Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sewing: Minky Ultimate Couch Blanket (How-to)


I didn't get to much on my handmade list for Christmas this year, but I did make a blanket for my husband. He's a bit tough to buy for so I was excited and relieved to come up with this idea for him: the ultimate couch blanket. 


I know it looks simply like a beautiful, plush, minky blanket in a generous size (72" long and about 60" wide), and it is! But there is more...


It has a large pocket on one side for tucking your feet! Is it just me or is this what everyone needs? Don't you hate the awkward flapping of the blanket as you try to tuck it under your feet while lounging on the couch? I thought the pocket was the answer.  My girls agreed. Of course it is more like a sleeping bag pouch for their size--maybe a gift idea for them next year.

I didn't do a tutorial for this but I will explain how I made it so you can make one too.


To start, make a double sided minky blanket (I recommend 72"x60") and bind it according to your preference. I did a self binding (see tutorials here and here) with the Cuddle Shag minky (I bought this brown and cream shag locally but here is some online) so it forms a nice border around the edge of the patterned minky (Mar Bella Minky Valencia in Marina Blue). This seemed the easiest option since I didn't want to use a satin binding.



Once you have your blanket, measure the width inside the binding and create a pocket panel that same width and about 27" high. Do this by sewing two pieces of minky right sides together, leaving a space for turning, and turning it right side out so all four edges are seamed. I used the eyelash minky for the side that shows and a brown dimpled minky for the "wrong" side, the side inside the pocket.

Sew this pocket panel to your blanket by stitching very close to the seamed edge along the sides and bottom of the blanket. I used a zigzag stitch, which practically disappears in the nap of the minky. The top edge will be open forming the pocket.



To keep this oversized pocket from flapping open and hanging off the blanket I stitched along the design on the printed side (I outlined two of these medallion shapes) catching the center of the top of the pocket.




It is just enough to hold it closed and because the stitching follows the design it isn't distracting at all. In fact, it's pretty impossible to see. (You could stitch down the middle of the pocket, essentially forming two pockets, but I didn't think I'd like the look of the stitching line.)



That's it. Pretty simple but oh so luxurious! And another great reason to get the kids to bed and sit and relax a bit--without drafty toes.




33 comments:

Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs said...

This is so smart! LOVE the pocket touch! The patterns are incredible!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful idea! The blanket looks plush and just super comfy :)

Maria

Hannah Jean said...

I love the fabrics you chose, the pattern and textures look so luxurious!

Tracy said...

I second what Hannah Jean said ... beautiful.

Becky said...

That fabric is beautiful!

Melissa Graham said...

This is beautiful!! I would love to have one of those for me but I'm pretty sure I would never get to use it here unless there was a smaller someone under it with me. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa
lazydaisycrochet.blogspot.com

Emmers said...

This is amazing!! I was just talking to my friend about how much I love blankets - now I am going to have to get sewing and try this one out!! :D

Jen @ Craftincowgirl said...

Great idea, thank you for sharing! This would be perfect for my 6'3" husband :o)

Julia said...

Ha! "Awkward flapping" made me laugh, I know exactly what you're talking about. Nice idea, maybe I'll make one for next Christmas?

Delia said...

Oh what lovely fabric Anneliese. This is a great handmade gift.

Pam said...

The fabrics are so pretty!! I love the different textures, patterns and colors that you used.

Emily said...

What a great gift and fabrics. :)

Peggy said...

Wow! I love this! Your husband is so lucky. What a great idea to make a pocket for your feet. My daughter would love that.
Thanks for sharing!

syndi said...

Ha! I also had this idea! I made a blanket one for my brother-in-law this Christmas and since he always complains that blankets are not long enough for him I thought a pocket at the bottom would take care of that. I stitched mine about 14" from each side, though. Great minds think alike :-)

millefeuilles said...

I have just discovered your blog and am so very pleased to have done so. Your creativity is an inspiration. Happy, peaceful, harmonious new year to you all the way from France.

Stephanie

Unknown said...

You've done it again ~ completely beautiful and luxurious! I want to cuddle up with that blanket right now. So, so pretty.

Hope you guys had a very Merry Christmas!! Here's to a fabulous 2012!

Lindsay

Frugal Baby said...

These are stunning. Thanks for sharing.

Jenny said...

This blanket is georgous! I featured you on my blog: http://aworldofcrafts.blogspot.com/

Nlumpkin said...

What was that? I don't understand how this one works with pocket? Blanket? with Pocket? Can anyone explain to me.
Thanks
Have a nice day

Anneliese said...

The pocket is for tucking one's feet into! I hoped the illustrations above would help. It's constructed similar to a long pocket at the bottom of the apron and makes it so one's toes aren't left out in the cold if the blanket shifts! It works great.

Anonymous said...

Hello, Beautiful blanket. I would like to make one for my husband for his birthday. Can I ask how many inches less was the printed minky? (Assuming that I am understanding the self binding method correctly). Thanks in advance! Kathy

Anneliese said...

@Anonymous: the difference between the two minky fabrics was probably 2-3" on each side. Typically you would have more allowance for the self binding but I didn't want to make the blanket any smaller and I like the narrow edging with this eyelash minky. Good luck! Thanks for your comment.

Anonymous said...

Thanks! That makes it even easier!
Kathy (O:

Valerie said...

I love that shaggy fabric! Any idea who makes it or the name of it? I have been seaching with no luck. Maybe your local store ships? I would appreciate any info!

Angela Thee said...

This is a beautiful blanket! I love the colors.

Maiu said...

I love this idea! I wish i was crafty to make one next winter!

Gerry said...

About 20 years ago all the rage was "Quillows". A quilt with a pocket on the bottom that you could tuck your feet into, and when done, you just folded the quilt part into the pocket to make a decorative pillow. This eliminated the need to stitch it in the middle. Gerry

Anonymous said...

Oh I think I'll be making Christmas with this pattern..great idea!

Jacquie said...

Hello! I love this blanket, and want to make one for my boyfriend for christmas. I was just wondering how many yards of each fabric you purchased!

Anneliese said...

@Jacquie: most minky is 60" wide so 72x60 is two yards. Thanks!

Lyndi said...

I really like your blog and this blanket and it inspired me to do a similar blanket project!

http://lyndiprojects.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-make-coziest-couch-blanket-ever.html

Unknown said...

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!

Unknown said...

I made this exact blanket last year for me. This year I am making two similiar blankets for my adult children. Love the pattern and absolutely love the finished blanket!

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