Minky is such a plush, cozy, and pretty fabric, but it can be challenging for newbie sewists. In today’s Sewing Basics post, I’m going to show you how to sew a minky blanket using precut fabric. This Easy Sew Minky Blanket can be used as a throw, a bed runner, a pet blanket, or a baby blanket/tummy time mat.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. This post is sponsored by Baby Lock and is part of our ongoing collaboration. All opinions and words are my own. Additionally materials were generously provided by Clover USA and Shannon Fabrics.
My cats are my biggest fans, so I’m always thinking of projects to make for them. They experienced a lot of trauma and disruption in their early lives. After years of living in a loving home with us, they have finally become the cuddly, playful dudes I was hoping they would be when we first encountered them. I’m always looking for ways to make their spaces more cozy and welcoming and one of those ways is to gift them handmade blankets.
Last summer, I experimented with Shannon Fabrics Cuddle for the first time. Cuddle is a type of minky fabric, and I used it to make a preemie blanket. It was quickly claimed by Cappuccino, my smaller cat, and that’s how I got the idea for a larger pet blanket for my larger cat, James Bond.
For this blanket, I used one Shannon Cuddle Cuts in Mt Fox Pewter. Each of these precut pieces are 2 yards long by 58-60”. If you don’t have cats (or if you don’t spoil your cats as much as I do), you could make your version into a tummy time baby blanket by folding the fabric across the short way. When folded lengthwise, it makes a long thin throw which can also be used as a bed runner across the width of most beds (up through US-size Queen mattresses).
You could even wear it as a shawl! Here I am watching a movie underneath the throw.
Easy Sew Minky Blanket
How To Sew a Minky Blanket Tutorial by Underground Crafter
Minky blankets are cozy and plush. This project will show you how to sew a minky blanket using a single, precut piece of minky fabric.
Tools
- Sewing machine such as Baby Lock Jubilant with a straight stitch and adjustable stitch length. Read my review of the Jubilant here.
- Walking foot. Read my Sewing Machine Presser Foot Guide here.
- Clover 7” Patchwork Scissors.
- Clover Wonder Clips (regular or jumbo sizes).
- Klassé Stretch needle. I used 90/14 but you can also use 80/12. A jersey needle is also an option.
- Class 15 bobbin (or size needed for your machine) and Spooler Spindle or Bobbin Buddies Clip.
- Basic sewing supplies (seam ripper, thread snips, etc.).
Materials
- Shannon Cuddle Cuts in Mt Fox Pewter. Each of these precut pieces are 2 yards long by 58-60.”
- Madeira Aerofil 100% polyester thread for top spool and bobbin. I used Color 9490.
Instructions
Prepare for Sewing
- Minky can be a challenging fabric to work with if you don’t make some changes before you get started sewing.
- Choose a color using 100% polyester thread that blends well with your fabric (to make any mistakes less noticeable if this is your first minky project). I like to audition threads right on the fabric…
- …before making my final choice.
- Wind a bobbin with this thread. Use the same thread for both bobbin and top spool. This video demonstrates how to wind the bobbin and this video demonstrates how to insert the bobbin on the Baby Lock Jubilant.
- Change the needle to a stretch or jersey needle.
- Change to a walking foot.
- Adjust the stitch length of your machine’s standard straight stitch to make it longer. (I set mine to 3.5.)
Prepare Fabric
- Open your precut minky fabric.
- You will want to fold your fabric in half with the right (front) sides facing together and the wrong (inside) sides facing out. For a bed runner, adult throw, or pet blanket, fold it lengthwise. For a baby blanket or tummy time blanket, you may wish to fold it widthwise instead.
- Minky fabric can stretch and slip, so use your Wonder Clips to clip the three open sides together every inch or so around.
- Consider using slow or medium speed, especially if this is your first minky project.
Sew Blanket
- Now, you’re ready to sew! I used a 1” seam allowance, but you can use a narrower seam allowance of at least 1/2″ inch around.
- Start with reinforcement stitches and sew down the first side, being sure to remove your Wonder Clips BEFORE your walking foot gets close to them. Otherwise, you may damage the foot.
- When you get to the first corner, raise your presser foot with the needle down and pivot. Continue sewing across the second side.
- When you get to the second corner, raise your presser foot with the needle down and pivot. Continue sewing across the third side, ending approximately 3-4” before you reach the fold. Reinforce your stitches at the end and then leave the last 3-4” of the fabric open.
- Clip the corners where the fabric has been seamed if desired. Turn the fabric right side out through the opening.
- Clip your fabric together again so you can sew a topstitch all the way around.
- Starting on the side with the opening and beginning with reinforcement stitches, use a 1/2″ seam allowance to sew topstitching around all edges of the blanket. As before, when you get to a corner, raise your presser foot with the needle down and pivot before sewing on the next side of the blanket. Finish with reinforcing stitches.
- Clip any loose threads.
- Your blanket is now ready to use! For best results, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low for just 10 minutes to keep your minky plush and soft.
