Here are some ideas for making your receiving blanket and burp cloths even more special. If you have a sewing machine that has embroidery capabilities, try embroidering the name of the baby you’re gifting the blanket to on a corner of the blanket or on the burp cloths. Personalizing the blanket in this way really gives it that extra something that makes an ordinary gift into a real keepsake. You could also choose an embroidery pattern rather than a name, or even choose to do both. Be creative and tap into the features of your machine.

If your sewing machine does not have embroidery capabilities and lots of decorative stitches, you might try making piping to sew around the perimeter of your blanket. Choose a third fabric that looks good with the two you have already chosen, and use cording that measures about ¼ inch in diameter. Round the corners of the blanket so the piping can be easily sewn around the entire perimeter. This is a beautiful way to embellish your blanket without all the bells and whistles of an expensive machine.

These suggestions will add a little bit to the time it takes to complete your blanket, but these extra touches will really make a big impact on the finished project, and will give you the ”ooohs and aaahs” you’re looking for when you give a homemade gift!

Posted by Lisa Blair as Embroidery, Baby Blankets at 2:13 AM EST

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Here’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive homemade baby gift idea. To make this receiving blanket and burp cloths you will need:
• 1 and 1/3 yd printed flannel
• 1 and 1/3 yd solid color flannel
• 1 spool complimentary thread
• time needed: approximately 1 hour
Lay both cuts of fabric down on your cutting mat, one on top of the other. Trim edges on one side and measure about 35 inches and cut again. Trim selvedge edges off the fabrics. You should now have two large rectangles measuring approx. 35 x 40 inches.

Take remaining fabrics, still stacked on top of each other, and cut 12 x 16 inches. You will now have four 12 x 16 inch rectangles. Take the large rectangles and sew right sides together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave 4 or 5 inches at the end to turn the blanket right side out. Close the opening and press the edges. Repeat with the small rectangles, making two burp cloths.

Choose a decorative stitch on your machine and stitch around the perimeter of the blanket about one inch from the edge. Repeat with the burp cloths. I like to trace a square or circle about twelve inches wide in the center of the blanket and stitch the decorative stitch on top of it to keep the blanket from shifting when it’s washed.

This is a great baby gift! I’ve given this gift many times and it’s always a hit! Consider giving a more elaborate baby keepsake blanket if you feel you have more time to prepare an extra special baby gift.

Note: Be conscious of the decorative stitch you choose, as some stitches are quick and others take a very long time to stitch out. It will greatly add to the time it takes to complete this project if you choose a stitch that is very intricate or thread dense.

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting, Baby Blankets at 2:13 AM EST

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