This easy step-by-step tutorial shows how to make extra-large, reversible flannel receiving blankets for a baby. These homemade blankets make thoughtful shower gifts and are perfect for swaddling, lining a stroller or playpen, or wrapping toddlers after a bath.
Beginner sewing project. Time to complete: 1 to 1.5 hours.
These large, cushy, double-sided flannel receiving blankets are one of my favourite gifts to make for a new baby. Because they’re roomy, soft and durable, they can be useful from newborn days well into toddlerhood.
What is a receiving blanket?
A receiving blanket is a flannel baby blanket with many uses. Smaller ones (about 20″ x 20″) are handy for swaddling, burping, and catching spills. Larger receiving blankets are ideal for the stroller or car seat, for floor play, and for wrapping a baby after a bath.
A must-have for a new mom
A flannel receiving blanket is a staple for a new baby—useful at home or tucked into the diaper bag for outings.
When my children were babies, I collected lots of receiving blankets—some from the hospital and some given as shower gifts.
My favourite receiving blanket ever
The best receiving blanket I ever had was a large, reversible flannel one a friend gave when my second son was born. It measured almost 40 inches square and got used for years.
I loved that blanket—it was one of the most-used baby gifts we received.
Since then I’ve made many similar blankets as shower gifts. They’re always appreciated and well used.
If you can sew a straight line, you can make this!
This reversible flannel blanket is a great beginner sewing project and a fun way for kids learning to sew to practice. The process is quick and forgiving—your measurements don’t need to be exact.
If you can sew a straight line, you’ll have no trouble making this blanket.
How big is this receiving blanket?
Finished, these receiving blankets measure approximately one meter by one meter (about 39″ x 39″). Double-sided flannel makes them soft and cushy.
Ways to use this blanket:
- Swaddle a growing baby when smaller blankets no longer fit
- Tuck into a car seat or stroller for warmth
- Use as a crib or floor blanket for play
- Wrap a toddler after bath time
My favourite use as my son grew was wrapping him after his bath—this blanket worked well for that until he was two or three years old.
The photo below gives a sense of scale; I placed a “Little People” car on the blanket for perspective.
Now let’s walk through how to make one of these handy blankets. I’ll keep instructions simple and straightforward for beginners.
Supplies and materials:
- 1 meter of flannel for the front
- 1 meter of coordinating or contrasting flannel for the back
- Thread to match or contrast with each fabric
- Sewing scissors
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat (optional but useful)
- Steam iron
How to make your receiving blanket:
Pre-shrink your flannel
Before you begin, PRE-SHRINK your flannel by washing and drying it on high heat. Flannel will shrink, and prewashing ensures your finished blanket keeps its shape after future washes.
If you prefer gentle, scent-free washing, choose a mild detergent so the fabric is safe to use against a baby’s skin.
Iron and cut your fabric
After washing and drying, iron the flannel so it lies flat. Place the two pieces together with the right sides facing and trim them to roughly 1 meter by 1 meter.
A rotary cutter will make this step faster and more precise, but scissors work fine too.
Save your strips
Save the strips trimmed from the edges. They make a neat fabric tie to present the blanket as a gift.
Pin and stitch
Pin the edges of the two layers together and stitch around all four sides using a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving an opening about 6 inches long along one edge to turn the blanket right-side-out.
Trim the corners (carefully, without cutting your stitching) so the corners will be less bulky when turned.
Turn it right-side-out and close the opening
Turn the blanket through the opening, pushing the corners out so they’re square. Press the edges with an iron so they are crisp. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward, pin, and then stitch close to the edge to close the gap.
Add a zig-zag border
Finish the blanket with a decorative zig-zag stitch around the edge. Position the machine foot about 2 inches in from the edge and choose a medium zig-zag setting. This creates a secure, tidy border and adds a decorative touch.
Check for pins
After zig-zagging all the way around, remove any remaining pins, trim loose threads, and inspect the blanket for neatness. Then step back and admire your finished piece!
Congratulations—you’re done!
Before gifting, use the reserved fabric strip to make a tie so the blanket can be rolled and presented neatly.
Folding and rolling your receiving blanket
Fold the saved strip in half and secure it with a zig-zag stitch to make a long tie. Roll the blanket so a bit of the reverse fabric peeks out, then wrap the tie around and finish with a knot or bow for a polished gift presentation.
They make lovely, practical gifts. I often pair them with a few handmade items like repurposed denim bibs and a small baby book or card for a complete shower gift.
You may also like:
How to Make a Kids Craft Apron from Your Old Jeans
How to Make a Durable Denim Bib from Your Old Jeans