Molly's Sketchbook: Swaddling Blankets

Swaddling a new baby is a great way to calm them down and keep them warm and secure, at least that's what the moms I know tell me! There are many online tutorials and videos showing how to roll your baby in to the perfect little burrito and from what I've seen the babies seem to love it - so why not do it in style!

Ever since we got in the glorious Echino Spring collection I have been wanting to make a baby blanket out of it. I love the bright colors and playful motifs of this light weight double cotton gauze.  Combining it with the ultra soft Shot Cotton resulted in a blanket that was a great summer weight and a good size for swaddling.

To add a simple personal touch I created a sweet running stitch border around the edges of these little blankets. This set takes no time at all to make and I think it would make a unique baby shower gift that any mom-to-be would appreciate and cherish.

If you'd like to make your own set please visit my Swaddling Blanket Project Journal. Thanks!-- Molly

Comments

[Cristin]

LOVELY blankets! They look so cozy!

[Cami]

These are lovely and you're right, that running stitch adds just the right personal touch.
I wish I had a baby to swaddle.

[pjs]

With my baby due in 10 days I am very excited about these lovely blankets, thanks very much, they are gorgeous!

[Cassie]

I've been making similar blankets for friends. I back mine with flannel. They are so easy and quick and can be easily personalized. There are endless possibilities.

[Knitterella]

So sweet! Perfect gift idea and so useful too - hard to find cute swaddling blankets.

[maggie ann]

I love ....'this takes no time at all to make' my kind of project...grin. Love your creativity...

[Lucy Bowler]

These have to be the prettiest swaddling blankets I've seen! I was only thinking last night about how much my little boy (now 6!) loved to be swaddled as a baby... takes me back!

[Andi]

Lovely!!

[Nancy]

oh, i just love this. the fabric makes it extra special

[Cheryl]

Those fabrics are great, what a wonderful baby shower gift!

[darlene]

I made very similar blankets for all my baby girls. So sweet to see it in nice bright colours.

[Sara]

Nice blanket. Echino fabric is a little thick so this is best for upcoming cooler days and nights.

[Lily]

These are very sweet! Although I would suggest a stretchy fabric for swaddling in order to get a tight wrap. These would make great stroller or crib blankets though!

[Lucie]

This is SUCH a wonderful site! I had really lost the drive to knit until I found that lovely beret! Thanks!

[Susan]

I've made these before, but have always stitched around the edge with my machine. I really like your hand running stitch...nice touch!

[purl bee]

Hi Sara-
Thanks for your comment! I just wanted to clarify that this isn't regular heavy weight Echino fabric, it's a lightweight doubled gauze so it's really great for the warmer months. Happy Sewing!

- Molly

[Roberta]

Love the bright colors....pastels are sweet but these really sing. Thanks for sharing this great project.

[Leah]

How pretty! I love these-

[ann webb]

These are beautiful, but do they hold together well enough in the wash with no reinforcement in the middle? I have made many blankets, and would be surprised if a few ties weren't needed. I would hate for readers (and buyers) to be disappointed.

[Jessica]

I love these blankets. I had some when my son was tiny and they were wonderful for swaddling. I have a friend who is expecting a winter baby so I whipped one up in flannel. Thanks for the great post!

[Mary]

What is "shot cotton"? It's a fabric I don't know. Thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Mary,
"Shot cotton" is the name of a fabric from Rowan/Westminster designed by Kaffe Fasset. It's a lightweight Indian cotton that has two colors of thread, one for the warp and one for the weft, so the resulting color is a bit more complex than a true solid. You can find our collection of Shot Cotton here:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/3134

[Liz]

I've featured this tutorial on my blog. :) Hopefully you'll be getting some traffic to this tutorial and other spots on your website.