I finished this blanket just in time for the beach yesterday. It’s made from two Ikea towels that I picked up last summer. I think the towels cost about $7 each and that is really something because their quality is outstanding. Actually, a little too good for a pool or beach towel – too large and heavy. So I decided to go with that theme and make them even larger and heavier by combining the two towels into one beach blanket.
I cut each towel in half to create four same-size squares. Then I cut off one finished edge (the edge I needed to seam) from each square. Next I laid out the squares as I wanted to piece them together and found that I did not have four same-size squares at all. Eventually, I got the sizes I needed and when I laid them out to make sure all the edges lined up, they looked like this …
I wanted a really flat seam, so I played around with a couple of ideas on some of the toweling I cut off and eventually decided to sew a regular seam with right sides together, then press it open, and stitch with something called a tricot stitch on my machine on the right side of the blanket (the more velvety side) on both sides of the seam line. I sewed two adjacent squares together in this manner, then the other two adjacent squares, and finally the resulting two rectangular pieces to form the blanket. Here’s what those seams look like on the right side …
And here’s what they look like on the wrong side …
I think I’ve got a seam finish that will both keep the seam allowance flat and prevent raveling. Hope so anyway.
The thing is my friend brought along an old comforter from college days and I liked the way the sand didn’t get stuck in it like it did in my towel blanket. Maybe next time I should bring this …
I made this one about a million years ago. The squares are actually inexpensive napkins that I bought at Cost Plus. This didn’t save me any time or money, mind you. The napkins’ edges needed to be cut off and then they needed to be made square and the napkins really weren’t that inexpensive, but I was charmed by the project in a magazine from the 90s that I really loved called Handcraft Illustrated. And I guess I really just like making blankets.
p.s. If you’d like to learn how to make a strap for your blanket, please click here.
Is that photo of the Capitola wharf?
Good eye – yes it is.
like the blanket, I am a quilter. You might be one too!
Thank you. I wouldn’t call myself a quilter though I certainly use quilting techniques now and then. I’ve only got one post about quilts really. If you’re curious you can see it here. Thanks for writing and happy quilting!
Ive been trying to make a mickey mouse blanket like that last one… Dont think sewing is my thing 😦
Wow – how do you do that? Don’t give up yet Audie! Sewing your own things is extremely satisfying, but there are a lot of factors to making it work for you – having the right tools, the right space to work, pressing your work, etc. Is there someone more experienced who is local to you who can help you out? When something you’ve sewn works, it gives you a very powerful feeling. Hang in there and good luck!:-)
Colleen
Love your beach blanket. Brilliant idea. I also love your bag! Can you tell me where you got it? Thanks. xoxo
Thank you so much. The bag is awesome, isn’t it? I’m so glad you asked and happy to tell you that I got it at Whole Foods (of all places!) – last year though. I know it was woven in Africa, not sure if I saved any more info to help you locate it or something similar. I’ll take a look though – I’m kind of obsessive that way!
Colleen
I loved the beach towel blanket so much i made one my self but i sewed a vinly table cloth on the back and no sand comes though love it! thank you so much for the idea oh and you can turn it over and use the other side for picnics!!!!!!
That’s a brilliant idea – might have to try that myself next time. Enjoy your blanket!
That is a really cool idea-I think I will make mine this way also. Thank you
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Love that idea Jacee!!! That is brilliant. 🙂
Thanks very much from Colleen at My Material Life.
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Too cute!! Love this! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I featured you on my blog today, feel free to come check it out: http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/07/pinteresting-features-n-shtuff-41.html
You’re very welcome. Thank you – Colleen
wow! It’s amazing! This idea definitily goes to my “must do” list!
Well thank you – have fun and hope you enjoy yours!
Terrific idea! It’s fun, personal, and can be as big as you like! Will have to try it! 🙂
Thanks and good luck with it!
Great idea! I love using a blanket for the beach instead of a small towel – this is perfect!
bounced here from Pinterest. What a great idea. We were throwing out some blankets but now I’ve looked at them with new eyes. Awesome idea esp with summer about to hit and lots of days at the pool and sea side. Thanks x
You must be on the opposite hemisphere from me – enjoy your summer and thanks for writing!
Great idea. I’ve been looking for over sized beach towels to use as a beach blanket, but this is even better. I can make it HUGE.
One question: How did you finish off the raw edges around the outside of the blanket? Great pictures of how you did the seems, but I can’t make out the edges (think binding on a quilt.) I love the idea of using napkins as well.
Hi Mori,
The beauty of it was that I didn’t need to finish the outer edges; those edges were already finished. The napkin quilt was a bit more work, but it’s a very useful blanket. One thing to consider if you make a very large towel blanket is how you’ll cart it around – they can get heavy depending on the thickness of the towels you use. Those IKEA ones were very thick and very heavy. But definitely go for it! Colleen
For me, cotton beach towels are the best since they absorb more sweat compared to synthetic fibers. They also have great texture and feel. .’.*,
Thanks again
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Very nice!
For a really quick blanket to use at the beach, use an old sheet.. The sand just rolls off when you shake it!
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I knew it was Capitola too. Beautiful!
The type of material your beach towels are made from has a direct impact on the absorbency of the towel. Thick terry is one of the best materials for beach towels as they tend to soak up the moisture the fastest. Terry is also warm, and because it is thick, it is nice to lie on at the beach. You will want to make sure that your beach towels are made of 100% cotton for the best absorbency, and to make sure that your towel performs the way you expect it to, Egyptian or Turkish cotton is the best way to go. ,
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I love this idea! You mentioned that you put a vynil table clothe on back to keep the sand out. How did you attach it to the towels?
Hi Jen – I’m glad you asked about that. That’s a comment that was added to my photo by a Pinterest user. My blanket has no vinyl backing and I wouldn’t suggest adding one because my thinking is 1) it would make the blanket way too heavy and 2) it won’t keep sand off the blanket. But if it’s worked for anyone else, more power to them. I do think it’s a great idea for a lighter-weight blanket that may be used on damp grass. If you want to line your blanket, I’d suggest cutting your lining the same size as your blanket, placing both sides right sides together, stitching around the perimeter, and leaving an opening for turning right sides out again that you can machine or slip stitch together. Good luck!
Colleen
That looks like Capitola, CA, yes? I’m from SC :). Great idea!
Thank you and good eye – you guessed correctly!
Colleen, looking at Pinterest for ideas and came across this! Hope you all had a great Easter! Will call soon!
Isn’t that funny? I think it may have gotten as popular (if not more so) as the toilet paper roll knitters. Look forward to talking soon – Colleen
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Reblogged this on Illuminated Beauty and commented:
always love more pretty beach blankets in Coastal Florida
Thank you – your blog looks very interesting.
thanks, and you are welcome. Am fresh out of beach blankets, beach quilts this year. So, your idea caught my eye.
Such a cleaver idea!! So funny I saw this on Pinterest and realized its the Capitola beach/wharf! I run by there all the time. Small world!
Thanks and yes, it is a small world!
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Curious. With you having sewn this already… Would sewing a thinner type vinyl to the sand side work?
Well people have commented about that, but I wouldn’t try it with this particular blanket because the toweling is very heavy already, and I wouldn’t want to make it heavier. Plus it wouldn’t help with the sand and I’d be concerned about it drying well. But you could always try it and see what happens!
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GREAT IDEA!!!
Thanks 🙂
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leave a hole in the middle, next time. for an umbrella.
Holy smokes this is awesome. So awesome, in fact, that I just HAD to include it in my 93 Beach Essentials List. You can find it here http://www.chewymom.com/ultimate-beach-essentials/
Glad you like it – thanks!
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Wow really amazing idea. thanks for share this. Love You….