Fun Last-minute Gift Idea!

Are you running out of time with your Christmas shopping?

Are you stuck on what to get that tween/teen girl in your life?

Tired of going the 'ole Gift Card route and are looking for something different?

I have a simple, last minute gift idea that is guaranteed to be a hit. 

An easy, no-sew Blanket.

My daughter and her friends were introduced to these blankets when she was 11 years old. They learned to make them and have been doing so every since.  They make them for themselves.  They make them for each other.  One girl even started her own little enterprising business and began making and selling them to her mother's co-workers.

This is a great last-minute gift idea because you just make a quick trip to the store for Fleece and in less than an hour of crafting time you have a lasting, memorable gift.

OK, let's get started, the Christmas countdown clock is winding down.  No time to waste.

Go to fabric store (JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby will do fine) and choose 2 coordinating Fleece Fabrics.  Purchase 1 1/2 to 2 yards of each.  (Now this depends on how large you want your blanket.  We make them to fit over a Twin size bed.  You can make them smaller to fit a toddler or a throw blanket.)

Once at home lay your fleece one on top of the other (choose which sides of the fleece you want, and have them facing out).  If you have any overhang, just trim it up so they they are the same size.

Next thing you will do is run masking tape (or painters tape) down all four sides.  You do this approx. 6" from the edge of the fabric as my Lizzie is demonstrating in the photos below.

Here is a blurry photo of the Fleece layed out with the tape on all 4 sides.

Warning:  Kitties will be drawn like moths to a flame.

Next you will cut away your corners.

Then proceed around the entire permieter of the blanket cutting strips from the edge to the tape.  Each strip should be 1" to 1 1/2" in width.

See my lovely assistant demonstrating below:

Once all of the strips are cut, you simply tie them off. 

Make sure you use double knots. 

Tip:  Don't pull or tie too tightly or your fabric will buckle. 

You want to try to keep a staight edge.

Once you have tied the "fringe" all the way around, remove the tape and behold - a fabulous no-sew blanket.  Seriously, could that be any easier?

Shortly thereafter I found my assistant asleep in front of the TV.

The wonderful thing about these blankets is that you can make them any size and any colors.

Some of the ones that we have made:

~ An extra-long one for my 6' son.  I did one side Grey and one side Red - for Ohio State of course. He uses it on his bed every night.

~ For my 5 and 8-year old nephews last year we made one with Sports theme/Solid Black and  one that was Hot Wheels/ Solid Blue.  (I wish I had photos.  Their mom says they constantly are using them in bed and all over the house, and even traveling in the car).

~ Lizzie went to a birthday slumber party last night and took the new Zebra blanket with her.  The girls love to bring them to sleepovers - no need for a sleeping bag when you can wrap yourself in one of these.  They are warm!

Here are two that my daughter has made for herself in the past. About once per year she gets itchy to make a new one. She also has one that is Light Blue with Yellow Rubber Duckies.  That one must have been left at a friend's house, I can't find it anywhere.

So there you go.  A simple, no-sew blanket that can be customized to fit the size and taste of just about anyone. 

I can definitely guarantee though, that it will be a huge hit for any girl age 5 to 18. 

Have fun!