Creativebug Whether you’re laying out to watch fireworks, picnicking in some ridiculous, wildflower-covered field, or getting your read on at the beach, you need a blanket.
Yes, a towel will do.
But you’re better than that.
You deserve an uber-functional, boho chic, handmade blanket that happens to feature convenient carrying straps.
Materials
- Woven fabric, any size you’d like. A heavier weave is nice to have, since it won’t blow around in the wind and will better protect you from damp grass.
- Fabric or webbing for straps
- Velcro
- Fabric glue
- Grommets
- Hammer
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
Step 1: Make Fringe
Note: the fringe-making part of this blanket DIY, while not complicated, does take some time. So watch a movie. Or find some really excellent YouTube action. Trust me.
Add some boho flair to your blanket by adding a couple inches of really excellent macrame fringe. Start by pulling out one or two weft threads (the threads going long-ways, not up and down) at a time, until you have several inches of loose threads at both ends of your blanket material. Use the seam ripper if you have stubby, obnoxious fingernails like me. Pull more than two though, and you’ll start to snap threads and cinch your fabric together.
*checks watch* Done?
Cool. Now add a row of knots across each side.
Now, using half the strands from one knot and half the strands form another, tie another knot slightly farther down. Continue across both ends of the blanket.
Not totally clear on how this whole finge-y business comes together? Check out this tutorial for a really excellent step-by-step.
Step 2: Hem
If necessary, hem the remaining edges of your fabric.
Step 3: Measure and Position Straps
Roll up your blanket. To decide how long the straps should be, measure the circumference of your blanket then add a couple of inches so that the ends can overlap when you add the velcro later.
Step 4: Cut and Hem Straps
Cut out the straps (three total). Decide how wide you’d like them to be, then add 1/2 inch so you can fold the edges in as you attach them to the blanket. You will need to two straps that fit around the rolled blanket and overlap by a couple inches and one shorter strap that will serve as the carrying handle.
Want to save some time on this step? Just use cotton or nylon webbing. Or some cool embroidered ribbon.
Fold and hem all three straps.
Step 5: Attach Velcro
Using fabric glue, attach one side of the velcro to the inner end of each long strap. We’ll add the other side of the velcro to the straps after they’ve been sewn to the blanket.
You may have to trim the velcro to fit the width of your strap.
Step 6: Attach Straps
Position the straps on your blanket, then pin them in place. First sew down the ends of the carrying handle and be sure to give it a little slack. Too tight and it will be difficult to hold.
Next sew down the long straps – sew about 5-7 inches connected to the blanket and leave the remainder free to wrap around.
NOW add the other side of the velcro to the straps with fabric glue, making sure it aligns with the velcro on the loose ends.
Pro tip: If you use your blanket on the beach, attach the velcro on the straps before you lay it in the sand. This will prevent sand from getting in and will extend the life of your velcro.
Step 7: (Optional) Add Grommets
Adding grommets to the corners and edges of the blanket can come in handy. If you’re on a windy beach, use tent stakes to keep the blanket in place. If you decide you’d prefer some shade during a picnic, use some cord to attach the blanket to some trees.
Plus, grommets just look cool.
Start by adding a small hole to the fabric. Do your best not to make it any larger than the grommet back.
Then add the grommet back and top. Put the flat guide (it’ll come with your package of grommets) underneath and place the tall guide on top. Give it a few healthy whacks and the grommet will be locked into place.
That’s it! Now you have the best boho beach blanket known to man. And woman.
