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.

You can already mention the answer to what is a receiving blanket from the name itself. Receiving blanket is so-called because it gets the newborn. Therefore, it`s the first blanket you`ll use to wrap an infant and not be confused with a baby blanket. 

Like other blankets, you`ll find various materials for the receiving blanket. There are even multiple colours and designs, so it makes a great gift idea. Continue reading below to know more about this product. 

What Is A Receiving Blanket Used For?

If you`re unsure of a receiving blanket, the name itself gives you a clue when a baby uses it. It is what receives a newborn after birth to help them feel warm and secured. Most parents in the UK own multiple receiving blankets, which typically have 30 by 40 inches. 

As we have mentioned, parents in the UK use this blanket to receive their newborns. Therefore, it uses comfortable and warm materials such as flannel cotton and comes in different colours and patterns. What makes receiving blankets newborn-friendly is that they are durable for heavy use and other temperature conditions to ensure that your little one always feels cosy. 

How is a receiving blanket different from a swaddling blanket? 

You can easily distinguish a swaddling blanket from a receiving blanket by how stretchable it is. It also has other features like flaps and velcro designed to make wrapping more efficient. However, receiving blankets is also helpful in swaddling newborns as it is a multi-purpose item. 

Put, a swaddling blanket designed with one purpose in mind: to keep snug on a swaddled baby. On the other hand, you will need the proper folding techniques when using a receiving blanket for swaddling since it doesn`t have additional features like velcro or flaps. More so, a receiving blanket has other uses. 

How to use a receiving blanket?

For cuddling your newborn

You`ll immediately wrap your wiggly newborn in a receiving blanket for calming and cuddling a baby. But after some time, you can also use it to keep a baby warm after a bath. Some parents in the UK even use the receiving blanket when they`re out and about with their baby. 

For cover-up during strolls and nursing

For example, it can serve as a cover-up for nursing to give UK moms privacy when breastfeeding. And depending on the material, you can use the blanket to cover the stroller during a sunny day effectively. Remember that receiving blankets are durable?

For keeping your baby clean

They are also easy to clean, making them perfect for diaper changing, eating, and playing. You can conveniently carry their small size, and you don`t have to worry about bringing other items. 

What Is The Point Of A Receiving Blanket?

It makes the outside world less scary for a newborn

The main point of a receiving blanket is to ease your newborn into the baby’s new surroundings. Remember that the environment can feel overwhelming, especially from the womb with constant temperature, quiet noise, and a dark atmosphere. A receiving blanket will provide a sense of warmth and security as your newborn adjusts. 

While that is the traditional purpose of a receiving blanket, it is also helpful for other things, as discussed earlier. Therefore, one can say that a receiving blanket becomes your baby`s constant company during this early period of adjustment. Nowadays, receiving blankets are not only for receiving a newborn, but it will also stay throughout the early days to keep your little one feel secure. 

How Many Receiving Blankets Does A Newborn Need?

Because of its primary purpose and other uses on the side, you can get at least four receiving blankets for your little one. In truth, you can get as much as you want, so you`ll always have extras within reach. One might get dirty or lost, so it`s always nice to have another receiving blanket in your diaper bag. 

Receiving blankets is generally easy to clean, and you can wash them as often as needed. If they`re not soiled, you can wash them every two weeks to ensure that your baby always uses a clean one. And perhaps you will need to replace your baby`s receiving blanket if it`s no longer as soft or if it has worn down.

Does The Hospital Give You Receiving Blankets?

It would be better to prepare one or two receiving blankets on the delivery day, but hospitals typically provide the receiving blanket. However, you must always ask if you need to give the hospital receiving blanket back to avoid awkward moments when it`s time to leave. Every hospital is different, so don`t hesitate to ask what items you will need to bring for your baby`s arrival.

Why Are All Receiving Blankets The Same?

Speaking of the hospital receiving blankets, you might notice that all blankets use the same one. These soft flannel cotton blankets are from Medline, a US company. Medline calls these blankets Kuddle-Up, and the most common ones in the hospitals are the easily recognisable striped ones. 

Conclusion

An item you must have to prepare for your newborn is a receiving blanket. What is a receiving blanket? The name itself receives your little one to help a baby adjust to the outside world. 

It also has various uses, so make sure to have at least four blankets in stock. 

If you want to know how to finger knit a blanket, we’ll teach you three easy steps. Finger knitting is not overly complicated, but you still need to know the proper techniques to skip the frustrations. Isn’t it neat that knitting is possible using your fingers?

It’s amazing how people in the United Kingdom come up with different techniques to create a knitted blanket. From arms to fingers, you have no excuse to skip learning this project. Proceed on reading to get started!

How Do You Knit A Blanket With Your Fingers For Beginners?

Finger knitting is a practice that has been around for a long time. There are different techniques to try, but the primary essence of finger knitting a blanket uses four digits of a hand. You can cast on your left hand if you’re right-handed or cast onto your right hand if you’re left-handed. 

1. Knit the first strip

Start by casting on four stitches using the double e-wrap method. You’ll also be using the flat knit stitch as it will be easier for finger knitting a blanket. To do so, lay your yarn above the loops on your fingers and then lift the bottom loop over the top.

Your first row will be knitting across four stitches, and you’ll repeat it to reach the length of the blanket. You can end the row by having the working yarn on your first digit finger and bind off four stitches to leave the finger’s last loop. Finally, move the circle to your first digit finger and proceed to the second step. 

2. Widen the blanket

Now that you have reached your desired blanket length, it’s time to widen it by joining more strips. Cast on three stitches to the last three fingers and knit four stitches to reach your index finger. The idea here is to join the strip you just made in step one by knitting along the edge closest to the index finger. 

For your second row, you will place the loose stitch at the edge of your index finger. Flat knit two stitches over one on your first stitch and knit three stitches. At this point, you’ll repeat what you did on the first and second row to reach your cast-on or last stitch. 

3. Finish the blanket and weave in ends

Place the cast-on stitch on your index finger and bind off.  You’ll knit two stitches over one on the first stitch and continue adding strips until your blanket reaches its final dimensions. Weave in ends, and you finished. 

If you’re not sure how to bind off or cast off your finger knit blanket, here is what to do:

How to cast off your finger knit blanket

You will start by flat knitting the first stitch on your first finger (index finger) and knit the second stitch on the middle finger. Move it on top of the first and have the bottom loop over the top. Get the stitch on the index finger and move to the next finger to have your first stitch. 

Then, knit the second stitch or the one on your ring finger and move it to your middle finger. Work it again from the bottom over the top and move the first stitch to the ring finger. This technique will be your first stitch again. 

We’re almost there. Knit the second stitch or the one on your pinkie and move to the stitch on the ring finger. Work the stitch from the bottom over the top and move the first stitch to the index finger to get your first stitch. 

How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Finger Knit Blanket?

The amount of yarn you’ll use for finger-knitting will depend on the type of blanket you want to make. For example, some knitted throw blankets take up to 6 skeins for you to end up with 50 inches wide and 60 inches in length. 

What Kind Of Yarn Do You Use For Finger Knitting?

The best yarn for finger knitting is anything bulky or chunky. A super-bulky yarn will be easy to work with your fingers, especially for a beginner. Aran or DK are also suitable options. 

Bulky and chunky

Chunky and bulky yarns are sometimes interchangeable, but bulky yarns are larger than chunky yarns. Chunky yarns, on the other hand, are thicker than worsted. 

Worsted and Aran

Other weight yarns that are interchangeable are worsted and aran. However, worsted yarns are more delicate than aran. Therefore, you might find aran yarns labelled as heavy worsted. 

DK

DK or double knit is one of the most popular weights. It is slightly heavier than a sport weight yarn, and it’s also called 8-ply in some places in the UK.

Conclusion

Did you know that your fingers are also helpful for knitting? In this article, we have taught you how to finger knit a blanket in three easy steps. You can cast on any hand with the double-wrap method and use the flat knit stitch. 

The amount of yarn you’ll need will depend on the blanket size. It’s also helpful to use something chunky to help you with knitting. Overall, we hope we’ve shared some valuable tips to get you started with a finger-knitted blanket!