Sewing a Simple Baby Blanket: Beginner Tutorial

Sewing a simple baby blanket: beginner tutorial—it might sound like a mouthful, but trust me, it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying sewing projects you can try, even if you’ve never touched a sewing machine before.

I remember my first baby blanket project like it was yesterday. My brother had just become a dad, and I figured, “Hey, what’s a better gift than something handmade?” I didn’t have much sewing experience (unless hemming pants badly counts), but I dove in, made a ton of mistakes, and still ended up with something adorable and functional. That blanket? It’s still floating around, covered in baby spit-up memories.

Let’s talk about how you can make your own.

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Why Start with a Baby Blanket?

If you’re new to sewing, sewing a simple baby blanket is a perfect starting point. There are no zippers, no tricky corners, and no pressure to make it fancy. It’s just you, two squares of fabric, and your sewing machine (or even just a needle and thread if you’re feeling bold).

Plus, who doesn’t love making something cozy and soft for a little human? It’s practical, personal, and can be whipped up in under an hour once you get the hang of it.

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What You’ll Need (No, It’s Not a Lot)

I’m not a fan of overwhelming people with a giant supply list, so here’s the super simple rundown:

• Two 1-yard pieces of fabric (flannel is perfect)
• Matching thread
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Pins or clips
• A sewing machine (or you can hand sew, but it’ll take a bit longer)

And that’s it! Seriously, sewing a simple baby blanket doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store or a credit card meltdown.

Choosing the Right Fabric

This part surprised me at first. I thought, “Fabric is fabric, right?” Nope. When I made my first baby blanket, I picked some cheap cotton blend, and after one wash, it turned into a crunchy mess.

For baby blankets, soft is key. Flannel is great because it’s cozy, washes well, and comes in fun patterns. You can even mix it up with minky fabric (super soft and slightly stretchy) if you want to get a little fancy.

Let’s Sew This Thing

Here comes the fun part—sewing a simple baby blanket is just layering, pinning, sewing around the edges, flipping it inside out, and finishing it up. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.

1. Lay your two fabrics right sides together (the pretty sides should face each other).
2. Pin or clip around all the edges, leaving a 4-inch gap on one side (you’ll use this to turn it right side out later).
3. Sew all the way around the edges using a ½-inch seam allowance—except for that little gap.
4. Clip the corners (careful not to cut the stitching!) so they turn nicely.
5. Turn the blanket right side out through the gap. Use a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil to poke out the corners.
6. Fold in the raw edges of your gap, and pin it closed.
7. Topstitch around the entire blanket, about ¼ inch from the edge. This not only closes your gap but gives it a polished look.

Done! Can you believe it? You just finished sewing a simple baby blanket. It’s okay to admire it for a while. Maybe even take a victory lap.

It’s Okay to Mess Up

Don’t expect perfection on your first go. My first baby blanket had crooked seams and one corner that looked like it got into a fight with the sewing machine. But you know what? My nephew didn’t care. He loved that thing. Babies aren’t judging your stitch length—they just want something soft and snuggly.

I say this because I want you to enjoy the process. Sewing a simple baby blanket isn’t about making the “perfect” baby shower gift—it’s about trying something new, learning as you go, and creating something useful with your own two hands.

Customize It—Why Not?

Once you’ve nailed the basic version, you can start playing with different ideas. Add a little satin trim. Quilt it. Embroider the baby’s name. Make it double-sided with two wild prints (dinosaurs on one side, stars on the other? Yes, please). There are no rules here.

Honestly, this is where the addiction starts. After my first one, I made another… and then another. Now my friends just assume I’ll show up to every baby shower with a handmade blanket, and they’re not wrong.

From Fabric to Cuddles—Your Baby Blanket Journey Starts Here

If you’re sitting there wondering whether you can actually do this—yes, you absolutely can. Sewing a simple baby blanket is easy, fun, and oddly satisfying. You’ll pick up new skills, make something adorable, and maybe even fall in love with sewing (just a little).

And hey, if your stitches are a bit wonky or your corners aren’t perfect? That’s character. That’s love sewn right into the fabric.

Now go grab some flannel and start stitching. I’m rooting for you!