I am not a "crafty" person but I still wanted to figure out how to make some gifts for Christmas and save a bit of money at the same time. I found the ideal thing for those people like myself who are not talented at making nice gifts.
Try fleece throws! You don't have to do any sewing at all! All you need is the fleece and a good pair of scissors! Then just tie! It's easy and everyone loves them! There are even kits in some stores, though they are sometimes more expensive than just buying the fleece.
If you think you need some instructions to follow it would be worth buying the kits. Otherwise, just ask around or go on the internet for instructions on how to make these beautiful, warm throws for gifts. I haven't found anyone yet who did not love them!
By Robin from Washington, IA
When you make the fleece throws, you need to by 48 inches of 2 types of fleece (coordinating colors) one for the front and one for the back. Remember to cut out 4-5 inch squares from each of the 4 corners to keep the corners square when you are finished. (Try a piece of paper first and you'll understand why.) Then cut 1 inch strips of both pieces of fleece all the way around the 4 sides (I cut mine together) and then tie all the way around. Hope this helps. (11/22/2005)
By Tuppertil
What do you mean "tie" - where do you tie? I would like exact, specific instructions, because there is no photograph of the finished throw. (09/11/2006)
By Mary
When you cut the fleece into strips, you tie each strip together to the opposite side of the fleece you cut. (09/11/2006)
By suzanne
Oh, I think I've figured out what you're getting at! My compliments, it's pretty clever. Basically, you're making a 2-ply blanket. Here's how it's done:
Get two pieces of fleece, 10 inches longer and wider than you want (example: if you want a blanket that's 36 inches on a side, get two pieces of fleece that are 46 inches on each side). Two contrasting solids, or a pattern and a coordinating solid would probably work best.
Cut a 5-inch square out of each corner of each piece. You should end up with two pieces of fleece that look like really fat plus-signs (in addition to eight 5-inch squares). Set the squares aside for another project. Iff you can sew, they would probably make a nice matching 2x2 pillow or possibly a stuff-sack if the blanket fits in it.
Cut 5-inch long fringe at 1-inch intervals on all four sides of both pieces. You may want to faintly mark this out on the wrong side of the fleece with chalk or pencil before cutting.
Be a "little" anal-retentive about this, because you'll need to have the same number of fringe strands for each piece.
If you started with two 46-inch square pieces, you should end up with two 36-inch square pieces that have an extra 5 inches fringe on all four sides.
Put the WRONG sides of both pieces together so that you have two layers. Each strand of fringe in any given layer should have a counterpart on the other layer.
Using an overhand knot (the kind of knot you use to keep the end of a string from fraying) tie one strand of fringe from each layer together so that it resembles a tassel. (Remember how we said that the number of fringe strands on both pieces should match? This is why.)
Continue around the blanket until all the fringe is tied off.
Tah-dah!
This would be a great gift for someone who just got a new car -- especially if the two pieces of fleece match the paint and upholstery! (12/03/2008)
By Clueless
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