BLANKET MAKING GUIDELINES
Minimum Size:
Newborns |
30" x 30" (preemies) larger is better! 36" x 36" |
Infants/Toddlers |
35" x 45" |
Early School Age |
45" x 55" |
All sizes beyond these measurements are needed, up to Teenagers! |
48" x 72" |
These are just guidelines, whatever you make will be distributed to children!
Quilts:
When choosing fabric combinations, consider colors together and size relative to finished quilt. Babyish prints and colors should be made in sizes appropriate for infants and young children. Blankets for elementary age children should be larger size and in colors and style appealing to their age. Blankets for teenagers should be still larger and in fabric designs, color and style attractive to older children, no babyish designs. Quilt layers must be attached, either by machine sticking or with hand tied knots. Do NOT use heavy yarn for knots as they become hard when washed. Please check, double check and triple check your blanket for straight pins. Tags usually separate from the blankets when they are transported leaving a lost pin just waiting to poke a child. Please use only thread to attach notes to blankets.
Envelope or pillowcase style:
Remove selvage edges. Coordinate top and bottom fabrics. Cut batting to fit. Put top and bottom pieces right sides together. Place batting under the wrong side of bottom fabric piece. Pin the three layers together. Do not stretch batting, it will return to its original size later. Sew pillowcase style, turn right sides out, sew opening closed. Tie with yarn or machine quilt.
Bound edge style:
Sandwich the three layers with the batting inside the top and bottom pieces (right sides out). Pin together. Either machine outline, stitch designs (through all 3 layers) or tie with yarn. Finish the outer edges with binding.
Crochet or Knitting:
Light colors are best for preemies and small babies. Be sure the baby blankets do not have large open holes for little hands, feet or hospital equipment to get caught. Tail of yarn should be woven back into pattern. Do NOT attach decorative yarn fringe.
Fleece:
Best made with one layer of fleece, two layers are too heavy for most of our needs. Area facilities prefer blankets that are not knotted as knots are comfort/safety issue. Check out chapter website's directions (No Sew Fleece Blanket) for single layer blanket directions. When blanket is completed, please look at it! Make sure this is a blanket you would be happy to give to a loved one. Our standards are high as required by UPMC facilities.
