Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Fleece Backing to Crochet Blanket
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Materials Needed
- Creating the Edge on the Backing
- Attaching the Front to the Backing
- Adding Fleece Backing to Your Blanket
- Steps to Create the Edge on the Backing
- Working with an Awl or Crochet Hook
- Continuing the Stitching Process
- Crocheting the Blanket Stitches
- Turning the Corners
- Completing the Crochet Edging
- Aligning the Blanket with the Backing
- Attaching the Blanket with Slip Stitches
- Completing the Slip Stitch Process
- Adding Extra Stitches at the Corners
- Conclusion
How to Attach Fleece Backing to a Blanket
Blankets are not just good for keeping you warm; they can also be fashionable and cozy. In this article, we will guide you through the process of attaching a fleece backing to your blanket. This not only adds an extra layer of warmth but also enhances the overall look and feel of your blanket. So, let’s get started!
1. Introduction
Blankets are essential items that provide comfort and warmth. Adding a fleece backing to your blanket can not only make it cozier but also give it a stylish touch. By following a few simple steps, you can easily attach the backing to your blanket, making it suitable for use in colder months.
2. Materials Needed
To attach the backing to your blanket, you will need the following materials:
- Fleece fabric
- Crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Pair of scissors
- Awl (optional)
- Matching yarn
3. Creating the Edge on the Backing
Before attaching the front of the blanket, it is important to create an edge on the backing. This edge will provide a neat and finished look to your blanket. To create the edge, follow these steps:
- Cut the fleece fabric to be two centimeters or one inch wider than the blanket.
- Fold the fabric up and create a nice edge by ensuring it is wider than the blanket.
4. Attaching the Front to the Backing
To attach the front of the blanket to the backing, follow these steps:
- Place a slip knot on the crochet hook by twisting the yarn and picking up a loop.
- Create holes about one centimeter or half an inch apart using an awl or the crochet hook.
- Insert the hook into the hole, pick up a loop, yarn over, and pull through two.
- Continue making stitches, ensuring they are loose to prevent fabric bunching.
- Make a hole, insert the hook, pick up a loop, yarn over, and pull through two.
- Repeat this process until the entire blanket is edged.
5. Adding Fleece Backing to Your Blanket
When attaching the fleece backing to your blanket, it is important to cut the fabric slightly larger than the blanket to allow for folding and creating a nice edge. This will ensure a professional-looking finish and prevent fraying.
6. Steps to Create the Edge on the Backing
Here are the steps to create the edge on the backing of your blanket:
- Use the crochet hook to make slip stitches along the edge of the blanket.
- Place one slip stitch in each stitch on the blanket and as many as needed on the edge.
- Skip the first stitch on the row in the blanket and start with the second stitch on the corner.
- Continue making slip stitches along the edge, including the corner chain space.
- Slip stitch, chain one, slip stitch into the corner, and work the last stitch.
7. Working with an Awl or Crochet Hook
When creating holes on the fabric, you can use either an awl or the crochet hook. Both methods work well, so choose whichever you find more comfortable. The holes should be about one centimeter or half an inch apart, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
8. Continuing the Stitching Process
To create the desired edge on the blanket, continue making stitches around the entire blanket. Work very loosely to avoid bunching up the fabric.
9. Crocheting the Blanket Stitches
Instead of using a tapestry needle to create blanket stitches, you can work into the loops created during the edge of the blanket. This method allows for easier stitching and a neater finish.
10. Turning the Corners
When reaching a corner, fold it down and secure it with a pin. Make one last stitch on the side of the blanket before turning the corner. Chain three and put another stitch in the same space to maintain enough yarn to go around the corner smoothly.
11. Completing the Crochet Edging
Continue working around the blanket, following the same stitching process. When reaching the corner again, fold it down and pin it in place. Unravel a couple of stitches if there are too many, then chain three, slip stitch into the first stitch, and secure the crochet edging.
12. Aligning the Blanket with the Backing
After completing the crochet edging, align the blanket with the backing. Use pins to secure the blanket in place, ensuring there are no wrinkles or misalignments.
13. Attaching the Blanket with Slip Stitches
Using the regular crochet hook, make slip stitches along the edge of the blanket. There may not be an equal number of stitches on the blanket and the backing, but this is not a problem. Make one slip stitch in each stitch on the blanket and as many as necessary on the edge.
14. Completing the Slip Stitch Process
When you reach the corner chain space, make a slip stitch, chain one, and slip stitch into the space. Continue the slip stitch process along the next side. Finally, slip stitch, chain one, slip stitch into the corner, work the last stitch, cut the yarn, and weave in the end.
15. Adding Extra Stitches at the Corners
To ensure the squares don't move around too much and prevent the blanket from becoming baggy, add extra stitches at the corners. Use thread instead of yarn to secure the corners, providing structural integrity.
16. Conclusion
Attaching a fleece backing to your blanket not only adds an extra layer of warmth but also enhances its overall aesthetic appeal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a professional-looking finish and enjoy a cozy blanket during the colder months. Get creative and experiment with different patterns and designs to make your blanket truly unique!
Highlights:
- Learn how to attach a fleece backing to a blanket
- Enhance the warmth and look of your blanket with a professional finish
- Step-by-step guide with detailed instructions and tips
- Choose between using an awl or crochet hook for creating holes
- Handy tricks for turning corners and securing the blanket
- Additional tips for adding extra stitches at the corners
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different fabric instead of fleece for the backing?
A: Yes, you can use any fabric of your choice. Just make sure it complements the blanket and provides the desired level of warmth and comfort.
Q: How do I prevent the blanket from bunching up during the stitching process?
A: To avoid fabric bunching, make sure to work very loosely and leave enough space between the stitches. This will ensure a smooth and flat edge.
Q: Can I machine wash a blanket with a fleece backing?
A: It depends on the fabric and yarn used. Follow the care instructions for each material to maintain the quality and longevity of the blanket.
Q: Is it necessary to add extra stitches at the corners?
A: While it is not mandatory, adding extra stitches at the corners helps keep the squares in place and prevents the blanket from becoming loose or baggy.
Q: Can I use a different crochet stitch instead of slip stitches?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different crochet stitches to create a unique edging. Slip stitches provide a clean and simple finish, but feel free to explore other options.