when your making one side with a pattern and the other side solid. When the blanket is all done I always have the problem, of my knots twisting the wrong way. So many of the knots with solid color end up twisted on the solid side of the blanket. What to do? I’ve tryed to tie the knots so there not so tight. And even stretching it a little at a time. Still don’t work. HELP
GrammyA says
I see you didn’t get an answer, so I’ll try to help. The easiest way to get your knots to all look “right” is to make all the knots the exact same way! Right over Left and Left over Right will give you square knots like the ones shown in the last 2 pictures.
On the other hand, non-matching knots make your blankets one of a kind!! Good luck!.0
Heather Honeycutt says
Thanks for the great instructions! Can’t wait to get started. Love the story about Roy! We’ve got a crazy dog too. 🙂
Michelle Hershey says
i make a lot of these blankets every year. If you are going to make more then just a couple, it would be wise to invest in a rotary cutter and mat. The blades last longer then the scissors and much easier on your hands. I also believe it saves time.
J Miller says
If you make an adult size using 3 yards, would you need to tack down at periodic intervals thru the 2 layers like a quilt? If not, wouldn’t it get all weird?
Michelle Hershey says
I pin my whole blanket together before I start. I also line the whole blanket then I use a rotary cutter and mat. I do all 4 corners first. I’ve come by this method from trial and error and it works best for me… I can do a blanket start to finish in about 45 minutes.
Jessica Hoover says
We use these blankets at church and have members pray over it and give it to those in need with medical issues. I wanted to donate some to use but wasn’t sure how to make it. Thanks!
Dana says
Will the blanket bunch up with just sewing around edge? Or could you do this with just one layer of fleece?
Toddy says
My daughter has made these as graduation gifts for her kids friends. She uses the College colors and letters for them. The guys and girls always look forward to these.
Toddy says
Oops, kids’ friends. 🙂
Karen says
I love it when people correct their punctuation!
As to the blankets ,I make handmade gifts for everyone.This is something I haven’t made. But like Linda said, I too have seen double packs of fleece blankets at Big Lots for $2.00- $5.00 . So they are cheaper and usually color coordinated. I think I might mix the backs up , and use the 3 braid technique so the other side is kind of a surprise.
Linda Arney says
I have made several of these from the VERY CHEAP fleece single throws that are sold at BIGLOTS or ANNAS LINENS that sometimes are on sale for $2.00-$5.00 each. This is often cheaper than buying fleece at fabric stores. I find cheap fleece throws bundled in pairs on sale a few times during the year and these usually are color coordinated. 🙂
Floyd Gary Thacker says
I’m compiling a list of activities for my grandkids for when they visit and this is a great activity for the older ones that they can even help the smaller ones – the lesson will be the beginning of understanding knots (one of the coolest gifts my brother said he ever got from me was a knot tying kit). Back to the kids – they always have movie night @ their house, so they can make these and take them home and snuggle with them and have the pride of making them. Thanks so much for these instructions. They are so easy. I think even I can remember them and my wife will love it.
Flo says
Thank you for the idea. I like especially that the measurements are shown also in centimeters. 🙂
Big “hello” from Europe
Barbara Martin says
Several years ago we (my husband & I) made 7 of these for our grandchildren. After one blanket our hands were sore. We bought Black & Decker battery powered scissors and they were well worth it!!! The kids loved their blankets and are still using them. Great gift.
Holly says
Love these 🙂 Will be giving as homemade gifts this year for Christmas!
Heidi says
Have fun making your blankets, Holly! 😉
~ Heidi
Jennifer says
funny….my dog does the same thing w/ scissors or pretty much anything that he thinks could be used as a weapon. All I have to do is hold it and say, “hey Brew – its a we*pon” and he goes nuts! Same thing if I use my fingers to point a pretend g*n at him &/or sh&ot him. Quite strange, but funny
Heidi says
That’s hilarious, Jennifer! Aren’t dogs so funny?? I love your story… it totally made me laugh! 😉
~ Heidi
Cassie says
I have the same question…how much material do you use for an adult blanket?!
TMB says
Love this! How much material should I use to make an adult size blanket?
Stace says
Use about 2 yds that’s 6 ft if your above average then use 3 yds. The average American man/women height is 5′ 4.6″
Andrea Y says
I heart these so much! I have wanted to make one for so long but have never gotten around to it. I also didn’t know to leave out the corner! Good thinking!!
Heidi says
They’re so easy to make, Andrea… have FUN making yours!!
~ Heidi
Virginia says
Thanks for the inspiration for this project! I stumbled-upon your page while searching for a tutorial for the no-sew fleece blanket. Your tutorial combined with the braided-edge technique helped me to create a great gift for my dad.
Thanks again!
Lynda Wities says
Hi, I am about to make this blanket and am wondering why we cut the corners off?
Your finished blanket looked good but I’m wondering how prevent ‘a hole’ at the corners.
Hope this makes sense.
Heidi says
Hi Lynda ~ by cutting out the corners you’ll have cleaner lines of the blanket, rather than odd curves around the corners. After you tie the knots, the blanket won’t appear to have any ‘holes’ in the corners. 😉
~ Heidi
Maddie Davis says
thanks for the how to. The right over left and left over right knot is the square knot.
Heidi says
Oh thank you, Maddie ~ I didn’t have a clue what it was called! I’ll update that in the post. 😉
~ Heidi
Lila says
one of my grand children doesn’t like fleece against him can i use regular material or like teshirt material? thanks
T says
If you tye every other one and then filp over the blanket, and tye the rest, it lays a lot flatter and does not pucker or bow.
Mary says
love that you can make this blanket and give in the same day! My granddaughter will love.
Bianca says
Thank you so much, I was wondering how to make one of these.I want to make one for my daughter. Im going to make one tomorrow.. 🙂 Thanks again..
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Bianca! Have fun making your blanket!! 😉
~ Heidi
Tammy Johnson says
If you cut your fleece with pinking shears (all the edges and the fringes too) it turns out really pretty. I am making 2 of these for Christmas gifts, a little larger using 2 yard cuts of fleece, and 5 inch fringes. I’ve finished one and it turned out really nice. I’m also doing a pillowcase for a body pillow for my son as well.
Sheila Peak-Moffett says
My sister made one of these for me and a longer one for my 6’4″ husband several years ago…they are great for winter time movie nights in our Michigan home. I just made one for our 1st great nephew due in February! Oh…and that knot you tied (right over left, left over right)…it’s called a “square knot”!
gail says
I love your dog story- I ahared it with my kids & they got such a kick out of that!
Heidi says
Aww ~ I’m so glad they liked the story, Gail. Roy was a crazy, crazy dog! 😉
~ Heidi
Julie Shaver says
I think what you described is called a “square knot.” 🙂
Heidi says
Thanks, Julie! I knew there had to be a name for that! 😉
~ Heidi
traci s says
i have to say i never thaught of making one for a shower gift! my first grand daughter will be here in feb and i am going to go and get some material to make her one, also make one for my grandson, with motorcycles and monster trucks, so he doesnt feel left out! thank you sooooo much , just hope mine turn out!!
Patti says
Thanks for the great idea. We like to keep blankets in our car to use as an impromptu beach blanket, a picnic under the trees alongside a lake, keeping warm on a longer drive where hubby keeps the AC on “ICICLES” and I’m freezing, or for our grandson (or me) when falling asleep in the car on the way home from a fun day at the park. Great and easy and inexpensive gifts and “gift for ourselves”. THANKS!
Rosanne says
I made one a couple of weeks ago and plan to make 4 more for more of my grandchildren. I had a blast picking out patterns to suit them, from pink and girly to cowboys to hippie girl to guy rock star to penguin-lover 😉 I bought all my fleece half-price @ Joann’s and feel so proud to give these as gifts, and I encourage anyone thinking about making one or some to do it!!
April Jones says
These are simple and fun to make even witht the kids. My 2 year old will not go to sleep without her blanket. I need to make her a bigger one like her brother and sister, her other one is getting too small.
Holli says
I got several of these blankets for my baby shower and my son loves them…one of them stay in the car for those long trips or when its raining:) Also I may try and make some myself for a couple Xmas gifts, how do you tie the corners?
Jen says
I bought a TON of fleece 2 months ago when it went on sale and I had a coupon. I’ve never made these blankets before but they were in the back of my mind when I was shopping. I’ll get started on these today – they look easy and everyone gets a handmade Christmas gift! Thanks for the instructions and beautiful photos!
Norman Priddy JR says
they’re very easy and quick to make !
Heidi says
Aww ~ thanks, Jen! Have fun making your fleece blankets!! 😉
~ Heidi
Sue says
I tie the knots so that the top material is on the bottom and the bottom material is on the top.