It only takes three steps to learn how to make a fleece quillow combo blanket pillow, even without much sewing experience. You will only need two yards each of flannel and fleece for this project, and your quillow will be ready in no time. But while you can hand-sew the project, it will be more convenient to use a sewing machine because of its size. 

This project is essentially a cosier form of the quillow, a blanket that can turn into a pillow. You used fleece and flannel to make the blanket and pillow feel more luxurious. And if you’re new to this innovative product, here is how a quillow folds into a pillow. 

 

How To Sew A Fleece Quillow Combo Blanket Pillow

 

Step 1. Prepare your fleece and flannel

To make a quillow, you will need two yards each for your chosen flannel and fleece fabrics. It’s best to have a solid colour for the fleece and a printed fabric for the flannel. Once you have these materials, cut off the selvedge edges to prevent fraying. 

Cut lengthwise strips from your flannel and fleece fabrics around 16 inches long. Then, cut two squares to make the quillow’s packet. What you left with are two fabric pieces measuring 56 inches long and around 40 inches wide to make the rest of the combo blanket pillow. 

 

Step 2. Sew the pillow pocket and make the quilt

Make the pillow pocket by placing the two squares with their right sides together. Sew all around except for the opening side, making sure you’re also using a ¼-inch seam allowance. You don’t have to topstitch the pocket, but remember to turn and sew the opening close. 

You’ll also place the fleece and flannel fabric pieces with their right sides together for the quilt. Use the same 1/4 -inch seam allowance and sew all around, except for one side to turn. Then, topstitch the quilt to finish it, and you’re ready to construct the quillow in the final step. 

 

Step 3. Finish the fleece quillow combo blanket pillow

Place the pillow pocket you made earlier in the bottom flannel and check if it’s centred. Then, leave one side open and sew all the other sides to secure the pocket in place. While it’s self-explanatory, please keep in mind that the pocket side is the one closest to the centre, and you must never sew it shut. 

Your fleece quillow now finished, and what’s left is folding it to turn the blanket into a pillow. To do this, place the flannel side down and fold one side over. Repeat on the other side to the top and fold down to reach the pillow pocket. 

After three folds, the blanket should be inside the pocket. You only need to grab its interior to turn the blanket inside out. Once you have the pillow, fluff it a bit, and it’s ready to use.

 

How Many Yards Of Fabric Do I Need For A Quillow?

The amount of fabric to make a quillow will depend on the user. Typically, you will need two yards for each fabric piece to create a quillow for an adult. It’s also better to allocate at least half a yard of allowance. 

For smaller quillows that are the size of a baby blanket, you will need one and a half yards for each fabric. This yardage is enough to produce a 36 by 44-inch crib baby blanket with the remaining material for the pillow. To get better at estimating, check our guide on how many yards of fabric to make a blanket. 

 

What fabric to use for making a quillow

Fleece and flannel materials are best for a quillow combo because they feel cosy and warm. However, any soft and comfortable fabric should work, especially if you want to use the quillow for a baby. For example, cotton fabric is excellent since it’s breathable and non-irritating. 

You also want to use materials that are easy to maintain if you bring the quillow frequently for travel. Some people in the UK opt for vinyl on one side to make the quillow sturdy and waterproof for picnics. This way, it’s easier to wash off the dirt on the quillow. 

What Size Is A Quillow?

A quillow blanket has no standard size because the resulting dimensions depend on the material yardage you want to use. Some fleece blanket pillows are 40 to 42 inches wide and 56 inches long. Just remember to use enough fabric to cover the person who will use it.

 

How Do You Make A Fleece Blanket Quilt?

Did you know that tying or braiding a fleece blanket is not the only easy technique you can do to make one? You can also sew several fleece squares to make a fleece blanket quilt. Just start with the pattern you want to create by arranging the fleece squares on the surface.

 

1. Take two squares and place them on top of each other with their edges aligned
2. Sew around the fleece with your preferred seam allowance
3. Sew all the other squares to finish the row and repeat until you finish several rows according to your desired quilt size
4. Sew the rows together using their seam allowance

 

Conclusion

Fleece makes a perfect blanket, but it can also be a cosy pillow. A quick recap on this guide for how to make a fleece quillow combo blanket pillow is to prepare two fabric pieces to make the blanket and pillow pocket. Sew the pocket onto the blanket, and you got yourself a quillow. 

Fleece and flannel are perfect for this project, and you only need three folds to turn it into a pillow. So what are you waiting for? Make yourself a two-in-one quillow ASAP! 

 

It can be frustrating when you don’t know how to knit a border on a finished blanket.

 

There are plenty of border knitting techniques that you can do. However, it may be not very clear to choose which one will work best with your blanket.

 

Sometimes, the finishing touches are the most difficult ones to do when knitting a blanket yourself. Those can either make or break your blanket pattern.

 

That’s the reason why it’s essential to do it properly.

 

Read along as we present you with the different kinds of border knitting patterns you can do and tips on doing them right!

 

What Is Knitting?

Knitting is a method of making clothes. It involves using needles and yarn to create a textile through a series of multiple loops or stitches.

 

It was and still is an inexpensive craft and easy to do as a hobby.

 

The earliest documented proof of knitting dates back to the Christian to Common era, 3rd to 5th century AD.

 

However, archaeologists believe that knitting is even older than that. The history of knitting goes to show that knitting is a human practice as old as history itself.

 

According to Anne Veglio-White, knitting is the new yoga, and we couldn’t agree more! Knitting is more than just being productive and creative.

 

It is a way to enhance your sense of well-being, and it also can help lower your blood pressure. 

 

5 Basic Ways On How To Knit A Border On A Finished Blanket

 

Method #1. Seed stitch 

If you want something simple, then you’ll want to incorporate seed stitches on the edges of your blanket.

 

There’s an equal amount of purl and knit stitches. Purl stitches considered the opposite of knitting as you do it back to front, unlike knitting with its front-to-back stitches.

 

You also don’t have to worry because this kind of stitching will look good on any pattern you might have in mind for your quilt!

 

Method #2. Scalloped knitting edge 

You’ll want to use two needles for a scalloped knitting edge.

 

First things first, make a simple knot to secure the end of your working thread.

 

The security of an end will quickly determine where you placed your first yarn when you need to come back for it.

 

Get a needle and do one row of purl stitchings. The number of hems will depend on how long you need your border to be.

 

Then, put your last stitching into your other needle and another eight stitches beside the last one you just moved.

 

Wrap your yarn twice with the opposite needle. Do it just like when you do purl stitches but with two stitches instead of one. 

 

Method #3. Garter and stockinette stitch

When you think about knitting, you’ll most likely picture stockinette stitches. It’s this beautiful braid-like effect stitching that is just pleasing to the eye.

 

However, it can look awkward since the edges tend to curl up when used alone. That’s why garter knitting often incorporated with stockinette stitches.

 

Do a garter border stitch by doing knit stitches after casting it on. Put your needle through the first stitch starting from the front side.

 

Wrap your thread around the needle and catch it by bringing your needle to the front. Next, slip the stitch on the left needle to the right one.

 

Keep on doing this on every side of the border for how many rows you want it to be. 

 

Method #4. Double seed stitch

This one is a variation of seed stitching where you do knit horizontally and vertically.

 

Double seed stitching is a process where you alternate two knits and purls for two rows.

 

Then, do it backwards and reverse again until you reach your desired size for your blanket.

 

It’s important to remember the sequence of stitches that you will do.

 

It will help if you have a little note beside you to remind you what kind of stitching you have to do next.

 

This stitch can be a little complicated, and one wrong move can affect your whole project. 

Method #5. Ribbed knit border

Rib stitches are an excellent option for a lot of textile projects you might have in mind.

 

It also works as an excellent bordering technique for your knitted blanket. This stitch is very common for every knitting pattern.

 

Just in case you don’t know how to do them, you can make this stitching by doing one knit and one purl across your needle.

 

However, if you have an odd number of stitches, you have to knit one time and purl again for the first row.

 

Then, for the next row, start purling first before doing knitting stitches again. 

 

Is Knitting Safe?

This pandemic gave us a lot of free time. However, this too much free time can be frustrating when you don’t know what else you can do.

 

That’s why many people in the UK are now turning to knit to be more productive during these difficult times.

 

Just like every other craft, knitting is safe when you follow safety precautions to do so.

 

However, it can make your hand hurt because knitting is a process where you do repetitive stitches.

 

Doing repetitive stitches can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, where your median nerve is compressed and results in tingling or weakening of arms to hands.

 

Read this to know more about how to knit responsibly. 

 

Conclusion 

There are many options to choose from on how to knit a border on a finished blanket. From seed stitches to ribbed knit border stitchings!

 

The possibilities are endless, and it’s all up to you on which one you’ll use to finish off your blanket.

 

Knitting can be a great way to pass the time. Make sure to do your research to know how to do it right.

Do you know how to make a poncho out of a blanket? Ponchos can be fab or drab, but if you have the skill for it, you can create one that`s uniquely yours – with materials that you already have at home in the UK. If you don`t know how to do this yet, the guide below will help you make one in a few easy steps.

Quick Guide On How To Make A Poncho Out Of A Blanket

Here are some easy steps you can follow for making a poncho using your blanket.

Step #1. Find a blanket that fits your size

Ponchos can be made in any size, depending on the style that you want. They can range from waist-length or higher to floor-length sizes that you can wear stylishly. Most ponchos, however, hang down about wrist-level when you have your hands at your sides.

Adults will typically need a piece of fabric the size of a regular couch throw. If you are unsure about the size, always use too much material than too little, as it is easier to trim the length than sew on more fabric to make it bigger or longer.

If you prefer a circular poncho, use fabric bigger than intended, as you will have to cut it yourself. 

Step #2. Fold the blanket in half

Once you`ve determined the size of your fabric, fold it in half. Lay the folded fabric on a flat work area to make your markings. Remember that if you prefer an asymmetrical poncho hanging longer in the front or back, you don`t fold your fabric where the edges meet. Instead, please make it so that the bottom half is longer than the top half.

If you prefer a circular poncho, map out the cuts you will make on the fabric. Use a tape measure to find the folded edge`s midpoint to mark the centre of your circle. Mark two points on either side of the centre so that you can determine the length of your poncho. Continue making scoring points to create a half-circle. Cut along the markings to make a round-shaped fabric.

Step #3. Cut a hole for your head

Cut a slit along the folded edge of your blanket. One should centre this slit along the border to maensurehat the poncho sits evenly on your shoulders. The hole should be big enough for your head to fit through without falling off your shoulders, typically around twelve inches in length.

Step #4. Hem the seams to prevent fraying

This step is optional, but if you have the time, you may want to make the effort of hemming the seams of your poncho to avoid fraying. Rough and unprotected fabric edges tend to wear and tear quickly. Hemming will help strengthen the material so that you can use your blanket poncho longer. 

Step #5. Add some designs for flair

You don`t have to limit the design of your poncho. Make it more functional or eye-catching by adding pockets, patterns, or even some fringe if you`re up for it. Your creativity only limits you, so don`t be afraid to add embellishments here or there.

Are there stylish ways to wear a poncho?

Once you finished making your poncho, think about how or where you`re going to wear it. Even the simplest poncho can look stylish if you know how to wear or accessorise it. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Over sweater or collared shirt

Ponchos are great to use in autumn instead of using a light coat or jacket. When you pair your poncho with a light sweater or a long-sleeved, collared shirt, it can be a great look to run errands. Remember not to overdo the patterns and designs. If your poncho printed, opt for a plain-coloured top to avoid clashing.

• With skinny jeans

Slim-fitting bottoms such as leggings and skinny jeans are great to pair with the more significant volume of your poncho. Sticking with slimmer bottoms will make you look more stylish for daytime use or casual evenings. Opt for darker silhouettes as they are slimming, and they can balance out the massive volume of the poncho.

• With over-the-knee boots

Tucking jeans into tall boots – whether it`s a riding-style boot, biker boot, or above-the-knee number – completes a great outfit. There is something about wearing ponchos with tall boots that make them look stylish and cosy at the same time. Stick with classic colours to make sure that your outfit looks put together.

• With a cinch belt

Show off your hourglass figure by adding a cinch belt around your waist. This action benefits petite ladies who may be overwhelmed with more giant ponchos with seemingly too much fabric. Use belts that are wider than a couple of fingers so that you can gather all the material to create a less bulky silhouette. This idea is also a helpful trick for those in the UK who use their ponchos as a dress.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make a poncho out of a blanket, you can create stylish pieces by breathing life into old fabrics. Ponchos are very wearable pieces of clothing that you can use for daytime or nighttime. While we don`t recommend using them for formal events or over your cocktail dresses and evening gowns, they can add a statement to your staple pieces.

Are you wondering how to make a prayer blanket? It’s always easier to buy one somewhere in the UK, but there’s always a notable addition when hand-made. If you’re ready to create your first prayer blanket, we’ve prepared an ultimate guide for you to follow. 

How To Make A Prayer Blanket That Can Show Your Thoughtfulness

Before you start making a prayer blanket, you have to think about why you want to create one in the first place. Some people in the UK have particular motives about their blankets. Some do it as a gift for someone close to their hearts, while some do it for their usage.

Most blankets have meaningful designs, but you can always use your creativity to make unique shapes and ideas.

Step #1. Prepare your materials

Once you’ve decided the purpose of the blanket, you can now start with the process. Prepare two one and ½ yards of fleece: one in a solid colour or patterned and one with a complimentary colour. 

Step #2. Start the process

Line up the two pieces of fleece together and trim the edges to make them of the same shape.

Step #3. Trace your guidelines

Using tailor’s chalk or any removable markers, trace a 7-inch border around the rectangle. Cut out squares from each corner at 7 inches and set them aside. 

Step #4. Sew and section

Sew the trimmed squares on top of the fleece. After, put the two fleeces together, then pin the middle section and hold the blanket. Fringe the edges by cutting an inch in width on all sides up to the mark we made earlier.

Step #5. Knot and design

Once the fringes are all ready, you can now start knotting the edges. There are several styles you can do to weave the edges.

Make sure to twist the fringes from the top fleece to the bottom fleece to keep them from separating. 

Step #6. Finish your gift

After knotting the edges, you finished! If you are going to give it to someone in the UK, pray for that person first. This pray creates a sense of spiritual bond between you and that person.

Some people in the UK even have it blessed first before sending it to the recipient. 

What Is The Purpose Of A Prayer Blanket?

Prayer blankets are often associated with prayer time. Aside from that, these blankets can have other purposes. Some blankets contain mantras, prayers, verses, and other things that can give them more significance. 

Some people in the UK gift prayer blankets to newly-wed couples, the elderly, or a friend. It is most common to wish God’s presence in their lives. 

• Prayer

Some people in the UK incorporate prayer blankets into their intimate moments with God. They use it as a reminder, much like a rosary, that God is in their lives. They either hang it inside their prayer rooms or put it in a place where they can wrap it around their body as they pray. 

Some even say that the person wrapped in a prayer blanket is a person covered in prayer.

• Décor

Another use of prayer blankets is as decorations. Some people in the UK do not want to use particular items to preserve their quality, displaying them. 

Most prayer blankets also resemble Persian-designed rugs, making them stunning and exquisite on most walls. 

• Trade

Prayer blankets are great for trading, especially hand-made ones because they have more intricate and detailed designs. These blankets are popular in Europe, and they possess great value. 

What Color Should A Prayer Blanket Be?

Colours also play a significant role in most prayer blankets. People who personally make one of these give personal values and motives in the colours they are incorporating in their works. 

• Three-coloured

The number three acts as a symbolism of the Holy Trinity in Christianity. The system makes this number a significant figure in most religions. There is a belief that the usage of three primary colours reflects the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

It can also to interpret in nature as the earth, the sky, and the sea.

• Colour Symbolism

Throughout history, colours are attached to different emotions and symbols as well. They have a substantial effect on a person’s moods and current feelings.

Red is a sign of danger and intimidation, Blue calms the mind and signifies depression, while Black is associated with death. These colours’ symbols are visible in our history, whether in religious matters, royalty, and warfare.

• Colour Meanings

Aside from feelings and emotions, colours are linked with qualities and relationships too. The chosen colours are affected mainly by the person who will receive the blanket.

For example, gold symbolises enlightenment and masculinity, while silver is femininity and intuition. Pink means friendship and generosity, while Black implies strength and confidence.

Which Religion Uses Prayer Blankets?

Many religions have essential items that they use to communicate with God. For example, Muslims use prayer rugs. These rugs serve as protection from the ground as they pray and worship.

Prayer blankets are a classic piece among Christians. The church blesses it before giving it to a person. It can also serve as a tool to comfort individuals when experiencing a bad event or in sickness. 

Conclusion

Prayer is one of the most remarkable things you can do for a person and making a significant object that symbolises the act makes it more exceptional. Knowing how to make a prayer blanket is essential for some people in the UK. Hand-made items will always add a more special meaning, especially if you give them to someone you love. 

Knowing how to block a large crochet blanket you made would save the beautiful work you dedicated the last few days in the UK.

Blocking your crochet blanket isn’t that hard either, as it only involves using pins to set it in place, a blocking mat, and some water to dampen it.

A blocked crochet blanket looks more professional. Blocking helps in shaping it and evening out the tension all over the product. However, choosing your method of blocking needs more forethought.

Using a random method of blocking could ruin your piece if you’re not careful. Read on so you can find out which way would work best for you!

How To Block A Large Crochet Blanket Properly

Spray blocking

Spray (or cold) blocking is the simplest way of blocking a crochet piece. All you need is a towel or blocking mat and a spray bottle. 

• Step #1. Lay your towel or blocking mat flat on a table. For a larger piece, you might need multiple towels or mats.

• Step #2. Place the blanket on top of the towel and lay it out the way you want it to look. Afterwards, pin the blanket’s corners onto the towel and place a pin every two to three inches on the edges to lock it in place.

• Step #3. Spray the blanket evenly with water, just enough to dampen it. All that is left to do is let it air dry, which could take up to two hours.

• Step #4. To speed up the process, you can point a fan at the blanket.

Wet blocking 

Wet blocking involves water, just like the spray method. However, instead of spraying, you have to dip the entire blanket in water.

• Step #1. Fill up a clean tub with water and dip your crochet blanket in it. Let it sit in the water for up to 10 minutes, ensuring that the fibres have soaked up water completely and have relaxed.

• Step #2. After 10 minutes, pull the blanket out of the water and place it on multiple pieces of cloth or towels. Take another towel and put it on top of the blanket.

This process is necessary to remove the excess water, which would also speed up the drying process. Under all circumstances, do not wring your blanket, or else you risk damaging the yarn.

• Step #3. After getting all the excess water out, place your blanket on dry towels or blocking mats and spread it out flat. Pin the blanket’s corners and put one pin every 2 to 3 inches at the edge. Let it sit and air dry.

The drying process takes a few hours. It could be longer or shorter than the first method depending on how much of the excess water you got out.

Steam blocking

Unlike the first two methods, steam blocking uses another tool: either a garment steamer or an iron on the steam settings.

• Step #1. Do not put the iron or the garment steamer directly onto the blanket because the intense heat could destroy your delicate project. Instead, have it hover above the blanket at a distance of around one to three inches.

• Step #2. Place your blanket onto a towel or a blocking mat. Pin the blanket onto the towel or mat and place a pin every 2 to 3 inches on the edges.

• Step #3. Using the iron or the garment steamer, hover all over the blanket to dampen it. Hover around an area for two to three seconds before moving on to the next part of the blanket.

• Step #4. Stretch out the bumps and the wrinkles carefully, making sure not to pull too hard. If you pull too hard on your blanket, it might loosen your stitches.

• Step #5. Afterwards, all that is left is to dry the blanket. Since you used steam, the drying process could take about 30 minutes to an hour.

How Do You Choose Which Method To Use?

Choosing which method to use depends on the material used for the crochet. Using the steam method on delicate yarn, for example, could potentially damage the blanket.

Natural fibres like wool, alpaca, and cotton can be blocked using spray or wet methods. Blocking these fibres would make them bloom and fill in the gaps of the stitches.

For acrylic yarn, blocking with water may not be ideal because the acrylic yarn does not soak up water. You can choose to use the steam method for it.

Though blocking acrylic yarn isn’t permanent, we recommend that you do it anyway because the result would look neater.

For silk, blocking needs a lot of care. It is because the material is too fragile and cannot withstand too much water or heat. 

If you have doubts about the material you are using, you could check the washing instructions that come with the yarn. 

If your yarn or fibre does not have instructions, then it is recommended to create a swatch. A swatch is like a smaller version of your project. It is better to damage your swatch than to damage your 40-hour crochet blanket! 

Conclusion

Crocheting is an art form that is time-consuming and tedious but very rewarding. With it, you can create large blankets or even clothes for your loved ones in the UK.

However, crocheting is a delicate art. Knowing how to block a large crochet blanket properly could save you all the trouble of redoing it. Remove the risk and stress of having your hard work suddenly shrink before your eyes by following the easy methods above.