How To Make A Quillow Blanket In 5 Proven Steps?

A quillow is a popular item to own these days, especially for those in the UK who love camping or travel. You would know how to make a quillow blanket for a fraction of its costs in the UK stores if you can sew.

how to make a quillow blanket

If you`re not familiar with them yet, the quillow is a quilt with a pocket sewn strategically on it, so you can fold it up to make a pillow.

They can be as big or as small as you want them to be, and you can even customise them to your liking.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make A Quillow Blanket

Anyone with basic sewing skills and a few yards of fabric can make their quillow. If you think you`re up for it, here is an easy step-by-step guide to getting you started.

Step #1. Prepare your materials

As with any project, you have to prepare your tools and materials first. Pick your fabric of choice.

Fleece, flannel, and cotton fabric make warm and cosy quilts, and the plush fabric is excellent for baby blankets. However, if you plan on using your quillow for picnics or camping, you should probably opt for waterproof material.

You will also need insulation or padding between your top and bottom pieces of fabric. This material, called batting, should not be too thick so that you will not have any trouble folding your quilt into its pillow pocket. Cotton batting is a popular choice, but you can also use wool or polyester.

How much fabric will you need? For an adult blanket, you will need two pieces of 1.8 meter by 1.5-meter fabric, plus an additional half-meter fabric for the pillow pocket. For a baby blanket, you will need 1.4 meters of fabric to trim 36 by 44-inch fabric and use the remaining fabric as a pillow pocket.

Step #2. Sew the main fabric

Start by laying one piece of fabric down on top of the other with the patterns touching each other.

Lay the batting material on top of the two pieces and pin the edges of the layers together. The batting should be the exact size of the fabric.

Stitch the layers together, leaving a half-inch seam. Take care to leave a 12-inch opening somewhere along the edge, as you will have to turn the blanket right side out through this opening. You can use a pencil to push out the corners.

Sew a ¼-inch final seam along the edges of the quilt, including the opening. This way will secure the edges of the quilt and give it a neater look.

Step #3. Sew the pocket for the pillow

In making the pillow pocket, repeat the process of sewing the blanket, but with no batting. Use the smaller squares for your pillow pocket.

Make sure that the quilt`s edges lined up together before you start stitching.

Step #4. Assemble the quillow

Start by laying the more giant blanket on a flat surface and Pin the pillow pocket to the quilt`s top centre.

Sew around three sides of the pocket. Leave the top open as this is where you will put your folded quilt.

Step #5. Fold the quillow

Lay the blanket, pocket side down. Fold in thirds beginning with the length of the quilt, then from top to bottom. Finally, flip the pocket inside-out over the top to make a pillow. 

When Do You Use A Quillow?

  • For camping

Camping is all about portability, and nobody wants to think about taking pillows and fleece blankets with them. Instead, they can bring their quillows.

These items made to be warm, so you don`t have to worry about freezing at night.

If you have a waterproof quillow, you can also set it on the ground for picnics. This way, you can keep yourself dry in wet grass or easily clean yourself up in dirt or sand.

Quillows are easy to pack up and store and are less bulky than bringing both a pillow and blanket!

  • For travel

Whether you are travelling by car or by plane, you would want to be as comfortable as you can. You can bring your quillow on the plane to keep you warm during long flights.

If you frequently travel by car, you can fold them neatly as pillows instead of messing up in the back seat.

  • For playtime

Quillows are not limited to adult use. Kids could benefit most from them.

Kids can use quillows as play mats or activity blankets to keep them engaged. You can also use it to help them learn a little responsibility by letting them tuck their blankets into pillows after playtime.

Conclusion

Quillows are great craft projects that you can do with your kids. You can teach them how to make a quillow blanket to keep or give as gifts to their friends for birthdays or Christmas.

Quillows can be customised, too, so you can get creative with fabric paint, fluffy glue, and glitter; the possibilities are endless. You can also add zippers and buttons to keep the quilt from popping out and keeping things neat around the UK house.

Experiment with your quillow as much as you want, and it`s a great project to make with your kids.

how to get slime out of a blanket

How To Get Slime Out Of A Blanket In 2 Easy Ways?

Slime is one of the household pests that most UK homeowners resent. If you are figuring out how to get slime out of a blanket, you are just in the right place! In this article, we will focus on dealing with these gooey nuisances, and you will only need a few of your everyday items in doing so.

Might you be thinking? Just a few UK household items? It`s true! Read on to find out how to deal with those sticky stains.

How to Use Vinegar to Remove Slime

You can use vinegar in various ways other than preparing tasty dishes, such as cleaning. For slime stains on your blanket or any fabric of similar materials, you`ll need to use white vinegar along with dishwashing liquid, ice cubes, and warm water. Here`s the process.

Step #1. Scrape the slime off

The easiest part is scraping away as much as you can. After scraping off as much as you can, be sure to dispose of the slime properly. You wouldn’t want it to stain anything else in the UK house.

Step #2. Use ice cubes

Apply ice cubes on the stain. Doing so will help freeze the slime so that it’ll be easier to scrape off. It won’t remove all the slime, but it should lessen the amount of slime left. 

Step #3. Use vinegar

Soak the stained area with white vinegar for at least 5-10 minutes. The vinegar will help dissolve the slime and make it easier to wash off. Please make sure not to leave it there too long, or you’ll have another stain to clean up.

Step #4. Wipe with a clean towel

Now that the vinegar has done its job, you can easily wipe off the residue with a damp towel. You should expect to see only a few tiny remnants of whatever slime remains at this point.

Step #5. Wash with dish soap

There might be some residue left in the area. Even if none are visible, you still want to be sure it’s clean. You can wash the previously stained part with dishwashing liquid and warm water.

You can do this using a bathtub if you have one or an outdoor faucet. You may place the blanket in a bucket or basin and only place the affected area under running water if doing the latter. 

Step #6. Let it dry

Now that you`re sure the stain is gone and the affected area is clean, either air dry it or use a blow dryer. Alternately, you may opt to run it through the washing machine before air-drying it, but this is optional.

That`s it! Now that you know how vinegar can double as a cleaning product, you can follow all these steps in the event of a slime-related mishap.

How To Get Slime Out Of A Blanket Without Vinegar

Are you still wondering if there’s a way to do it without vinegar? Say you don’t have any at the moment or don’t want to waste any. Don’t worry; there’s an alternate route that involves alcohol.

Follow steps #1 and #2 as previously mentioned

Whether or not you want to use vinegar, the first two steps still apply. Simply scraping off the slime that can be removed by hand and using ice cubes to freeze the slime will significantly decrease the amount of slime you have to wash off.

Step #3. Use alcohol

Apply alcohol on the stained area. Like vinegar, the alcohol will dissolve the remaining slime making it easier to wipe off.

Step #4. Wipe off with a damp towel or cotton wool 

A wet towel or a cotton wool ball will do the trick now. Dab the area slightly until the residue is gone. This time, however, you won’t need to wash with dish soap.

There you have it! Now you won’t need to worry about slime stains on the sheets. You can use the two previously mentioned items to make those stubborn stains easier to handle.

Alternately, you can use acetone or nail polish remover in place of alcohol. These substances are preferable if the slime is glue-based.

Conclusion 

Sure, slime is fun to make and fun to play with, but it`s bound to leave messy stains on any fabric you have around the UK house. By following these tips, you’ll find it much easier to get rid of those pesky stains that come afterwards.

It would be best if you do not directly wash your blanket in the washing machine. The slime could stain other fabrics if you include it in your laundry load.

Even if you throw in the blanket by itself, some of the resulting residue could chip off and remain in the machine and stain your clothes in future washes.

So now that you know how to get slime out of a blanket, you can worry less about the mess it could make as a result. Just follow any of these methods and remember, be patient!

how much merino wool for a blanket

How Much Merino Wool For A Blanket For Beginners?

How much merino wool for a blanket would you need to use? The general rule is that the bigger the blanket area, the more wool you need for your arm knitting project. Your baby can have a merino wool blanket for a measly four pounds, but adults may need as much as eighteen pounds of this kind of material.

How Much Merino Wool For A Blanket Should I Use? 

Merino wool may be thinner than your typical wool, but it is a lot softer, too. This property means that merino wool is excellent for outdoor use, especially for hiking enthusiasts. However, it is even better to snuggle in when used as a blanket, and best if you knitted that blanket yourself.

It is always safe to order more material than you think you will need when knitting. Depending on your pattern, you can arm-knit a custom Merino wool blanket with almost seven pounds of yarn.

The weight of the material will depend on your project, but you can make an adult-sized blanket for about six to eight pounds of merino wool. This amount could be enough for a weighted blanket that you can arm knit in less than an hour. Here are some estimates to get you started.

  • Crib blanket €“ A 28 by 52-inch blanket will need four pounds of yarn.
  • Twin-sized bed blanket €“ A 39 by 75-inch twin-sized blanket will use up to eight pounds of wool.
  • Queen-sized bed blanket €“ A 60 by 80-inch blanket needs 14 pounds of yarn.
  • King-sized bed blanket €“ A 76 by 80-inch king-size blanket will use up to 18 pounds of merino wool yarn.

Stores in the UK may sometimes sell yarn by volume to help you estimate the weight and length of materials you need to use for your project. Some UK stores can also advise you on the yarn thickness you may need for your project and the volume necessary for custom sizes and uses.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Merino Wool Blanket?

People harvest Merino wool from Merino sheep in Australia. While it is a viral material for blankets, people can also use it for other clothing and houseware types. Here are some benefits of using Merino wool.

  • Temperature regulator

Merino wool helps keep your body temperature stable. When it`s cold out, the fibres trap air that can help insulate your body. When it`s warm, it keeps you dry and sweat-free, so you stay cool under the heat.

  • Odour-free

Merino wool absorbs odours caused by bacteria. The material traps smells and keeps them from building up. This capability means that you can use your Merino wool blankets longer without worrying about smelling like sweat when it gets warm.

  • Hypoallergenic

Merino wool is lovely, making it soft and comfortable to wear. Because of its fineness and length, the fibres in Merino wool bend easier and are more flexible, so they don`t cause itching.

  • Fire-resistant

Merino wool is non-flammable, and most producers don`t add flame-retardant chemicals to the Merino-wool yarn. Compared to other synthetic products, this makes Merino wool that much safer. Nylon, for instance, starts to melt at around 320 degrees Fahrenheit, while polyester melts at about 452 degrees.

  • Eco-friendly

Merino wool is biodegradable and can disappear into the earth in about twelve months. However, this applies only to products made of natural fibres. If you support sustainable practices, ensure that you have high-quality Merino wool that adheres to standards and certifications for fair treatment of animals and respect for the environment.

Can You Arm-Knit A Wool Blanket In Under An Hour?

If you already have your Merino wool yarn supply, you can work on an arm-knit blanket in under an hour. Thicker wool fibres are fantastic for arm-knitting as they can create loose, cosy weaves.

To start, tie a knot at the end piece of yarn. Secure it tightly and trim off excess material, if any. Start with a simple slip knot and use a long tail of yarn to begin casting the blanket. Remember to remain consistent with your yarn stitches` tightness or looseness so that the finished product looks neat and consistent.

Remember that the yarn will likely pull and stretch, so you can allow it to hang to get a better sense of how you are doing with your work. Casting the first row of stitching is the most challenging part, but once you know how you will work with the blanket, you will be more comfortable moving the stitches from arm to arm.

The blanket will take its shape eventually. 

Conclusion

Merino wool is a natural and renewable fibre from sheep. Over the years, it has evolved to keep sheep comfortable, and humans have learned to use them for themselves, as well. 

Merino wool also comes with a lot of benefits, such as regulating temperature and hypoallergenic properties. These benefits make Merino wool popular to use for clothing and homeware products such as blankets.

Buying Merino wool products can be expensive in the UK, as these materials harvested by Australian farmers who consider ethical considerations. Making your own Merino wool blanket will be cheaper, which you can hand knit in less than an hour.

With the details above, you will know how much merino wool for a blanket is necessary for the size you want to create.

how to wash a fuzzy blanket

7 Proven Steps How To Wash A Fuzzy Blanket?

How to wash a fuzzy blanket without causing damage?

Well, fuzzy blankets use synthetic materials such as acrylic and polyester, so the answer depends. Artificial fur even includes wool or cotton, making the blanket’s fibre content a lot trickier when washing. 

You can grab the nearest laundry care manual to walk you through the specifics. For fleece items, follow general washing and drying instructions, and you’re good to go.

In the absence of one, consider this your lucky day! Just follow the simple guidelines below to keep your fuzzy blankets soft. 

What Makes Fuzzy Blankets Hard to Wash

If you don’t want any risk with your blankets’ condition, dry-cleaning is the way to go, although relatively more expensive.

However, there is an alternative. You can wash fuzzy blankets on your own if you can follow instructions!

Although, keep in mind that there are things to remember. First, you have to be sure that the washing machine is suitable for the fabric.

Overloading and the lack of washing selections will result in poor quality of the wash.

The ideal machine should have the quickest wash cycle option since fuzzy blankets should only stay wet for a short period. On top of this, the highest spin option should relieve the water off of it.

All the while, this will need close supervision on your side. 

Tips On Washing

  • A top-loading washing machine works best. The device must have the appropriate settings to cater to the delicate blanket. 
  • The detergent you opt for must be mild. When choosing, look for the formula crafted for delicate fabrics. 
  • It’s highly encouraged to wash with similar colours only. You don’t want to end up in a colourful mess. 

Tips On Drying

  • Do not prolong drying after washing the blankets. Fleece items, being heavyweight and full of strands, can be a breeding place for bacteria. Proceed to dry pronto.
  • Care labels differ for each blanket. If it permits the use of dryers, then it’s OK to tumble dry. Otherwise, it would be much safer to hang it on a drying rack or be left outside in the sun.
  • If you don’t know by now, heat can mess up fleece and related fibres. Please do not iron fleece items or expose them to excessive heat. This practice will keep the blanket soft and in good condition.
  • Faux-fur absorbs a lot of water, so that a second spin cycle will do your blanket good. Remove as much water as you can before hanging the blanket in a sturdy clothesline. Allowing them to dry in the air is preferred rather than placing them in dryers. 
  • After drying, you can shake the blanket to make it more fluffy. Store the blankets in the UK in a regular drawer, away from heat. During summer, however, storing them in cotton sacks can preserve softness noticeably. 

Remember the tips listed above and consult them as you go over the process. Now, below are the steps in washing fuzzy blankets if you’re using a washing machine.

To help you further, we answered questions arising from common concerns, too. 

How to wash a fuzzy blanket using a washing machine

Step #1. Separate laundry and sort fuzzy blankets in one pile

Step #2. Check for stains and remove them first

Step #3. Run a lint roller over the blanket before machine wash

Step #4. Select cool water temperature and delicate cycle

Step #5. Add the minimum amount of mild detergent and skip the fabric softener

Step #6. Machine-wash

Step #7. Remove and let dry

How do I remove stains from my fuzzy blanket?

Dabbing the spot in mild detergent or soap usually does the job. Once you have treated the stain, allow it to soak in cold water for at least 10 minutes.

One helpful tip most people in the UK wish they learned earlier is not to rub the dirt. Instead, press it with a sponge or a used t-shirt to avoid burying the stain further in the garment.

How often should I wash?

Fleece items, once damaged, are unlikely to return to their pristine condition. Wrong ways of washing lead to fading softness and a worn-out look.

As such, aside from meticulously following the instructions, restrain from overwashing and only do it to remove dirt and lint.

How do I preserve the “fuzz”?

So you want to preserve or revive your blanket’s fuzzy texture, and you can still do so with a few simple tricks.

While the blanket is still wet, you can rejuvenate the fleece fibres by using a brush. Your blanket will look good as new after doing so. 

Furthermore, when it comes to the residue meddling with strands, adding vinegar can help. Take this a step during the rinsing cycle. As a bonus, offensive odours will disappear. 

Conclusion

Now you have learned how to wash a fuzzy blanket in the easiest way possible. We hope that this article cleared some confusion and added value to your UK household.

Indeed, those fuzzy blankets bring joy to you at bedtime, so take good care of them, especially when washing. 

Sure, fuzzy blankets are much harder to clean than regular ones. But why go rushing to hire a professional cleaner if you can do it yourself, right?

What Is Blanket Training

Free Example Of What Is Blanket Training Mean?

The answer to what is blanket training lies in the name itself. You are using a blanket for your baby to help him get access to the things on it. It`s a way to train your little one’s self-control and encourage obedience, unlike a receiving blanket that warms a newborn. 

This article will enlighten you about the essential things behind blanket training. It`s a good read for all UK parents alike, especially those in the UK who are just new to parenthood. Furthermore, you want to find out if there are drawbacks to remember when you`re blanket training your baby. 

Everything You Need To Know About Blanket Training

What is blanket training?

Blanket training is a method of using a blanket to teach your baby self-control and obedience. You’ll place your child in a blanket and only allow them to use what’s in the blanket. The time interval varies, and parents use different disciplinary tactics or positive reinforcements when their child leaves the blanket. 

However, some UK parents are not enthusiastic about this training method because it initially used corporal punishment or physical force when children moved out of the blanket. Nonetheless, you don’t have to include force in training because you can also do blanket training with positive reinforcement instead. This action means praising your child when they only use the blanket toys or stay on them.

What are the benefits of blanket training?

Teaching your child about the limitations of toys and activities in the blanket will enhance their self-control. It expected to lead to a more obedient child and a lesser need for control on the parent’s part later on. However, the UK parent’s choice is whether they`ll use corporal punishment or positive reinforcement to discipline the child.

Punishment vs reinforcement

To help you decide whether you`ll go with punishment or reinforcement, you must know how the two differ. While both can either be positive or negative, discipline aims to decrease a behaviour while supporting aims the opposite and increasing it. For blanket training, UK parents more often use positive reinforcement and praise their child when they stay on the blanket or only uses the activities inside. 

But in the early days, parents who did blanket training used physical punishment to decrease the behaviour of going out of the blanket or using the toys outside of it. 

What Is The Point Of Blanket Training?

To teach boundaries

The whole point of blanket training is to teach boundaries and self-control. It was a controversial method because it originated from the book To Train Up A Child. Previously called The Pearl Technique, the process requires the UK parent to punish the baby if it crawls outside the blanket. 

How does blanket training differ today?

The modern version of blanket training removes the punishment aspect and rewards the child instead. It can be practised 5 minutes daily and then increase the intervals as the child progresses. Besides toys that the child doesn`t usually have access to, parents also use treats. 

Should you try blanket training?

Once the child mastered self-control, they can apply it to other practices and public places outside the UK home. It will allow UK parents to lessen their worries as kids will stay put throughout their requested duration. However, in the parents` assessment, they think blanket training will help raise their child. 

What Is The Blanket Method Of Discipline?

The blanket method of discipline is what Michael and Debi Pearl promoted in their book, and it is the origin behind blanket training. It is done at a very young age to instil obedience in the child. According to this method, UK parents must hit the child when they leave the blanket. 

What is the opinion of a children`s psychologist about this method of discipline? A concern behind this technique is it will leave the question of why still unanswered by the child. Remember that children must always understand the purpose of what you teach them and not just why they must stay in the blanket. 

Do The Duggars Use Blanket Training?

It is unclear which Duggar children have used blanket training, but Michelle practised a similar method she calls quiet and still. According to her, it`s practised twice or thrice a day to teach them self-control and obedience. On the other hand, Amy King prefers her son to be more curious than trained at a very young age. 

What Is The Pearl Method Of Discipline?

As we have briefly mentioned, blanket training has its roots in the Pearl method. But because of the physical disciplinary procedures recommended for it, many UK parents have condemned using it for their children. The punishments reported including hitting with belts or spoons and even exposing children to cold weather. 

Remember never to physically punish children of any age as it wouldn`t help them learn valuable lessons. They won`t find the reason why they`re being hurt and will only feel pain. 

Conclusion

Did you know that blankets also used for teaching children? Knowing more about what is blanket training in this article, you have understood that it aims to teach children self-control. They must never go out of the blanket or use toys that are outside of it. 

However, you should always consult with your child`s doctor regarding your little one’s appropriate disciplinary methods. Your child must always understand the reason behind reinforcement or punishment. 

how to clean heated blanket

How To Clean Heated Blanket In 6 Special Steps?

The washing machine is the best way on how to clean heated blanket. They designed to withstand this method since the late 1990s. It’s an excellent way to maintain the shape and wiring in your blanket. 

 

Have you ever experienced a freezing winter night in the United Kingdom? If you have, then you will know what relief weighted blankets and heated blankets are.

 

They keep you cosy under the covers and ensure you will have a good night’s sleep. That is why you must take care of these sheets.

 

Heated blankets run on electricity, so it is essential to be careful when you wash them. 

 

How To Safely Wash A Heated Blanket

When you wash an electric blanket, the primary thing to remember is to keep the linings and the wiring safe. Here is what you need to remember to clean it effectively.

 

Step-By-Step Process How To Clean Heated Blanket

Remember to remove all the cords before you stick them in the washing machine. You wouldn’t want yourself getting electrocuted, would you? 

 

Step #1. Prepare your blanket

Shake out all loose debris that could be stuck on your sheet.

 

Step #2. Place the blanket in the washing machine

Make sure it spread loosely and evenly. You can wash it with other towels or sheets, as long as they don’t produce lint.

 

Step #3. Adjust the water temperature and place the detergent

Wash your electric blanket in excellent to warm water. Use regular detergent, and don’t add fabric softener or chlorine bleach because they can damage the blanket’s interior.

 

Step #4. Set the washer cycle

Use a gentle cycle setting when washing your heated blanket. Reduce the final spin speed to the lowest setting.

 

Wash the blanket quickly for two to three minutes and let things flow from there.

 

Step #5. Switch the machine to the rinse cycle 

After the quick wash, skip to the rinse cycle. Immediately remove the blanket.

 

Step #6. Dry the blanket

Adjust the settings of the dryer to “cool” or “air-only”. Please leave it in for 20 minutes, so it is only partially dry.

 

Continue to air-dry it on a drying rack or clothesline.

 

There you have it! It’s pretty simple.

 

How Often Should You Wash A Heated Blanket?

Clothes and blankets take longer to dry during the cold season, so a machine wash once a month is just right.

 

You may alternate machine-drying and air-drying to preserve the interior of your blanket longer.

 

During warmer weather, you may wash the blanket every two weeks or as needed.

 

Can You Machine Dry An Electric Blanket?

Yes, an electric blanket can go in the dryer. Just remember to set it to the lowest possible temperature. Air-drying is the ideal method for this type of blanket. 

 

Remember to avoid dry cleaning since the chemicals used here can damage the blanket’s wiring and insulation. 

 

Can You Hand-Wash An Electric Blanket?

What if your washing machine isn’t big enough to hold the blanket or doesn’t have the proper settings? What if you don’t have a washing machine at all? 

 

You can hand-wash an electric blanket in a bathtub or a vast basin. Just follow the guidelines for machine washing; cool water, regular detergent, and no squeezing. 

 

Your blanket will be just fine with these tips.

 

How To Remove Stains From An Electric Blanket

We’ve all been there. You’re munching on snacks in bed, and a bit makes a stain on your sheet.

 

It’s not big enough to pop your blanket in the wash, but you also don’t want to leave it on there. 

 

What should you do? Luckily, removing stains is easy as one, two, three. 

 

 

  • Step #2. Put a little detergent, remove it with a damp cloth, and leave it to air dry. 

 

See? Good as new! 

 

Can You Iron A Heated Blanket? 

Let’s say after the wash, and you see the blanket is wrinkled. Should you iron it? 

 

It’s essential to remember that you should never iron an electric blanket because the heat can damage the wiring’s insulation.

 

Just hang the blanket from a rod; gravity will straighten it out. 

 

How To Store An Electric Blanket

Now, your blanket is all dry and ready for storage. How do you keep it safely? 

 

First, check if all the wires are in good condition. If you find any damages, then do the needed repairs. 

 

Next, roll the blanket. Don’t fold it as the sharp bending can damage the inner wires. 

 

Finally, loosely coil the wires for storage. Make sure not to fold them and keep them in a plastic bag to protect them from dust. 

 

When you have everything organised, please keep it in a dry, rodent-free space. 

Conclusion

An electric blanket is a convenient thing to have at home in the United Kingdom. You can keep it in tip-top shape if you know how to clean heated blanket.

 

This way, you will always have it ready for cold nights in the UK.

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