DIY: Patchwork Picnic Blanket
March 29, 2011
I’ve had this vision in my head for months now, a vision of crafting a picnic blanket that we could bring on our outdoor adventures, something with a country feel, but with fresh modern color too. We’re a picnicking tribe on the weekends when sunny skies appear, whether we head to the coast, the local park or ballgame, or just movies in the park. Having a cozy picnic blanket is always ideal!
I’ve always wanted a patchwork picnic blanket, and last weekend I finally got around to making this one. I absolutely love the bright colors, the mix of blues and pinks with orange and turquoise. The patchwork nature also has that quilted nostalgic feel.
There is one final bonus beyond the handmade appeal. This version is water resistant due to the vinyl tablecloth sewn to the underside. It makes for one blanket I can throw down on any lawn, moist or dry. It also means it still multitasks as a tablecloth !!
How to Make a Water Resistant Patchwork Picnic Blanket:
Supplies You Will Need: complementary fabrics cut into squares; vinyl tablecloth (or other water resistant fabric)*; light quilt batting; measuring tape; pins; thread; scissors; needle; sewing machine. *I found my white vinyl table pad at Kmart for $8, and my cotton fabrics at Joann’s Fabrics.
There’s no real magic formula to choosing fabrics, just look for patterns that appeal to you that share similar colors, whether it’s classic stripes or ginghams, or modern geometrics or florals.
Prewash all of your cottons before you start, then cut your fabric swatches into squares. Since I used a 60” wide x 82” long vinyl tablecloth as my base, I wanted three 20” squares across and four 20” squares in length, so my 12 fabric squares were all cut to 21”, allowing ½” seam allowance on all sides.
Faux croc silver mini measuring tape, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches . . .
Once they’re cut, lay all of your squares down on a large surface and decide where they should fit in your final pattern.
Obviously, the next step is sewing your squares together, so I just started pinning.
Don’t do that cause it ain’t that simple.
I ended up with this puckered ridiculous mess.
Enter seam ripper.
Cue frustration.
Then I thought, well obviously someone else has figured out how to get the perfect seams and how to get your points to match. Quilters must have the secret I reasoned. So I went online. Don’t you just love the internet? When I was young, it was “Hey kid, go look it up in an encyclopedia.” Now we have Google. Amen.
I found a helpful video on how to nest patchwork quilt seams and learned a very useful technique on how to get your points to match. Sound completely intimidating right? “Nest. Patchwork. Quilt. Seams.” Aaaaahhh! I admit, I was afraid. Very afraid. But I watched, and listened, and learned. You quilters sure know what you’re talking about.
Looky loo at my crisp points!
Never thought I’d hear myself say that. Crispy points! Crispy points!!!
OK, I’m done.
No I’m not.
Here’s how to get those coveted oh-so-crisp points:
Work with four squares at a time and decide your fabric placement.
Flip them upside down, and pin squares 1 and 4, and then 2 and 3 together, then sew those sections on sewing machine.
Match up your new seams to each other, then (like in the video) pin them together, and hem for the perfect matching points. Seeeew easy. Hardy har.
Work your way around, adding two more sections at a time, following the nesting corners method. Then pat yourself on the back and have a glass of wine.
Next, flip your completed patchwork cotton patchwork pattern upside down, add the batting on top of that, and then your vinyl tablecloth (also flipped inside out). No pic, sorry, it was late at night. Sew it all together all around, but leave one square open to flip it right side out.
To hold it together if and when it goes through the wash, either sew along the seams between the patchwork pieces, or tack together with a few stitches by hand (like I did) where your fabric meets in each corner.
The last step is those charming colorful ties, it’s the easiest part, you’re almost done! With your fabric scraps, make a long tie (approximately 30” long) by flipping a 3” strip inside out and sewing one long seam. Work a safety pin through to flip the fabric right side out, then seam both edges so it will remain flat after it goes through the wash.
Seam the edges, then attach both ties to that final unfinished edge of your last square. Close up that last square of your picnic blanket after those ties are attached.
The nicest thing about those charming colorful ties you make?
The perfect package they make at the end of your picnic.
This was a time consuming project, considering my learning curve. It took me 6 hours over two days from start to finish, but it was completely worth it for this new keepsake.
This classic picnic basket was a fun find from an antique store, and we pack it with plates, napkins and goodies on our local adventures, even those as near as our own backyard.
Now let those warm weather outings begin!
.
Tags: patchwork picnic blanket; how to make a picnic blanket;
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to make one for my sister and myself for Mother’s Day!
Do you know how many yards of fabric you purchased? I know I could do the math and figure it out, but if you know off hand, that would be REALLY helpful! Thanks!
I love it! And I’m shocked that you’ve never quilted before, I guess I just assume dyou have. Thanks for sharing.
This is fabulous! Wonderful for baby to play on too!
Really!!?? This is so cute!!
You could sell these……….
LOVE it! I’ve been trying to find a good picnic blanket for awhile now but this is so much better. Can’t wait to make my own.
Great idea! Love that you put the vinyl cover on the underside. It is just lovely and a perfect spring & summer blanket. You’ll be picnicking in style!
What a great idea to have a vinyl bottom! I’ve been wanting to make a picnic blanket for awhile now, but I keep hesitating when I think of getting my nice quilting fabric all soggy and dirty. Thanks for sharing a perfect solution!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful idea!
Kate, wow you did a super job and it WAS hard work, I can see worth it though!
I do have a Giveaway from The Zhush I know you will love!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
LOVE IT! Cutest thing ever. I’m too geometrically/mathematically challenged to make one that looks as good as yours, lol. Great job!
This is a beautiful quilt. Great color choices for your fabric and the plastic lining is a perfect idea to keep the moisture out.
I absolutely love this idea. …May have to copy– in every color! Thanks for sharing!
CC
Okay, this is just perfect! Love the color scheme! But the way it ties up for travel is divine!
One question, tho’. Would it take a larger capacity washing machine to get it more thoroughly cleaned?
Rose
Love it! I am ready to go get some fabric and try this myself.
I love this idea, I am a photographer and decided to adapt this idea to a green grass like blanket I use for bridal shoots to keep the dress from getting messed up ona moist ground. A DIYer at heart, I love adapting ideas I see, and your site is great for them!
Love this idea! I think I will make one for my mother for mother’s day! I second the question though – how many yards of fabric is enough?
I am literally sitting on the floor going through my piles of fabric. I’m going to make two for Easter presents. Too stinkin’ cute.
Hi Abi,
Every 24″ of fabric gets you 2 squares if the fabric is a minimum 44 inch width (most quilting fabrics are) and your squares are between 20 – 22″. Total = 12 feet for entire blanket, or 4 yards.
Kate
LOVE it! Some fabric stores sell adorable vinyl coated fabric. I used some a few years ago to make play mats for little ones. If you found a good deal on some that would look awesome on the back (though not nearly as affordable as the tablecloth)
Great tip Julie! I even priced vinyl backing in the fabric store, and it was $10 a yard, so I went with the tablecloth idea, almost 3 yards for 8 bucks! xo
Kate
Hey! I just saw your blue credenza pic from your office on the Nate Berkus show! :)
Love this — thanks for sharing!
I just posted my completed blanket on my blog. Thanks for the tutorial! http://sweeterthancupcakes.blogspot.com/2011/05/picnic-blanket-for-sister.html
Oh my goodness Kate! We must be kindred spirits! I have squares (smaller) Cut already to make a blanket just like this, but I was trying to find a way to make folding easier (hence the ties)… I came across this post and thought, this is too good to be true! I LOVE it! You have yourself a new devoted follower my dear! :)
I will link this to my website, http://www.periwinklepixies.blogspot.com, soon as I finish mine! :) (i will come back and post the link too)
PS… COme on over and say Hi! :)
Oh have you though about grommets in the corners to keep it tied down?
xoxo
Jacinda
Patchwork Picnic Blanket…
There’s nothing better than a bulky item that stores itself and this picnic blanket fits the bill on that! Stitch together some fabric with a vinyl backing and poof, you have yourself a perfect way to stay dry enjoying a picnic int he great outdoors…..