Easy Quilted Lap Blanket

On a cold winter evening, nothing compares to snuggling under a quilted lap blanket while sipping some hot chocolate. This easy lap blanket is perfect for just such a night.

Your kids will have fun helping make these. You could even make several for gifts this Christmas!

You Will Need: Twin Sheet (solid color), Quilted Backing (2 yards), Fabric Markers, Fabric Paint, Iron, Stick Pins, Yard stick or Ruler, 3 Inch Wide Ribbon, Sewing Machine, Scanner (optional), Transfer Paper (optional),  Buttons (optional), Stencils (optional)

Step 1

Wash and dry your sheet. Iron your sheet to remove all wrinkles.

Step 2

Fold your sheet in half (bottom to the top). Using your stick pins, pin the edge of the sheets together. Using a yard stick, mark off a “checker board” with your stick pins.Make sure your lines are straight and your rows and columns are even in size.

Step 3

Decide on big squares, medium squares or small squares. The size of your squares determines the the pictures and pattern of your lap blanket.

Step 4

Using a yard stick, mark off a “checker board” with your stick pins.Make sure your lines are straight and your rows and columns are even in size.

Step 5

With your sewing machine (you can do it by hand but it will take longer), follow the pins. Sew all of your rows and columns. This should give you a puffy quilted look.

Step 6

Now comes the fun part. If you are making one for grandparents, have your children cover their hands with fabric paint and press their hands in the squares. They can also write their names on the blanket with fabric paint. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fabric paint and markers. Small foot prints are really cute as well. Set aside to dry.

Step 7

Once dry, cut the  quilted backing to the size of the quilted sheet. Now pin the quilted backing onto the sheet. Next, sew the quilted backing onto the sheet.

Step 8

Take your ribbon and pin it around the edge of your lap blanket. Fold the corners in and sew it around the lap blanket. Your done!

VARIATIONS:

1. Instead of hand prints, print out some pictures on iron-on paper and iron the pictures onto the lap blanket. Be sure to follow the directions completely.

2. In the center of each square, sew a button. It gives the blanket a cool texture.

3. Use stencils and fabric paint to paint cool pictures or designs. Follow the directions completely.

* Have fun and be creative.