Blanket Specifications

A gentle reminder concerning the types of blankets Project Linus chapters may accept. Blankets must meet these National Guidelines. Thank you!

Blanket Sizes:

·         Blankets generally must be a minimum of 36”x36” (No fringe on small blankets please). Crocheted or knitted blankets are made using soft acrylic yarn. Fleece, flannel or cotton quilts are also welcome.

·         No RAG quilts as loose fibers are a safety issue.

·         Typical blanket sizes are: Baby size 36”x36”, Child size 40”x60”, and Teen size 45”x72” – the most popular blanket is a single layer, no-sew fleece blanket approximately 54”x60” (1-1/2 yards of fleece).

Do…
	Make blankets from NEW, CLEAN, WASHABLE materials in infant, child or teen friendly colors. Remember these blankets are meant to be colorful, cheerful and cuddly.
	Crochet, knit, quilt your blankets. Can crochet around the edge on fleece. Please no fringe on blankets; it is a choking hazard.
	Make blankets from 100% cotton fabric, flannel, fleece or acrylic yarn.
	For fleece blankets, please SINGLE layer only. We have very few recipient locations that can use double-layer fleece. Please remove selvage before tying the knots. (See instructions.)
	Secure batting into outer seams and if the blanket is tied, please anchor it every 4-6 inches, cutting ties to 1 inch or less in length. Do not use yarn ties.
	Weave all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted blankets.
	Check your blanket carefully for straight pins. Its better you find that pin and not the child who receives your blanket.
	When complete, all blankets should be washed using only “free and clear” laundry products. If leaving blankets at a drop-off site, please indicate your blankets have been washed according to specifications.
	Each time you donate blankets, please provide your name and address, phone number and email address so that we may acknowledge your donation.
Don’t…
	Make your blankets out of tapestry, burlap, upholstery fabric, 70’s type double knit, felt, vinyl, wool, or wool yarn.
	Attached buttons or decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard.
	Use thick fabric paint on the surface of your blanket. Use ONLY permanent fabric markers made specifically for fabric when coloring on muslin.
	Use fabric that has been stored in a damp area and has a musty smell. The mold spores can cause an allergic reaction in a child and are very difficult to remove from the fabric.
	Use yarns with metallic threads.

Please Note…

·         Blankets that smell of smoke or strong chemicals (including perfumed fabric softeners), or have pet hair on them cannot be accepted as they may produce severe allergic reaction in the children. Unfortunately, washing these blankets does not always remove the problem. Please use a lint brush or roller on your blankets if they are covered with thread or lint!

·         Another word about pins…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.

·         Be creative! Keep in mind that children will be selecting a blanket with which to cuddle and receive comfort.

Labels and tags:

·         Contact Lois Misko if you need her to send you some tags and labels.

·         Click here for instructions on adding silk labels to Project Linus blankets.