Needlecrafts Sewing

How to Sew a Baby Receiving Blanket

By
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who shares her knowledge with beginner sewers on how to work with patterns and fabrics. She has over 40 years experience and has been writing and authoring books for two decades.
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Updated on 05/15/20
a flannel receiving blanket

Lea Jones / Stocksy 

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5–$20
  • Yield: 1 blanket

A receiving blanket is a newborn baby's first blanket and all parents know you need more than one. These free directions will guide you to making a receiving blanket as a special gift or to save money. The variety of fabrics available make endless possibilities.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sewing machine or serger
  • Straight pins
  • Scissors

Materials

  • 1 yard flannel or soft washable fabric
  • Thread

Instructions

  1. Preshrink your Fabric

    Use a mild, unscented detergent that will be safe for babies.

  2. Trim Selvages

    Trim the selvages off of the fabric and trim the fabric into a squared rectangle.

  3. Stitch Around Edges

    If you have a serger, use the rolled hem setting to stitch around all the edges and you are finished.

  4. Sew Narrow Hem

    If you do not have a serger, sew a narrow hem by turning under 1/4" to the wrong side on all the edges. Turn under 1/4" again to enclose all raw edges. Pin the edges in place and, if desired, miter the corners. Topstitch or hand-sew the hem to hold it in place. Whatever method you use to secure the edges, enclose all raw edges since baby items are laundered frequently and you don't want the edges to fray.

Tips

  • Use 1 1/4 yards of 45"-wide fabric for a square blanket.
  • Topstitch the hem with a decorative stitch.
  • Use fleece with a rolled hem on the serger, in any size to make a great gift for an adult. A hand-sewn blanket stitch makes an excellent decorative edge on fleece because it does not fray.
  • Make other gifts for a baby with fabric to match the receiving blankets.
  • Use flannel scraps as appliques to embellish other baby items.