Monogramed Baby Blanket Tutorial {or girly cuteness}

{I originally shared this tutorial over at The Grant Life.}

One of my friend's just had her second child. She is now momma to two kiddo under two! Since she already had a boy, she was already set for the essentials. While she didn't want to spend a lot of money on new bibs and blankets, she did want some special girly things for her little Lila. {Want to see what I made the new big brother? Check out my tutorial for creating a Duck Counting and Matching Game!}

I was all too happy to oblige! Enter the super feminine, pink, pink and more pink monogramed baby blanket.

Want to make your own?

You'll Need:

* 2 one yard cuts of coordinating cotton fabric {or larger!}

* 1 yard of batting {not pictured}

* scraps for monogram

* iron on adhesive

* coordinating thread 

*sewing machine and other basic sewing supplies

Start out by pre-washing and ironing your fabrics. I know is tempting to skip this step. Don't! Cotton will shrink. Babies make lots of messes. This blanket will need a lot of washing!

Start out by evening up your fabrics and batting. Is it just me or is the cutting counter at Joann's getting worse by the day at cutting a straight line!

Next, you're going to cut out your monogram. I used my Silhouette and the Silhouette brand iron on adhesive. You DO NOT need a Silhouette {or any kind of craft cutter} in order to make your monogram. You can always trace your letters on the back of your iron on adhesive {something like Heat n' Bond} and cut them out with a craft knife or scissors.

Follow the instructions on the adhesive you're using to adhere the adhesive to the fabric. Make sure that you iron your scrap of fabric before adhering it. You don't want to end up with a wrinkly monogram!

If you are using a Silhouette, I've found it helpful to double cut. Also, turn the speed down by one. It will give you a nice, clean cut!

Once you have your pretty name all cut out, figure out where you want it on the blanket. I used my quilt ruler to make things nice and even. Since I wanted it near the bottom right corner of the blanket, I measured three inches up and two inches in. When you're deciding on name placement, don't forget to factor in seam allowances!

Follow your brand's instructions for ironing your name onto your blanket.

Use the shortest and smallest zig-zag stitch {or a satin stitch if you're luck enough to have one!} to permanently affix your monogram.

Then, stand back and admire your work!

Now, its time to get your blanket ready for sewing. Start of laying one of your fabrics right side up.

Next, place your other fabric right side down.

Finally, top it all off with your batting.

Pin, pin, pin! I am normally too lazy to pin. Trust me on this and take the time. The batting likes making things go wonky.

Sew your blanket using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Make sure you leave a 5 inch gap for turning.

Next, clip the corners and turn your blanket. Use a pen or chopstick to make sure the corners are turned all the way out.

Now, fold the raw edges into the gap and pin the gap closed. Top stitch all the way around your blanket. I like to use my presser foot width as a guide. 

I was going to add a second row of stitches. However, my flower pattern hides the stitches so I decided to skip that step. I think it could be fun to do three rows in different colors!

Next time, I'll use thread that matches my monogram color rather than thread that compliments it. Since my machine doesn't have any fancy stitches, I had to use a basic zig-zag stitch. With a satin stitch, the coordinating color would have looked really cool!

Now you have a cute, cuddly blanket that is perfect for tummy time. As the kiddo gets older, it will make a great stroller blanket. It's also the perfect size for the kiddo to drag all over the house!

I used scraps from squaring up the blanket to wrap it all up!

Come party with me!

C.R.A.F.T, Mommy By Day, Crafter By Night, Shwin & Shwin, Tip Junkie, Southern Lovely, Uncommon Designs, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday, House of Hempworths, 52 Mantels, The CSI Project, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Family Ever After, The Grant Life, Positively Splendid, I {Heart} Nap Time, It's Overflowing