Cuddle Minky Blanket Tutorials

Making a minky blanket is a fun and rewarding DIY project. To get started, you’ll need a few basic supplies, starting with two pieces of minky fabric, (one for the front and one for the back of your blanket). These pieces should be the same size. You will also need a sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter, ruler or measuring tape, thread, fabric clips or pins (we strongly recommend using clips), and - of course! - a sewing machine. You may also find it helpful to use a walking foot on your sewing machine, although it is not necessary.

Once you have all of your supplies, follow these easy steps to make a double sided minky blanket:

1. Prepare Your Fabric: Start by washing and drying your cuddle fabric to remove any dirt or chemicals, then lay it out on a flat surface. If it's wrinkled, you can use a low heat setting on your iron to smooth it out, but be very gentle as excessive heat can damage minky fabric.

2. Cut Your Fabric: If necessary, use your scissors or a rotary cutter and a ruler to cut both pieces of minky fabric to your desired size. Make sure they are the same size.

3. Clip or Pin the Fabric: Place the two pieces of cuddle minky fabric with their right sides together (the sides you want facing out). Pin or clip them together around the edges to keep them in place - the more pins or clips you use, the less likely your fabric will shift and slide while sewing! Leave a 3-4 inch gap on one side for turning.

4. Sew the Fabric: Using your sewing machine, sew around the edges of the fabric with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving the 3-4 inch gap unsewn.

6. Turn Your Blanket Right-Side Out: You may wish to trim the excess fabric at each corner to reduce bulk. Reach inside the gap you left open and turn the blanket right-side out, so the minky sides are facing out. Gently push out the corners.

7. Close the Gap: Fold the edges of the gap inwards and pin or clip them closed. You can either hand-sew the gap closed with a ladder stitch or use your sewing machine to sew it shut with a matching thread color.

8. Optional: Topstitching: For a nice finishing touch, sew around the entire perimeter of the blanket, about 1/4 inch from the edge, using a straight stitch. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps secure the layers of fabric together.

That's it! You've made your very own custom minky blanket. Cuddle blankets are great for personal use or to give as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. 

If desired, batting can be used when making any cuddle minky blanket, but it is not necessary. Batting is the layer of material that goes between the top and bottom layers of a quilt or blanket to provide warmth and thickness; by adding a layer of batting between your minky fabrics, you will add warmth, thickness, and weight to your finished blanket. However, keep in mind that adding batting may make your minky blanket more challenging to machine wash and dry due to the extra weight and thickness. Ultimately, the decision to use batting in your cuddle blanket depends on your personal preference! 

Working with cuddle fabric might be challenging at first, but with a little practice and patience, you will be a minky sewing master! If you're new to sewing with minky fabric, consider practicing on scraps before starting your project. This will help you get a feel for how the fabric behaves and allow you to fine-tune your sewing techniques. Slow is the way to go, and you can also make things easier for yourself by investing in a walking foot if you plan to sew lots of cuddle blankets! Last but not least, using a stretch needle with a longer stitch length with less tension will give the fibers room to nest together and avoid distorting your seams. For more great cuddle sewing tips, download this free PDF from Shannon Fabrics!

Always start by checking the care label on your cuddle minky fabric. The manufacturer should provide specific instructions on how to clean the fabric, and it's essential to follow those recommendations if provided. If you have misplaced those instructions, here are some best practices to keep in mind when caring for your cuddle fabric blankets:

Wash your cuddle blanket only when necessary to preserve the life of the fibers. If your minky blanket has any stains or spills, spot-clean them before (or instead of) washing. 

To machine wash your cuddle blanket, use gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to prevent colors from fading and preserve the softness of the fabric. Use a gentle fabric wash that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals. Fabric softeners should also be avoided.

If your washing machine has an extra rinse cycle, consider using it to ensure that all detergent is thoroughly removed from the blanket.

Keep in mind that frequent washing can affect the softness and texture of minky fabric over time, so it's best to follow the care instructions and wash the blanket only when necessary. By following these steps and taking proper care of your minky blanket, you can ensure it remains soft and cozy for a long time.

Generally speaking, minky fabric can go in the dryer, but you should follow a few guidelines to ensure it maintains its softness and doesn't get damaged:

1. Check the Care Label: Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for specific drying instructions. Some minky products may recommend air drying instead of using a dryer.

2. Low Heat Setting: Use the lowest heat setting on your dryer to avoid potentially damaging the fabric. High heat can melt or distort the polyester fibers, causing them to lose their soft texture. If your dryer has a gentle or delicate cycle that you can use on a low heat setting, this will help minimize agitation and protect the fabric.

3. Dryer Balls: Adding a couple of clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to your dryer will help fluff the minky fabric and prevent matting during the drying process.

4. Don't Overload Your Dryer: Avoid overloading the dryer, as this can lead to uneven drying and may cause the minky fabric to clump or wrinkle.

5. Regularly Clean Your Dryer’s Lint Trap: Cuddle fabric can produce a lot of lint, so make sure to clean your dryer's lint trap before and after drying to prevent lint buildup.

6. Remove Promptly: As soon as the drying cycle is complete, remove your cuddle blanket promptly to prevent excessive wrinkling and help maintain its softness.