Blankets and Simple Quilts

Most hospitals welcome blankets and quilts of all kinds. If you knit, please try “The Washcloth” baby blanket pattern on page 12 of the Care Wear Volunteers Pattern & Information Book. It's called “Baby Blanket” pattern in the website knitting patterns. Everyone loves that pattern as it does not require close attention to the directions because the rows repeat over and over again. If you crochet, try a blanket in your favorite stitch. If you sew, consider making flannel receiving blankets and simple quilts. Serge the edges of the flannel receiving blanket in a contrasting color, for example. Below is a simple pattern for a quilt. If you use a colorful fabric for the top, you do not have to work hours to create a patchwork or appliqué masterpiece.

Sizes: 30" square, 36" square, or 36" x 42"

Supplies:
For 30" square quilt, you will need 30" x 30" fabric for the quilt top (one piece of colorful prints or smaller pieces sewn together), 34" x 34" fabric for the quilt bottom*, and 30" x 30" batting/filler**.

Directions:
Position in three layers - centering the quilt top and batting in the center of the quilt back (quilt top with right side facing up, quilt bottom with right side facing down). You will have 2" of quilt bottom on each side of the filler/top fabrics. Fold that 2" extension in half and then around on top of the quilt top to form a border. Pin in place. Miter the corners, if you wish. Machine sew that border/hem in place through all of the layers. Then, tie the quilt layers together at approximately 5" intervals (use soft yarn or crochet cotton to tie the layers; use contrasting colors if you want to make the quilt more colorful.)

* Many hospitals request quilts with dark colors on the bottom so they can be used as covers over the isolettes. Those covers will provide tranquil darkness to allow infants to sleep.

** Consider using 100% polyester felt for the filler. Felt is easier to handle than quilt batting. It provides good insulation and is machine washable. I usually machine stitch the border/hem (1" from edge) and then stitch around the very edge (1/8" from edge) in order to keep the felt in position. Use straight or zig zag stitch. Triple step zig zag is a recommended stitch that holds the layers flat and secure.

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