Give a Gift
If you plan on spending your summer poolside, you won’t want to miss the newest pattern from Mallory Hill. A fun project that uses double faced pre-quilted fabric, this beach blanket pattern walks you through the process of creating a colorful summer blanket that wraps up for easy storage. This DIY beach blanket also includes straps for carrying your blanket to and from the beach, as well as a handy outside pocket for storing your sunscreen and sunglasses.
Materials:
- Fabric:
- Main: 2 yards of double faced pre-quilted fabric (If you can’t find double faced fabric that you like, feel free to make your own or use an upcycled blanket that you love.)
- Accent: 1 yd quilting cotton
- 1 spool coordinating thread
- 6” X1” wide Hook & Loop Tape
Tools:
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Iron and ironing board
PATTERN PIECES:
- 1: 38” W x 65” L – Main Fabric
- 2” strips to create 1/2” binding – about 210”
- 1: 11” W x 16” L – Pocket
- 1: 4” W x 24” L – Handle (Before cutting your handle, make sure the length is long enough to place over your shoulder comfortably, adjusting as needed.)
- 2: 4” W x 42” L – Straps (Before cutting your straps, roll up your blanket fabric and measure around the blanket to make sure the straps are long enough. Adjust as needed.)
Sewing Instructions:
- Cut the main fabric and bind around the entire outside edge using the 1/2” binding.
- Make Straps and Handle: Fold each strip of fabric lengthwise, matching raw edges and press, creating a center fold. Unfold and fold each side toward the center fold, matching the raw edges to the center pressed fold. Refold along the center fold, enclosing all of your raw edges. Fold in each short edge 1/2”, and press well. Edge stitch around all four sides of each piece.
- Cut the hook & loop tape into 3” sections. Lay both of the long straps out on your work surface. Pin one side of the hook & loop tape in place on the wrong side of the left end of the strap, repeat for the left end of the second strap. Stitch in place by sewing around the outside edge of each piece of hook & loop tape.
- Flip the strap pieces over so the hook & loop tape is face down on your work surface. Repeat Step 3 by adding the other side of the hook & loop tape to the right side of the other end of each long strap.
- Create the Pocket: Fold one short end towards the wrong side by 1/2” and press, repeating by folding another 1/2” to fully enclose the raw edge. Press well, sewing with a scant 1/2” seam allowance to hold the hem in place. Repeat for the other short end of the pocket.
- Fold pocket in half, with wrong sides together, matching the hemmed edges. Press well, set aside.
- Lay the blanket down with the outside facing up. Place the straps, handle, and pocket in place according to the diagram below. Pin everything in place. Make sure the pocket is laying at least 1/2” under the Straps and the Handle is laying 1” under the Straps.
- Tip: Before stitching everything into place, roll up your blanket and ensure that everything fits as you like, and check that the hook & loop tape is in the correct position.
- Edgestitch all straps in place, backstitch well at each beginning and end. Stitch an “X” box where the handle lays under the straps to give extra strength.
- Stitch along the bottom edge of the pocket, backstitching well at the beginning and end.
- To fold the blanket, fold each long edge towards the center of the side without straps. Roll from the bottom (the side without straps) towards the top. Wrap the straps around the blanket and secure with the hook and loop tape. Throw the strap over your shoulder and enjoy your day at the beach!
