I’ve been experimenting with making different blankets, so I thought I’d show you how to make a tie blanket from fleece. I’ve never made a fleece blanket like this before, as I usually prefer to make no-sew fleece blankets with a braided edge. My daughter requested a fleece tie blanket this time because she likes the fringe on the edge. I found this adorable unicorn fleece, and I knew it would be perfect for her! I have a video at the top of this post that will walk you through all of the steps. (If you have an ad blocker, you may need to turn it off to see the video.) I also wrote out the tutorial for you to read through. Also take a look at these other easy homemade blanket tutorials.
To make a fleece tie blanket, you’ll need:
- 2 coordinating pieces of fleece (baby: 1 yard of each color, kid: 1.5 yards of each color, adult: 2 yards of each color)
- ruler
- sharp scissors
- optional: yardstick and/or masking tape
How to make a tie blanket from fleece:
Cut the selvage edges off the fleece and make both pieces the same size. Make sure the length and width of the fleece is cut in whole inches. Lay fleece out with wrong-sides-together (pretty sides on the outside). Cut a 5 x 5 inch square out of each corner.
Cut five inch slits, every one inch, to make a 1 x 5 inch fringe around the entire edge of the fleece blanket. I like to use a yardstick to mark out my cuts and keep them straight. You can also mark out a straight line with masking tape.
Take the two layers of fringe and tie them together in a knot. There are different ways to do this, but I like this look the best. Watch the video at the top of this post to see the knot tying in action. The photos below can also give you an idea of how I tie the knots. First, I wrap the fringe around my finger.
Pull the end up and over the top of the fringe and push it through the loop.
Pull the end through.
Push up on the knot and tighten it, sort of like you would tie a necktie.
I like the nice, neat knots that this method gives on a fleece tie blanket.
The other side pulls in the colors from the front, and it looks very pretty!
And that’s it! Such an easy way to learn how to make a tie blanket.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make a tie blanket from fleece.
Also check out my other tutorial on how to make a no-sew fleece blanket with a braided edge.
And take a look at these 20 Adorable Things to Make with Fleece Scraps.
Also learn how to make a weighted blanket with a fleece cover.
Ashlee says
If my mother in law is 5’6 would 2 yards be enough to make her a good size blanket?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
2 yards of each color (so a total of 4) is a good size for an adult blanket.
Carolyn says
I have made these tie blankets before been a few years. I needed the measurements I forgot.
Have a new Great Grandson coming in November so want to make sure he gets one.
Thanks for sharing some great pictures & know how.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
So glad it was helpful!
Diana says
What type of fleece are you using?
Anti-pill, luxe, micro? This is my first time attempting a blanket for my twin boys.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Whatever the cheapest kind at Joanns is. Probably Anti-pill, but you can use any of them. The luxe is SO soft, but it’s really expensive.
Christy M Taylor says
Iam making a baby blanket and decide to do a tie blanket I didn’t know how much fleece material to use your instructions say 2-1 yard pieces right but one question when your cute for the fringe our the measurements the same as for the bigger blankets
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
The cuts for the fringe are always the same, not matter what size the blanket is.
Mk says
Love this look! Thank you for sharing!
Do the knots come untied??
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
No, they shouldn’t come untied. We’ve washed ours and they are still fine.
Latifah Boyd says
Are you cutting out 5 inch squares no matter the size of the blanket? (Baby, kid, adult)
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Yes, the squares correlate with the size of the fringe, which always stays the same no matter the size of the blanket. The fringe has to be that long to tie the knots easily.
Diane M. Wehunt says
What is the width of the fabric?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
It’s about 58 to 60 inches wide.
Elisabeth says
This is a good help for me, thank you! I’m making matching double sided fleece blankets for my 7 year old and 6 month old girls for Christmas. (The 7 yr old is big on matching w her baby sister). I didn’t know how to finish them off and didn’t want to blanket stitch them. Perfect idea!
Tara Evans says
Thank you so much for this post! My company is making a bunch of these blankets to donate to the children’s hospital and I needed a good tutorial with photos to help me make a step by step job aid to have laying on the table so they would easily know how to tie the blankets. Your instructions and photos were perfect! Your video was also just what I needed to learn how to cut the blankets and have them ready for our charity blanket tying event. I can’t wait to check out more of your site for some more fun crafts for future projects! You’re the best!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
I’m so glad the tutorial and video was helpful! What a great thing for your company to do! That’s a good idea to get everything cut beforehand. We did the braided blankets for a service project, and the cutting made it take too long.
Jill Cosgrove says
Thank you, that was very helpful, I made one before and I thought you had to cut the 4 corners. Really nice blankets!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Oh, I’m so glad it was helpful!
Michelle says
Why the 5 in cut out on each corner? Is it because of the round corner ?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Because when you cut the fringe on each side, you can’t go all the way to the corners. It’s hard to explain in words, but once you do it, you’ll see why.
Sandy says
If you use 1 yard of for a baby size, do you the 60 inch width of fabric
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Yes, but then I cut some off to make it so it’s not super long and skinny.
Jennifer says
Is it okay to use fusible fleece between the 2 layers?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
I’ve never used fusible fleece, so I don’t know. It sounds like maybe you iron it to the other fabric? If that’s the case, I think it would be fine… as long as it doesn’t fray or come apart in the wash.
Cassie Crawford says
Where did you get the turquoise unicorn fleece fabric?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
I got it at Joann Fabric. 🙂
Audrey Pomato says
Should the fleece be washed before starting the blanket?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
I didn’t wash mine first. I think that would make it harder to lay flat and cut evenly. I would make it first and then wash it on a gentle cycle.