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... make a blanket

Blankets come in many colors, fabrics, shapes and sizes. Some are quilted or made from flannel or fleece. All materials must be new, washable, and made in child or teen friendly colors or prints. Our recipient organizations have asked that quilts be made with a low-loft batting, such as Warm and Natural. We currently have limited ability to distribute knit or crocheted blankets, and welcome suggestions on organizations for us to contact that might accept them.

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Please refrain from using scented laundry products or placing donations in scented garbage bags. Items that have a fragrance or lingering odor of an type may not be able to be distributed due to the risk of chemical sensitivities or allergies.

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Blanket Specifications

• Should be at least 36" x 36" for infants (small), 45" x 45" or 45" x 60" for older children (medium). Max size is about 54" x 72" (large)

• Blankets must be handmade without embellishments, such as buttons, that could pose choking hazards.

• Do not use recycled materials or wool; cotton material is preferable.

• Special note regarding knitted or crocheted blankets: As of February 2022, due to changing needs of the participating organizations, we currently have limited ability to distribute knitted or crocheted blankets. However, we have an increased need for fleece blankets, including those with a crocheted decorative edging. We encourage you to consider making those as an alternative.

• A crocheted border around a piece of fleece also makes a lovely blanket. A document with suggestions on decorative borders will be added to this website soon.

 

Click the appropriate link below to download instructions for the No Sew Fleece blanket and NICU flannel isolette cover

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NICU FLANNEL INSTRUCTION (click to download). For ease of reference the instructions refer to using two single cuts of fabric. However, either or both layers may be pieced to the size indicated, about 42" square.

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NO SEW BLANKET INSTRUCTIONS (click to download). Please make these with a single layer of fleece, and be sure to remove the selvage edges. 

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Some additional tips for no-sew fleece blankets: 

• Per recipient requests, due to the weight of double layer blankets, SINGLE LAYER PLEASE.

• Should be at least 36" x 36" for infants (small), 45" x 45" or 45" x 60" for older children (medium). Max size is about 54" x 72" (large) 

• For fringed fleece blankets, 1.25, 1.5 or 2 yards of 54-60" wide fleece are recommended. 

• "Minky" fleece is not easy to work with, so you may want to avoid it.

• Trim off selvages. These are the curly long sides, thick rough looking with tiny holes and print. They are on the uncut sides of the fabric and must be removed.

• When making the no-sew knot blanket, fringe only the two narrowest sides

• Use a sharp scissors or rotary cutter. Cut fringe 4-5" long and about 3/4 to 1" wide across the top and bottom of the blanket ONLY. The wider the fringe, the harder to tie.

• Tie each single piece of fringe with an overhand knot close to the top of the fringe, not at the end.