Baby Showers are such an exciting time for Mums-To-Be and the best part about the special day is “Present Time”. Everyone paws over the tiny clothes, remembering just how small a newborn is.

When choosing a gift for a baby there are so many considerations. Is it for a boy or a girl? Should you get something for a newborn or maybe when it’s a few months old? Do you get toys or clothes? etc. But out of all the presents at a Baby Shower I think hand made gifts always have the most impact. Mums will always really appreciate something made especially for their little miracle.

Plus you get the credit for a handmade present for years to come. I have personally made blankies for a few baby showers and a long time later I still get praise for my craftiness. Youre Aunty Tracey made that for you.

If you can sew a straight line – You CAN do this. It’s really easy and here I have listed a step-by-step outline to making a cute blankie.

HAND-MADE BLANKIES!

STEP 1: Go to a fabric shop and find the flannelette material.

STEP 3: Pick out 2 fabrics that you like for either side of the blankie. Get creative and mix and match. If you don’t know what sex the baby is, then maybe do one side pink pattern and the other a blue pattern.

STEP 3: You want to ask for 1.2 metres for each piece of material

STEP 4: When you get home sit down at a flat table and start pinning the material together. Make sure the pattern is facing inwards.

STEP 5: Sew straight lines around all the edges leaving a 10cm hole on one side.

STEP 6: Use the whole to turn the fabric inside out.

STEP 7: Neatly tuck in the fabric around where the gap is.

STEP 8: Flatten out the edges and sew 2 straight lines around the whole blankie. This closes the gap and makes a nice border around the ends.

If you have fancy stitches on your machine then try one for the edging to make it look smart, but rememberto practice on a scrap piece of fabric first!

STEP 9: Roll up your blankie and wrap it. Add an extra note stating it was “Handmade by You”

STEP 10: Present time! Watch the Mum-To-Be’s face as she unwraps her specially made blankie. She’ll love you for it!