Warming Comfort A Family Heirloom Can Be Created When You Add Your Own Touch To Handmade Blanket

There is nothing more comforting and warming than a soft, well-loved wool blanket; its old-fashioned charm is rivaled only by its usefulness and versatility.

On the bed, of course, a blanket can be layered beneath a comforter or quilt for added insulation. It can even take the place of those other coverings; the simplicity of a smooth expanse of wool gives an unexpectedly modern look to a bed.

A blanket is at home out of the bedroom as well. Keep one in the car so passengers can wrap up on long trips. Fold one over the back of the sofa, and it will be used by almost everyone who sits down. Take one with you on an airplane once, and you won’t travel without it again.

There are many ways to make and customize blankets. Choose wool in the perfect color for your guest room. Make a wrap that’s somewhere between a traditional blanket and a decadent scarf. Start making blankets as gifts for friends.

Blanket sizes aren’t standardized, but here are basic guidelines. A twin blanket is roughly 60 inches wide by 90 inches long; double, 80 by 90 inches; queen, 90 by 90 inches; king, 105 by 90 inches. But the beauty of making a blanket yourself is that it can be any size you want.

Fabric stores carry a range of different colors and weaves; simply choose a wool that looks and feels good to you. Then use these techniques and ideas to create a unique blanket that may well become a family heirloom.

Flat-felled seam

A blanket often needs to be wider than the fabric available. In this case, simply join two pieces of fabric in a flat-felled seam, which has a nice finish.

Generally, it’s a good idea to center the seam in the blanket. Lay one piece of fabric on top the other, and pin them together along one edge. Machine-stitch 1-1/2 inches in from the edge.

Press the seam open, then to one side. Trim concealed seam allowance to inch. Press under edge of top seam inch, then position it evenly over the trimmed edge and pin in place.

Machine-stitch the folded edge to the blanket 1/8inch from edge, parallel to previous seam, encasing the trimmed edge. Press flat.

Blanket stitching

What could be more appropriate than a blanket edged in this classic stitch? (Shown in the photo above.)

Thread an upholstery needle with worsted-weight cotton yarn. Turn under and lightly press all edges of the fabric 3/4-inch, then 3/4-inch again, overlapping at the corners. Pin or baste in place.

Hold one edge of the fabric toward you with the right side up (the rolled and pinned hem is on the wrong side). Starting at the corner to the left, draw the yarn out through the fold from the inside of the hem.

From the right side of the fabric, insert the needle through the fabric 1/2-inch to the right and 3/4-inch from the edge; bring the needle out toward you and pass it over the loop of yarn before pulling it taut. Continue stitching all the way around.

At each corner, make one stitch on a diagonal.

Contrasting hem

Ribbon trim can be subtle, blending in with the blanket itself, or bold, providing a contrast of color. Satin and grosgrain ribbon work well, but other kinds can be used instead.

Start with a piece of fabric the same length and width as your finished-blanket dimensions with the sides hemmed. Cut two strips of wide ribbon (twice as wide as you want the hem to be) for top and bottom hems, each 1 inch longer than the blanket width. Mark the width of your desired hem (half the ribbon’s width) at both ends of the blanket with chalk lines.

Flip the blanket over and repeat on the other side. Lay one hem strip on the blanket so that one edge lines up with a chalk line and strip extends over blanket edge and 1/2-inch past each side. Pin and stitch in place.

Turn and press side edges in flush with blanket sides. Fold hem strip over blanket edge to other side so that it meets your second chalk line; pin and stitch. Repeat on opposite end.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to experiment with new combinations. Try joining two different color wools in a flat-felled seam and simply hemming the edges. Embroider a monogram in a corner using the same color thread as the blanket stitching. Use plaid or polka-dot ribbon for the contrasting hem.

Be creative with these techniques. They are as versatile as the blankets.

MEMO: Questions should be addressed to Martha Stewart, care of The New York Times Syndication Sales Corp., 122 E. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10168. Questions may also be sent to Stewart by electronic mail. Her address is: mstewart@msl.timeinc.com.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Martha Stewart New York Times Syndicate