Cuddle Pocket Blanket Tutorial

It's that time of year again--holiday season!  How did it sneak up on me so fast?  If you're like me, you'd rather stay out of the crowded stores and shop (and sew) at home.  So to help you do just that, I've put together a great tutorial that will help you make a few gifts for some loved ones on your list. It's a Cuddle Pocket Blanket!

What is a Cuddle Pocket Blanket?  Well, it's a smaller sized blanket made using Cuddle fabrics that has a built-in pocket for your feet!  For adults, this would be considered a lap blanket size, but for children, it's perfect for curling up on the sofa on a cold, winter day.


I first posted this tutorial last year on the Shannon Fabric's blog, My Cuddle Corner, and a lot of people responded how perfect this pocket blanket would be for elderly loved ones or to make and give as gifts at a local nursing home. Great idea!

Add a fun Robert Kaufman cotton print for the trim and you have a great, holiday gift!

Here's what you'll need to make one Cuddle Pocket Blanket:

- 1 1/2 yards of Cuddle fabric (I used Red/Snow Cuddle Chevron)
- 1/2 yard of Robert Kaufman cotton fabric (Ann Kelle's Remix in Kelly)
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Normal sewing supplies
- Walking foot (optional, but very useful)

First, cut off 13" from the 1 1/2 yards of Cuddle and cut that piece in half along the width to produce two 13" x 30" pieces.  This is the fabric for the pocket.

Now cut the remainder of the Cuddle fabric (the blanket part) in half along the width.  You should end up with two pieces that are 41" long x 30" wide.

Sew these strips of fabric together to make one long continuous piece of trim.  Press the seams open and then fold the strip in half along the width and press.  You should have approximately 14 feet of trim.

Starting 3"- 4" from the end of the trim, sew the trim to the Cuddle using a 1/4" seam allowance. Stop sewing 3" - 4" from where you began (step 1 below).  Open up each end of the trim and pin them together at the point where they intersect when laying flat (step 2). Pin the trim ends together all across the end making sure to note your stitch line (mine is noted with the blue ball pin) (step 3). Finally, stitch the two ends together (step 4).

Trim the excess seam allowance and press the seam open if desired.

Clip the corners to the seam and then turn the blanket right side out.  Fold in the raw edges at the opening and topstitch the opening closed.  You're done!

Now you can tuck your feet inside the pocket and curl up with a good book on a cold, Winter's day, or wrap one up with a book for a great holiday present!

Have fun sewing and happy holidays!