I originally shared this project with Rhythm of the Home over three years ago. I actually can't believe it's been so long! We still use this picnic blanket a *ton* every summer. It's made several road trips and adventures with us and I thought it was time to share it here with you…..
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Materials Needed::
2 or more vintage cotton sheets for squares (the halves of two twins is sufficient)
1 re-purposed twin flannel sheet (or new) 45 inches wide (or 3 yards)
3 yards linen for backing, 45 inches wide
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler *optional*
*wash & press all fabric (if flannel is new, you can skip the washing & pressing)
{this is also a great project to make with fat quarters of fabric!}
Cut your sheet fabric into 25 squares measuring 14×14 inches. I chose 5 prints and cut 5 squares of each. I use a rotary cutter + ruler for this task.
Lay your squares out to choose a pattern. It can be random too, I just like to see it before I sew. If you're pressed for space just fold each square up so you have smaller pieces to lay out. (as shown)
Sew your strips together one row at a time from left to right. Trim or square up the edges and then sew the rows together from top to bottom. Press the seams open as you sew your squares & again as you sew the rows together.
Next, lay your fabrics together in a sandwich as follows : patchwork top right side up on the bottom, linen backing right side down in the middle, flannel backing on the top. Pin edges.
Leaving a six inch hole to turn the project right side out, stitch around the entire blanket with a 1/2 inch hem. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and ending of your sewing. Turn the blanket right side out, be gentle with the opening. Press the edges.
Topstitch the blanket with a 1/4 seam.
Now you can leave the blanket as is our add some ties for a quilted feel. I used embroidery floss and "tied" the layers together at each square edge. See the yellow thread in the picture below….
Now you have a picnic blanket to last for years to come!
Enjoy~~
xo,
s
Sweetbrier Farms Journal 
oh i love this…. i will have to finally giving quilting a go! this looks like a good way to get started. thankyoU!
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very sweet! and i’d say the pie is non-negotiable š
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I love this. It’s beautiful!
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It’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it Stephinie!
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Oh wow, I love this! I’ll ask my Aunt Ting if she has any sheets she’s ready to retire š
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It's such a fun project! I think you could totally improvise with all kinds of fabric. Cotton would be choice for easy care and softness….. but it could be easily done with men's shirts too! We have a 99 cent sale at our salvation army every week. I might need to make a fall version of this with some good old plaid and stripes!
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It was such a fun post to revisit! Glad you enjoyed it š
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Lovely!! I wish we could find more vintage sheets in AZ. I need to hit more estate sales.
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It’s a super easy project! The linen backing holds up to lots of picnicking and washing too. I hope you give it a try š
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Totally. Also, this topping makes a kick-booty apple crisp as well. Yum, yum, yum….
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Thank you so much š
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It’s so hit and miss……. sometimes I am lucky and sometimes I spend months looking with nothing. I hope you find some goodies.
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Such lovely prints! Makes me want to take a trip to my local thrift store to try and score some vintage fabric!
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that is lovely. i wish i could do something like that. š
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Wishing you lots of thrifting luck!
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it's super easy š i really think you can do it!!
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Gorgeous! I have one I made a few years ago backed with an old bedspread, but I love the idea of linen with flannel on the inside. I may have to make another one… (You can’t have too many picnic blankets, can you?) xo
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Three years ago seeing this project on the rhythm site is the reason I bought a sewing machine. It took me 2 years to learn how to use it- signed up for a class at the local community college last year. Literally 5 days ago I pieced and sewed together the layers of this blanket. And tomorrow *fingers crossed* I will finish the last part (top stitching). So anyone can indeed do this inspiring project!
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Julia – that is amazing!!!!! I’m so glad I got to read your comment!
stephinie – you are forever inspiring!!!
xo, a
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Oh my goodness! This comment just totally made my whole day! So, so sweet of you for sharing this story. I'm so glad you took the leap and got into sewing!! I'll be thinking of you this weekend, finishing up your beautiful blanket + hopefully enjoying a lovely picnic~~~~~ xoxo
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The linen is so durable, I really love it as a backing. I’m thinking of making a new one for fall from old mens shirts…. plaid! You sure can’t have too many. They make excellent beach blankets too!
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Isn't that the best story? Totally made my *whole day*.
*mwah* kisses to you lady ~ I miss you too much!! xoxo
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Really have to learn to use my sewing machine. What a great project!
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It's a great beginner project! I hope you give it a try š
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