With all the sewing I have to do I decided to put it aside and try it. Layers of cotton fabrics are sewn into rows and rows of diagonal lines and then cut and washed to create a faux chenille look. It's a time-consuming project but really cool to see the finished results.
So here we go:
I picked out my colors. For the back I picked out this fun and bright circle print. And for the chenille fabrics I used 3 solid colors. You lay your back fabric face down first. Then layer your other colors on top face up. You want to use 100% cotton or flannel. This time I used cotton, but next one I will definitely use flannel. I think it would be even softer. I also decided to make a blanky instead of a blanket.
Then you start sewing. Keep in mind this blanket takes a while to make, like quilting. It's not as time-consuming as true quilting. But be prepared for hours of sewing line after line and cutting, cutting, cutting. This is a time consuming project! You sew on the diagonal 1/2 inch apart.
I set my needle to the right so that I could follow the lines to keep it straight and even.
Sewing diagonals done.
Then you begin cutting.
Remember to cut all but the bottom layer.
Here is the nice blister I got after cutting and cutting and cutting.
Then you trim your edges. The fabrics may shift some during all that sewing.
I originally decided to use this soft fabric for the edge but it was giving me a fit to sew and I did not really like how it looked.
So I went with this instead. I purchased this quilt binding which was much easier.
After it was complete 5 or 6 hours later (which was not in one sitting, by the way- more like over a 5 days) I washed it once and here you go-
I am not totally satisfied with it, however. I wish I had used the blue on top instead of the orange. And I wish I had used wider bias strip around the outside. But for my first one, I think it is pretty cute. And with my blanket-lovin' kiddos, I am sure there will be no complaints. Looking forward to making more.
