Learn to make your own receiving blankets for a new baby. 

They are SO easy and the cost is minimal.

If you have a sewing machine, some thread and a yard of flannel, then you can make these DIY receiving blankets.


They make a great gift for new babies. Recently my sister had a baby, so of course, I had to make her some baby blankets.

Normally, I use my serger to make receiving blankets. But I realize that not everyone has a serger and they are kind of expensive.

So I decided to take this opportunity to make a sewing machine version.

I also have a baby blanket with a bordered edge.

DIY Receiving Blanket

I love to make these blankets with flannel. They are so soft and cozy for little babies. 

One of my favorite thing about these blankets is how large they are. My smallest baby was 8 lbs 8 ounces, and my largest was over 9 pounds. 

Some of those store-bought receiving blankets are just too small for the bigger babies.

Not these blankets, they'll easily wrap around large newborns with room to grow!

Of course, for small babies, you can still make these blankets as they are.

Or if you prefer something smaller, just start off with a smaller piece of fabric.

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While I was at it, I also made two varieties of burp cloths for her. An easy flannel burp cloth using the surger.

I also figured out how to make an easy DIY burp cloth using a sewing machine. I'll share that one next week. Homemade burp cloths really are the best!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details. 

Supplies Needed to Make a Receiving Blanket

1 yard flannel fabric
matching thread
sewing machine
iron
ironing board

How to Make a Receiving Blanket

So, you guys! I have such a hard time remembering to take step-by-step pictures when I'm making a video. I'll explain the best I can here.

But please watch the video! Showing you how I make them is so much easier than explaining how I make them. 

1. Begin with one yard of flannel fabric. 
2. Trim off the selvage edges.
3. Place your fabric wrong side up on an ironing board.
4. Fold up the edge about 3/8 of an inch.
5. Press in place.
6. Fold the edge again about 3/8 of an inch.
7. Press in place again.
8. Repeat for all four sides of the blanket.
9. Using a straight stitch sew along all edges of the blanket.

Want to watch the video?  ↓↓Click the link ↓↓

→DIY Receiving Blanket Video←

Think you can make one of these blankets? I bet even if you've never sewn before that you can make these!

They are the ultimate beginner project! AND even those of us who have sewn for years, like a quick and easy project.

More DIY Blankets

• Easy Striped Quilt
• Rag Top Baby Blanket
• Easy Tie Quilt Blanket
• Easy Crochet Blanket
• No-Sew Fleece Blanket
• How to Make a Blanket (30 different ways)

What is the size of a receiving blanket?

A standard receiving blanket is 30 inches by 30 inches.

A swaddling blanket is much larger at 47 inches by 47.

These DIY receiving blankets are in the middle at approximately 35 inches by 40 inches.

Is a receiving blanket the same as a swaddling blanket? 

The purpose behind a receiving blanket and a swaddling blanket is similar in that they are both used to wrap babies and swaddle them. 

The difference is in the size of the blanket and the type of material they are made with. 

Receiving blankets are much smaller and generally used for newborns. They are generally made with a light cotton fabric.   

Swaddling blankets are larger and often have velcro sewn into them to help keep the babies swaddled. They are often made of muslin. 

My DIY blankets are an in between option. They are larger than standard receiving blankets and smaller than swaddles. They could be made with any type of fabric that you prefer.

How much fabric do I need for a receiving blanket? 

I like to make receiving blankets with one yard of fabric. One yard makes a good sized blanket that babies won't outgrow in two weeks!