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I can’t even tell you how excited I am to share these no-sew fleece projects with you. If you know me, I’m so challenged when it comes to sewing machines. Truly I’ve tried but well, I just don’t have to when it comes to so many fun projects like these! And let’s not forget those awesome no-sew pillows, right?!
Get ready, cause these are going to be the hit at football games, tailgates, sofa games, camping, and well, gifts!!! Fully customize your colors, prints, and Oh Emmmm Geeeeee… the sky is the limit!
See, I told you I was excited. Be sure to check the very end for another little FYI.. I think many of you would love to know.
What is Fleece?
Fleece is made by weaving very fine fibers. It’s like a light fabric that can be brushed into a fluffy, thick one. Most popular and commonly used fleece for projects are polyester and polyester blends. They are easy to clean, highly durable.
My favorite part of using fleece is being able to cut without having edges fray, no need to baste edges or hem.
How wide can I buy my fleece?
Most fleece is sold in 58″ widths. You can often get discounts when buying a full bolt of fleece fabric, which is 10 yards long.
Wide fleece is available yet harder to come by. I’ve come across it seasonally at our fabric stores (winter usually). It runs approx 108″ wide.
Where can I buy fleece?
Anywhere you find fabric, so fabric stores, hobby stores often carry it as well. Walmart, Amazon also carry fleece fabric. Etsy has some great custom fleece prints for those very special projects.
How much fleece do I need to make a no-tie fleece blanket?
Blankets are made from 2 pieces of fleece tied together. Typically each side is a different color or print. I am partial to prints on both sides. but most of what I see are solid on one side, print on the other. The mix is up to you, your decor or who you are gifting to. The sky is the limit. There are new fleece colors, prints coming out so often you’ll never run out of new ideas.
| Blanket | Common Bed Sizes | Side One | Side Two | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby/Youth | 1 1/2 yards | 1 1/2 yards | ||
| Throw | 2 yards | 2 yards | ||
| Twin | bed: 38″ width x 75″ length | 2.5 yards | 2.5 yards | |
| Full | bed: 53″ width x 75″ length | 2.5 yards | 2.5 yards | |
| Queen | bed: 60″ width x 80″ length | 3 yards | (wide width needed) | 3 yards |
| King | bed: 76″ width x 80″ length | 3 yards | (wide width needed) | 3 yards |
1. Multicolored No-Sew Fleece Blanket
Alright, y’all, let’s chat about these multicolored no-sew fleece blankets! These things are not only super cozy but also total eye-candy with all the colors.
Picture this: you’ve got a blanket that matches your fave sports team’s colors, or it just vibes perfectly with your living room decor. You just need two pieces of fleece—maybe one solid and one with a fun print, or go totally wild with two funky patterns.
The more color, the better, right?
So, grab your fleece, cut it to the size you want, lay one piece on top of the other, and start tying knots all around the edges. Seriously, it’s like DIY therapy! And the best part? Get the kiddos involved.
It’s a fab family project. When you’re done, you’ve got this blanket that looks like you bought it from a store but has that awesome homemade vibe. Perfect for movie nights on the couch or staying warm at the next football game. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
2. No-Sew Fleece Pillow Cover
Alright, let’s talk about no-sew fleece pillow covers next! These bad boys are an absolute game changer if you want to freshen up your home decor without dropping a ton of cash.
All you need is some fleece, a pillow insert, and your trusty scissors. You can switch these up for any season or holiday. Imagine some super cozy Christmas-themed pillows or bright, cheery designs for spring.
Cut two pieces of fleece about an inch bigger all around than your pillow insert. Place your pillow in the middle, and start tying knots with the fringe you’ve cut around the edges. Boom! You’ve got yourself a cute, cozy pillow cover that’s easy to take off and wash.
It’s a great way to keep your space looking fresh without a big commitment. Plus, these make awesome personalized gifts. Who doesn’t love a soft, snuggly pillow?
3. No-Sew Fleece Dog Blanket
Our furry friends need some love too, right? Enter the no-sew fleece dog blanket! These are perfect for keeping your pup warm and cozy, especially during those chilly nights.
Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be totally customized to fit your dog’s personality. Whether your pooch loves bold prints or something more subtle, you can make a blanket that’s just right for them.
Grab two pieces of fleece, cut to the size of your dog’s bed. Lay them on top of each other and cut fringe around the edges. Then, just tie the fringes together. It’s as simple as that!
Your dog will have a new favorite blanket in no time, and it’s a fun project you can do in an afternoon. And hey, if you have more than one dog, make a few in different colors so each one feels special.
4. No-Sew Fleece Cat Bed
We can’t forget about our feline friends! A no-sew fleece cat bed is the purr-fect project for your kitty. Cats love cozy spots, and a soft fleece bed is just what they need to curl up and take their catnaps.
Plus, you can easily make it fit any corner of your house, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover fleece from other projects.
To make a cat bed, you’ll need two pieces of fleece cut into large circles. Lay them on top of each other and cut slits all around the edges. Tie the fringes together, but leave a small opening.
Fill the bed with some soft stuffing or an old pillow, then tie up the remaining fringes. Your cat will have a new favorite spot in no time. And the best part? You can easily wash it whenever it gets dirty.
5. No-Sew Doll Sleeping Bag.
For the little ones in your life who love their dolls, a no-sew fleece doll sleeping bag is an absolute must! This project is super easy and will make your kids’ playtime even more fun.
They can tuck their dolls in for a good night’s sleep in a cozy, custom-made sleeping bag. It’s a great way to use up any small pieces of fleece you have left over from other projects too.
Cut two pieces of fleece into a rectangle, a bit bigger than the size of the doll. Lay them on top of each other and cut fringe around three sides, leaving one of the shorter sides uncut for the opening.
Tie the fringes together, and there you have it—a snug little sleeping bag for dolls. Your kids will love putting their dolls to bed, and you’ll love how quick and easy it was to make.
6. No-Sew Crib Rail Cover.
If you’ve got a teething baby, you know how important it is to protect your crib rails. A no-sew fleece crib rail cover is a simple and effective solution.
Not only does it protect the crib from those tiny teeth marks, but it also adds a touch of style to the nursery. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra fleece you have lying around.
Measure the length and width of the crib rail and cut two pieces of fleece to fit, adding a few extra inches for the fringe. Lay the pieces on top of each other, cut fringe around the edges, and tie them together.
You can even add a bit of stuffing for extra padding if you like. It’s soft, durable, and can be easily washed. And let’s face it, anything that keeps those little teeth safe and the crib looking good is a win-win.
7. No-Sew Pouch
Last but not least, the no-sew fleece pouch. These little pouches are incredibly handy and can be used for just about anything—storing toys, organizing craft supplies, or even as a cute little gift bag.
They’re quick to make and can be customized in endless ways with different colors and patterns.
Cut two pieces of fleece into the size you want for your pouch. Lay them on top of each other and cut fringe around three sides, leaving the top open. Tie the fringes together, and you’ve got yourself a handy pouch. You can add a drawstring at the top by cutting small slits and threading a piece of ribbon or cord through.
These pouches are great for keeping small items organized and make for adorable, personalized gift bags.
Hey, thanks for sticking around and checking the bottom of this post. So, a friend showed me how to make no-sew fleece projects a few years back, so if you have questions please drop me a line, I’ve made more than you want to know about!!
Making your own homemade blanket is an excellent way to save money. But if you’re not careful when choosing the fabric and cutting it up, then your end product may be less than ideal.
If you want to create a quality blanket that doesn’t require sewing or any other special skills, here are some guidelines on what kind of fabric works best and how large of pieces you should use.
What Type Of Fleece Is Best For No Sew Blankets?
Fleece can range from super soft like cashmere (around 120 denier) all the way to extremely durable flannels at around 2,000 denier. The higher the number, usually the better the durability. However, this does mean they’ll get heavier with weight — so you might have to adjust where you hang them in your closet depending on which one you choose.
The most popular choice among knitters today is probably Tencel®, which is made by DuPont out of wood pulp fibers derived from sustainable forests. It’s great because it has a nice drape and won’t pill too easily, plus its breathability means it will help regulate body temperature while keeping you warm during those cooler winter months. You could also opt for bamboo blends such as Bamboo Silk® or Supima® cotton, both of which are 100% organic and made from sustainably grown bamboo.
They still work just fine for tie-and-patch blankets, since their lightness makes them easy to move around without feeling bulky.
One last option worth considering is wool, and there are multiple types including merino, alpaca, sheep, goat, and mohair. While these fabrics tend to run more expensive, they are also very high quality and quite durable, hence why they were once used in military uniforms.
One thing to keep in mind though is that wool requires extra care: Always clean and dry thoroughly after washing, and never iron directly over anything containing heat (such as radiators). If you plan to go this route, we recommend checking out our guide to cleaning wool sweaters for tips on getting stains off that heavy material.
Also consider whether you prefer knits or wovens, as each provides different benefits. Knit fabrics stretch slightly, whereas woven ones generally hold their shape well. Wovens are typically easier to cut into smaller sizes, however. To learn about the differences between knits and wovens, read this article. And remember: As long as you pick a decent fabric, either type will work just fine!
Fabrics labeled “Best For Blankets” or “Warmth Guide” are mostly suitable for double-sided blankets, i.e., two separate layers sewn together. Those marked “Cool Comfort,” “Cozy Cuddle,” “Light Weight,” etc. are meant for single-layered blankets.
If you’ve picked a wool blend, then you’ll likely only need 3 yards total. That said, if you’re going with something really thick, like fleece, then you’ll definitely want to allocate 4-6 yards per layer. This gives you enough room to add decorative fringe later on down the line.
Is Polar Fleece The Same As Microfleece?
Polar fleece and microfleece are different things. Unlike microfleece, polar fleece actually feels similar to plush. Polar fleece is lightweight, thin, often transparent, and comes in various weights from ultra-soft to hard-as-nails.
Though it sometimes gets compared to polyester, it isn’t technically a synthetic fiber. Instead, it’s produced through a process called air gap spinning, which involves melting and stretching acrylic fibers under extreme temperatures and pressures. A lot of people confuse it with another brand name known for producing similar products, Polartec®, but they differ significantly in terms of performance.
Polar fleece tends to be warmer than microfleece, but it weighs less and is therefore bulkier overall. Its main drawback is that it can feel scratchy against sensitive skin, especially if you have allergies or eczema. So if you’re looking for something softer yet warmer, try opting for microfiber instead.
You can purchase polar fleece online via sites such as Amazon and eBay, or local stores such as Target, JCPenney, Kohls, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, and Loehmann’s.
While fleeces come in endless colors, patterns, textures, and thicknesses, the easiest way to narrow things down is by picking based on what color(s) you want. Here are three common options to look out for.
White/Cream
These neutral tones give your blanket a classic appearance and pair perfectly with almost everything. Plus, white is the safest bet for kids’ blankets because it’s unlikely to stain or become damaged even if handled roughly. Also note that lighter shades tend to appear brighter than darker ones.
Black/Maroon
Black represents power and authority, so using black in your blanket conveys strength and sophistication. On top of that, maroon signifies elegance and style, and looks gorgeous paired with royal blue or navy. Just be sure to avoid bright red, which brings attention to itself rather than whatever else is underneath.
Multiple Colors
Many modern designs feature several colors, which creates interesting contrasts within the blanket. Look for prints featuring contrasting hues (for instance, purple and orange), geometric shapes, polka dots, animal print motifs, diamonds, hearts, stripes, plaids, checks, and grids.
Should You Wash The Fleece Before Making A Tie Blanket?
It’s recommended that you always lay new clothing flat to remove wrinkles beforehand, but did you know this applies equally to bed linens? In fact, according to Cotton Incorporated, you shouldn’t wash sheets until right before putting them away — otherwise, you risk damaging elasticity.
Since fleece is naturally textured, washing it prior to stitching can result in fraying, discoloration, holes, and other imperfections. To prevent that, simply rinse gently in cool water with mild detergent. Afterward, allow it to completely dry inside a mesh bag overnight. Then fold it neatly and put it back in your wardrobe until needed next time.
As far as laundering ties goes, if you’d like to preserve the original texture, skip prewashing. Most fleece projects call for hand washing in cold water with mild soap. Be mindful of tags regarding drying times, since fleece absorbs moisture quickly. Once again, dry it indoors in a mesh bag overnight first.
What Is A Good Size For A Fleece Tie Blanket?
When shopping for materials, you’ll notice that fleece blankets come in varying widths. Generally speaking, they fall into four categories: small, medium, wide, and extra-wide. Each is measured by its length across the middle, so take this guideline into account when planning your blanket dimensions.
Smaller versions measure anywhere from 30 inches to 44 inches, medium ranges from 60 to 80 inches, wide runs from 90 inches to 144 inches, and extra-wide measures from 150 inches to 200 inches. Of course, you can also buy larger blankets if you prefer.
Here’s a helpful tip if you haven’t purchased any measuring tape recently: Use the distance from your thumb to index finger to determine the measurement of a standard sweater sleeve. For pants, divide that amount by 2.5 to convert to inch measurements. Finally, multiply the resulting figure by 7/8 to determine the general size of the item you’re interested in buying. Using this method ensures accuracy and consistency every time.
And now that you know what kinds of fabrics to look out for, you can start exploring all the ways you can turn old t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, scarves, and other clothes into cozy blankets.
I’ve passed along this fun skill to a bunch of friends and oh, did you guess already? A few of them made out really really well selling them on yard sale pages around the holidays. I mean really well! And ummm, Etsy?!! Oh yeah, these fun little no sew diy’s have income potential friends!
Can NOT wait to hear all about the colors and prints you crush on and make. A big favorite is sports teams too. Yes, these are great ‘guy gifts’!
