Blanket Guidelines

Wondering what size to make, or what materials to use? Everything you need is here.

We accept only blankets made with new, clean, washable materials in infant, child or teen-friendly colours — crocheted, quilted, knitted, fleece, or tied comforters. These blankets are meant to be colourful, cheerful and cuddly. Every item donated must be entirely new.

  • Please sew in a smoke-free, pet-hair-free environment, or wash the blanket thoroughly before donating it.
  • Please use new materials. The older the fabric, the more fragile the fibres become — they break down and tear with each washing.

Sizes and Types

There is no size we specifically need. This is a guide — do your own thing. We can use any size.

  • Preemie and newborn. A very small blanket (18″ × 18″) easily wraps a premature baby, though many hospitals prefer 30″ × 30″ or 36″ × 36″ to cover the whole bassinet.
  • Toddler. Around 40″ × 60″. A cut of fabric is usually 40–42 inches wide, so 1⅔ yards makes a perfect toddler blanket.
  • Teen. Needs to be at least two yards long to be comfortable. Polar fleece is 50″ wide, so a two-yard piece makes a good one.
  • Fleece. Takes very little work. Finish the edge by serging, hemming, or cutting a fringe, which needs no sewing at all. Works at any size.

Materials We Cannot Use

  • Denim, tapestry, polyester double knit, felt, vinyl, wool, corduroy, burlap
  • Wool yarn
  • Anything not cuddly and soft
  • Used, soiled or old materials
  • Anything that cannot be washed

Important Reminders

  • Batting in quilts should be securely sewn into the outer seams.
  • If the blanket is tied, anchor it every 4–6 inches and cut the ties to an inch or less. Embroidery floss works well.
  • Do not attach buttons or similar decorations — they are a choking hazard for children.
  • Please finish the blanket completely before donating it.
  • Remove every pin. Check, double-check and triple-check. Better that you find that pin than the child who receives your blanket.

For blankets, supplies, drop-off locations or a Make a Blanket Day, write to stewardshipandstitches@gmail.com.