What better way to show off your summer sewing skills than with a fancy picnic blanket? Just in time for the Fourth of July, or a little bit before Labor Day weekend, this fancy Marimekko picnic blanket tutorial will get you up to speed and ready to blaze on through this fun, simple project.
Supplies Needed:
– 2 yards of your favorite Marimekko fabric (I used 2 repeats of the Marimekko Mummolan Marjat fabric, which was just shy of two yards.
– 2 yards of a durable backing fabric (I used a navy colored canvas material, denim would also work)
– 2 shades of thread, for the top and the bobbin
– Batting (I used Sew Perfect® Low Loft Batting 81″ x 96″)
– Scissors
– Sewing Machine
-Ribbon to tie it all up (I used two pieces, size may vary)
How To:
First start by lining up your two fabrics, with the fancy print facing in. If they aren’t the same size, trim the larger one down to match the smaller.
Line ’em up
Next, pin the two together along three sides, leaving on end open for adding the batting.
Pin them together
Set up your bobbin with the thread to match the bottom, and thread your needle with the color to match the top.
Start sewing up the sides. At this point, you are essentially making the world’s largest pillow case.
Start sewing
Once you have sewn those three sides, lay your batting over your “pillow case” and trim off the excess. I left my batting folded in half to add a little extra padding, because I like being extra comfy on a picnic.
Trim the batting to fit
Now, turn your “pillow case” inside out, with the batting inside. It helps to line up the corners of the batting in the corners of your fabric and just kind of shake it out evenly – a lot like putting a comforter inside of a duvet.
Batting inside the two fabrics
Once that’s all lined up, it’s time to sew up the final side. Fold the top and bottom in so that the edges won’t fray, and pin them together. Sew on down in a straight line.
Closing the hole
To make sure the batting doesn’t move around and to give the blanket a quilted look, I sewed three evenly spaced lines up the blanket.
Stitch up the blanket to keep the batting in place
Voila! You’re done! Add some ribbon to tie around the blanket for easy transport and you’re ready for a great day out in the sun or on the beach. For an added challenge, you could sew your two ribbons right onto the blanket when you close up the hole. Just make sure your ribbon (when folded in half) reaches all the way around the rolled up blanket with room for a bow.
All tied up
The finished product in its natural element:
Like this project and want to do one of your own? FinnStyle would LOVE to see it, just send your pictures our way, and we’ll feature them on the blog.
