My church women’s group got together to do another service project. This one involved making fleece lap blankets for hospice patients. We had a great time making these blankets from fleece scraps before, but a lot of the women don’t know how to sew. For that reason, we decided to make no-sew fleece blankets instead. I’m not a huge fan of the tied-edge blankets, so I figured out how to make them with a braided edge instead. They turned out really nice, so I thought I’d show you how to make them. Be sure to watch the video at the top of this post to see step-by-step instructions to make the blanket. (If you are using an ad blocker, you might need to turn it off to see the video.) If you like this post, also check out how to make a tie blanket from fleece, no-sew fleece mermaid tail blanket pattern, and things to make with fleece scraps. I also have a post that shows you how to make a no-sew baby blanket with minky fabric.
I wanted to make the no-sew fleece blankets as easy as possible, so we had people bring one yard pieces. We used two, one yard pieces for each blanket. You can make yours bigger, but I don’t suggest going smaller. This is a good size for a lap blanket or baby blanket.
So the blankets don’t end up too long and skinny, I cut each piece to be about 48 inches x 36 inches. Lay both pieces that you are using on top of each other, wrong sides together, and make sure they line up. Next cut a 2 x 2 inch inch square out of each corner.
Now you want to cut two inch long slits that are one inch apart, like the photo below. It helps to have a long yardstick for this part. Do this on all four sides of the blanket.
Fold each of the fringe pieces in half, and cut a small slit in the middle. If you want your blanket to lay flatter and/or have a little bit of a tidier edge, you can also make your slit closer to the end of the tab. Not too close, or it might rip through. I recommend experimenting with the look of the “braid” on some scraps first.
Now for the “braiding” part. It’s not really braiding, more like crocheting, and it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Basically you want to take the fringe piece to the left and put it through the hole on the fringe piece to the right. Pull it though, and that becomes the next hole that you use. Make sure you grab both layers of the blanket and treat them as one. If this is confusing at all, watch the video at the top of this post. It will show you the entire process. (If you are using an ad blocker, you might need to turn it off to see the video.)
When you get to the end, separate the two layers of the last piece of fringe. Put one of the layers through the starting hole.
Use the two layers of fringe to tie a double knot and then tuck it into the inside of the blanket.
That’s it! A completely no-sew fleece blanket with a braided edge!
Take a look at these other posts:
How to make a Fleece Blanket from Scraps
20 Things to Make with Fleece Scraps
How to Make a Blanket for a Baby
How to Make a Tie Blanket from Fleece
No-Sew Fleece Mermaid Tail Blanket
How to Make a No-Sew Blanket with Minky Fabric
How to Make a Weighted Blanket
Jacquelin Wiggins says
January 15, 2018 at 5:10 pmThis is brilliant!!! Thank you for sharing
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 16, 2018 at 12:36 pmThank you! So glad you like it!
Antoinette mcdonald says
August 26, 2018 at 8:53 pmWhat are the measurements for a baby blanket that you would recommend ?.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
August 27, 2018 at 5:25 pmI think the measurements we used for the lap blankets would be fine for a baby blanket. You could go as big as a yard and a half of fabric, but I wouldn’t go over two yards.
Lov2quilt says
January 16, 2018 at 6:32 amWhat a great finish. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 16, 2018 at 12:36 pmThank you!
Christine says
January 17, 2018 at 6:45 pmLove this. I will do this for my next blanket! Thanks for this.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 17, 2018 at 7:08 pmThanks! So glad you like it! 😀
Meridel says
January 17, 2018 at 7:45 pmI love this too! Much nicer than the tied ones!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 17, 2018 at 9:35 pmThanks Meridel! I think it looks much better than the tied ones too! 🙂
Abigail Martinez says
January 18, 2018 at 4:03 pmPlease email me the directions. It’s a long reason why, just a few problems trying to get the directions the usual way. PLEASE
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 19, 2018 at 6:59 pmJust emailed them to you. 🙂
Pat says
January 21, 2018 at 2:18 pmThat’s much nicer looking. Going to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Maureen says
January 23, 2018 at 8:36 amReally like this edging. Not a fan of the fringed edge but love this edge. Not sure if I will be making one but am so glad you shared this.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 23, 2018 at 8:28 pmThank you so much!
Glenda Hyde says
January 23, 2018 at 2:38 pmWow ! This is AWESOME ! GOD BLESS & THANK YOU SO MUCH _ Glenda
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 23, 2018 at 8:30 pmYou’re welcome! Thank YOU for the comment! 😀
Madge says
January 26, 2018 at 10:22 amI have tried this method and had a problem. The blanket pulled up and cupped at the edges. I like the look of these, can you help me to get this finish right, please? Thanks so much.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 30, 2018 at 9:09 pmMine curled up a little on the edges too, and I was okay with it. I gave the blanket a little stretch, and it layed flatter. I think if you put the little slits closer to the ends of the fringe, it would lie flatter too.
Stacy Foster says
January 28, 2018 at 3:33 pmHello,
I am looking for a craft to do for my son’s teachers. This looks very doable. How does the braid hold up in the wash. I would hate to give this as a gift and it fall apart after a couple of washes.
Thank you,
Stacy
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 30, 2018 at 9:08 pmI didn’t keep the ones I made, but I imagine they would hold up just as well (if not better) than the tied blankets. My kids have tied ones that have been washed a lot, and they are just fine. It’s not really a braid, more of a crochet.
Barbara Holland says
April 30, 2019 at 6:42 pmI have made two for baby gifts and asked the people to honestly let me know how they hold up in the wash. They are still good after multiple washings and being drug around! I don’t tie the end though. I put the last one through and then find a medium size coordinating button to sew it down. I sew it extra tight since it’s for babies.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
May 2, 2019 at 1:55 pmThanks for the feedback! I love the idea of using a button instead of a knot. So cute!
Linda EARL says
November 4, 2018 at 1:14 pmHi,
I use the braid method to make fleece ottoman covers for my daughters 3 cats !
It washes perfectly,
I don’t do the fringe look
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
November 7, 2018 at 8:11 pmWhat a great use for it! I imagine fringe wouldn’t be very good with cats. Thanks for letting us know that it works for this kind of thing.
Natalie says
February 2, 2018 at 8:40 amI’ve been doing this for years as a way to finish a single piece of fleece. I use a button at the end (i decide where the end may be). It makes a really cute decorative edging for a scarf. And while sewing the button in place is sewing, its just a small amount.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
February 7, 2018 at 3:55 pmOh, that sounds really cute! Thank you for sharing!
GK says
March 19, 2018 at 6:53 pmSo excited for this! I really dislike the feel and look of the knitted ones, this is so much classier! Bought fleece today!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
March 21, 2018 at 11:24 amYay! Hope it turns out for you! It looks so much better!
Nokuthula says
May 25, 2018 at 10:19 pmI love this and it was quit easy for me to learn. Apparently in Zimbabwe where I am fleece isa bit scarce especially prints.
Would love to have more,
Thank you again for sharing a brilliant idea was actually looking for something to do and raise school fees for my 2 kids
Denise says
June 3, 2018 at 5:19 pmWill this work to make pillow covers with fleece?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
June 6, 2018 at 6:33 pmI’ve never made pillow covers, but if you can do it with the tied blankets, I assume you can do it with this. It’s two layers, and the edges are secure.
Lynda G says
June 23, 2018 at 3:56 pmI must be doing something wrong because I can’t get it to work.
Whenever I get to about the 4th loop it comes apart.
Any suggestions?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
June 24, 2018 at 5:12 pmOh no, that’s frustrating! It definitely shouldn’t be able to come apart! Make sure you are moving both layers of the blanket at the same time. Once you pull a tab through, that becomes the new one that you use for the hole. I know it’s hard to explain with words and photos. Maybe you can find a video on youtube that can show you how to do it.
Becky says
June 26, 2018 at 1:28 pmWhen do you turn it right side out? I read thru directions couple of times but can’t figure it out. You lay pieces together with ‘wrong’ side facing. Cut slits and start crocheting edges. What’d I miss?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
June 26, 2018 at 1:42 pmIt should be “wrong sides go together”, so the ugly parts on the inside and pretty parts on the outside. So it should be right side out the entire time. No turning necessary. 😀
Linda Champion says
August 26, 2018 at 8:06 pmI love this idea! I have been making fleece blankets for years. I made the tie knots and sewing the edge to make a braided edge. I have made a 2 yd and a I yd blanket so quickly I cant wait to buy more fleee. Thanks again. Nana
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
August 27, 2018 at 5:26 pmSo glad you like this method! I like it a lot better than tying too. 🙂
Shea says
August 31, 2018 at 1:42 pmI tried making this after seeing a little video of it on Facebook. I don’t know what I have done wrong but the braids are messy. Am I supposed to turn them in a certain way to make them neat as I am making it or is it supposed to look somewhat messy?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
September 2, 2018 at 6:25 pmI just posted my own video that might help. Watch how I turn the tabs while braiding and maybe that will help. It still turns out a little messy, but you can adjust it at the end to make it better. Keep in mind that it will probably get messy again when washed. You can also try making the slit a little closer to the end of each tab. That might leave less fabric to poke out and make it messy.
Sally E. Goff says
September 3, 2018 at 5:14 amI have a machine,{ Singer treadle} but it needs work. SO this is GREAT no sewing !
Thank you so much.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
September 3, 2018 at 3:16 pmYes, so much easier without having to sew! Glad you found it useful. 🙂
Anita Profitt says
September 11, 2018 at 10:06 pmThere isn’t a video at the top of the page. It is a blank rectangle
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
September 12, 2018 at 8:30 amSorry it isn’t working for you. Do you have an ad blocker on? That could be causing it. I forgot to mention that in the post that you might need to disable ad blockers to see the video. If that doesn’t work, here’s a link to my YouTube channel with the video: https://www.youtube.com/c/cutesycrafts
Diane Quinlan says
September 27, 2018 at 6:57 pmI am so happy you posted a video using this method of making the fleece blanket. I want to make blankets for the Linus Project and I know they only allow single layer blankets. Does this work using only one blanket? I bought a lot of fleece last year that was on sale. I don’t mind making two layer blankets, and I should contact them to see if it would be ok. I am curious as to whether one layer would work. Thank you, again, for doing the video. I really appreciate it!❤️
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
September 28, 2018 at 2:42 pmSo glad you like it. I think this would definitely work for a single layer blanket! I’d do a little test on some scraps to see if you like it first. The only problem I think you will run into is hiding the knot at the end. You could either add a little sewing to keep it secure of just have a knot that shows.
Carla says
October 1, 2018 at 2:20 pmThank you for your detailed instructions! I had looked at several other tutorials, but could not figure out how it was done!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
October 1, 2018 at 6:53 pmOh, that makes me so happy to hear! I’m glad I could help you figure it out!
Ofelia says
October 19, 2018 at 11:53 pmWill the braid hold after the blanket has been washed. How are they kept tight? I would think the braid comes apart since the pieces are so short.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
October 23, 2018 at 1:24 pmThe way it’s done is more of a crochet than a braid. It just looks braided. It should hold together fine in the wash. I might get a little messier, but it shouldn’t come apart.
Laura says
November 17, 2018 at 5:20 pmI had the same concern about it holding up in the wash. I’ve made several of the tied kind and they held up great after a couple washes. I’d love to try this method but a little nervous.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
November 19, 2018 at 9:01 pmThe braided/crochet part itself isn’t really at risk of coming undone unless the fleece rips. I need to make another one that I don’t donate and give it a few test washes.
Andrea says
November 25, 2018 at 5:10 amI have 2 1/2 yds of fleece. Will the measurements be the same? I’m new to the fleece blanket world. Thank you!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
November 26, 2018 at 2:17 pmYes, your squares will still be 2×2 and the fringe will be 1×2.
Patty T says
December 12, 2018 at 4:55 pmHi. I am wondering if the fleece blankets CAN be made with right sides together then turned inside out, (thus showing the underside of the braid I would imagine) but tucking in the edge a bit better? Has that been tried?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
December 14, 2018 at 12:44 pmI would think you could, but I’m not sure how you would finish it off. Like how would you braid it if that last part is inside the blanket? I’d give it a try with some scraps first to see if it’s doable. Come back and let us know if it works!
Charlotte Capps says
January 14, 2019 at 1:28 pmI’m wondering if you tried a curved corner instead of the regular corners would it make it easier to make the corners? (Obviously I haven’t started mine yet!) Also, I’m making one for a tall adult so I bought 2.5 yds. Is that going to be too long and will it shift apart or will it need some stitching through the middle to keep it together.
Thanks for your help.
Charlotte
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 14, 2019 at 10:36 pmYou wouldn’t be able to cut even strips in a curved corner. You’ll see how it works out when you start cutting and putting everything together. Lay out the 2.5 yards that you bought and subtract 4 inches. That’s how long it will be. If that looks okay, then you should be fine.
Bettie Ramsey says
January 19, 2019 at 4:08 pmI want to do a single thickness baby blanket using the tie method. Seems to not work as well or lay flat as well as the double ones. Help!! Our winters aren’t usually really cold here in Middle GA so I’m thinking a double thickness won’t be as useful as a single. Suggestions, please,,Bettie
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
January 24, 2019 at 9:40 pmOh that stinks. Did you try cutting the slits closer to the end of each tab? Maybe the tabs need to be cut thinner for a single layer? I haven’t made one with only a single layer, so I’m not sure. Please come back and let us know if you figure it out though!
Taina says
January 31, 2019 at 8:05 amIs it possible to do a braided edge with just one piece of fleece or do you have to have two to make this work?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
February 8, 2019 at 2:21 pmIt should work, but I haven’t tried it. Someone commented either here or on my YouTube that it didn’t look as nice though. I would try on a scrap first.
Cathy Bedard says
March 5, 2019 at 11:25 amHave you tried making covers fr a round pillow with the fleece? I want to make a cat bed but not sure how to do it without cutting the corners out.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
March 5, 2019 at 8:41 pmI haven’t, but I think it would work. You wouldn’t cut any corners, but you might need to cut the fringe a bit differently. Take a look at the mermaid tail blanket that I made here: https://cutesycrafts.com/2018/11/no-sew-fleece-mermaid-tail-blanket-pattern.html. See the photos around the tail’s curve that I had to take some wedges out of. I think that would work.
Anita Trudell says
March 28, 2019 at 4:01 pmEnjoyed finding this site. Have done the fleece tied. Thought this idea was much prettier and perhaps more stable. What about shifting with the two layers of fabric. Do you do some type of stitching to “anchor” it?? Thanks so much for sharing. Anita
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
March 31, 2019 at 9:19 pmI haven’t really had a problem with the fabric shifting. You could do a few anchor stitches if you wanted to, but I found the fleece sort of likes to stick to itself.
Laurie says
April 30, 2019 at 6:33 pmI just bought 2 yards of two different fleece but it looks huge. Should I have only got 1 yard for a baby blanket. I guess the baby will be able to use it longer this way. Hope it’s ok. New to this too.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
May 2, 2019 at 1:55 pmYes, you just need one yard of each color, so two yards total. That will make a really big blanket, the size I would make for an adult. You can still totally do it. All the cuts for the fringe and everything would stay the same. OR you can cut the pieces in half and make two blankets. 🙂
allison Wyatt says
April 12, 2019 at 12:42 pmcould this work with flannel fabric? cause me a beginner didnt think when I bought the fabric today
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
April 17, 2019 at 9:41 pmUnfortunately it won’t. Flannel will fray when cut, so it won’t hold up. You need fleece or minky fabric for it to work properly.