Self Binding Lap Blanket

Barb has come up with the perfect solution to making a quick project through the busy sumner.

We have all seen the self binding baby blanket.  Why not use the same technique for a cozy lap Blanket?  The rule for the blanket is no seams that can fray.  Barb appliquéd the deer onto the fabric for the top and then sewed the fabric to a complimentary Fireside fabric and now she has a blanket perfect to cuddle under.

Of course I had to go home and try this!

Fabric requirements - 1.5 m of cotton fabric for the top (60")
                                    2 m of Fireside (80" polyester microfibre fabric)
                                    Applique fabric and steam-a-seam 2
                                   
Cut the Fireside 8 1/2" bigger than the top fabric, on all four sides.  Appliqué desired design to top fabric.

Lay out your fabrics with the Fireside right side up and top fabric right side down.  Centre the top fabric on the fireside.

Fold the Fireside up so that you can pin right sides together with the top fabric.  Pin the corner at the 1/2" mark.  Pin all the way around making sure the extra fabric in the corners does not get caught in the pins.

Start sewing on a long side using a 1/2" seam. Tuck all the extra backing fabric towards the centre. Sew up to the pin at the corner and backstitch.

Pull the extra corner fabric out of the way, turn the blanket and start sewing at the corner Secure your stitches.   Stitch around leaving 8" open for turning.

To finish the corners fold the blanket at a 45 degree angle and pull the extra Fireside fabric out as shown.  Cut 1/2" from the corner sewing making sure the ruler is perpendicular to the edge of the Fireside..

Sew the 1/2" seam securing it at both ends.  Grade the outside tip slightly.  Repeat for all corners.

Turn the blanket right side out through opening and lay out checking to see you have the same amount of binding all the way around.  Pin the opening closed as well as pin the seam in place all the way around the blanket.  The seam allowance should be towards the fireside.

Stitch the seam all the way around the blanket.  I used a straight seam 1/16" in and a second seam at 1/4".  You may use a decorative stitch if you prefer.

My blanket used a single piece of Erin Michael's "Alpine" for the top and Chocolate Fireside for the back.  I can't wait to take it on my next camping trip.

Not one to stop at one, I had to make another.  I had this panel in my stash to make a quilt for my Grandson.  I turned it into a blanket in under an hour.  He loves it!