Key Takeaways
- An old blanket upcycle can make a patchwork coat, cushion covers, a lap blanket or a pet bed, depending on size and thickness.
- Wash the blanket first, check the label, and air dry wool flat so it does not shrink before you cut it.
- Use a heavy needle, a longer stitch and slow pressure, and start with a cushion before trying a coat.
An old blanket upcycle is one of the cosiest winter projects you can make, and it starts with something most homes already have. A worn wool blanket that is too thin for the bed or too faded to gift can become a patchwork coat, a cushion cover, or a lap blanket that lasts for years. This guide shares ten old blanket upcycle ideas for winter days, with honest notes on washing, cutting and sewing thick fabric, so even a beginner can finish a project that looks handmade in the best way.
What Can I Make From an Old Blanket?
An old blanket can become a patchwork coat, a cushion cover, a lap blanket, a pet bed, or a lined tote bag, depending on its size and thickness. Wool blankets suit coats and jackets, while thinner blankets work for cushions, scarves and children's clothes. Even small offcuts make draft excluders and hot water bottle covers.
Start by measuring what you have. A double blanket makes a full coat with fabric to spare, while a single blanket suits a jacket or two cushions. Check for thin spots and stains first, and plan your cutting so the worn parts land inside seams or underneath, where they will not show.
How Do I Wash an Old Blanket Before Upcycling?
Wash an old blanket before upcycling by checking its label first: wool blankets need a cool wool wash or hand wash, while cotton and acrylic cope with a normal cycle. Air dry flat if you can, since tumble drying can shrink wool. A clean blanket is easier to cut and sew, and it smells better too.
If there is no label, treat the blanket as wool and wash it cool by hand. A musty blanket from the back of a cupboard benefits from a soak in cool water with a little white vinegar, then a rinse and a long air dry. Never cut a blanket before washing, since it may shrink and change size.
Can Beginners Sew With Thick Blanket Fabric?
Beginners can sew with thick blanket fabric if they use a heavy needle, a longer stitch, and slow, steady pressure on the pedal. A walking foot helps layers feed evenly, and sharp scissors matter more than a fancy machine. Start with a simple straight-seam project, such as a cushion, before trying a coat.
Test your settings on a scrap first, and adjust the tension until the stitches lie flat. Pin generously, since thick layers shift, and press seams with a hot iron and a damp cloth. If your machine struggles, hand-sew the thickest joins or use a simple running stitch for decoration.
How Do I Keep an Upcycled Blanket Coat Warm?
Keep an upcycled blanket coat warm by lining it with a soft cotton or fleece layer, which traps heat and stops itchy wool touching skin. Add a proper collar and cuffs, and sew the seams with a strong stitch so the coat holds its shape. A blanket coat is warmest over a jumper on cold days.
A lining also hides raw seams and makes the coat last longer, since the lining takes the wear. Choose a lining in a plain colour that matches the blanket, and sew it in loosely so the coat can move. A few big buttons or a belt finish the coat and keep the wind out.
10 Old Blanket Upcycle Ideas for Winter Days
These ten ideas run from a ten-minute cushion to a full coat, so there is one for every skill level.
- Patchwork blanket coat — Cut two or three blankets into panels and sew them into a loose, warm coat with big pockets.
- Cushion covers — Wrap a cushion in a square of blanket fabric, sew three sides, and add a zip or buttons.
- Lap blanket — Hem a smaller blanket with a contrasting binding for a neat throw that lives on the sofa.
- Pet bed — Fold a blanket into a thick pad, sew the edges, and stuff it with offcuts for a cosy pet bed.
- Lined tote bag — Sew a sturdy tote from blanket fabric, lined with cotton, for shopping or carrying sewing projects.
- Draft excluder — Roll a long strip of blanket into a tube, stuff it with offcuts, and lay it along a draughty door.
- Hot water bottle cover — Sew a simple cover with a button flap, so a plain bottle becomes a soft, warm gift.
- Children's poncho — Cut a small poncho from a soft blanket with a hole for the head, and hem the edges neatly.
- Scarf and mittens — Cut a long scarf and simple mittens from thin blanket fabric, and sew the seams with a zigzag stitch.
- Christmas stockings — Sew stockings from patterned blanket offcuts, lined with cotton, for a handmade holiday gift.
An old blanket upcycle turns something worn into something warm and useful, and every stitch adds to its story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which blankets are best for upcycling?
Wool and cotton blankets are the best choices, since they sew well and wear well. Very thin or very holey blankets still work for small projects such as draft excluders and pet beds, where the flaws do not show.
Do I need a sewing machine?
A machine makes the job faster, but small projects such as cushions and draft excluders can be hand-sewn with a strong needle and thread. A machine is worth it for a coat, where long seams need to be strong.
How do I stop blanket fabric fraying?
Finish raw edges with a zigzag stitch, pinking shears, or a simple folded hem. Wool blankets fray less than cotton, and a lining hides the edges on coats and bags, so fraying rarely shows.
Can I sell upcycled blanket clothes?
Yes, handmade upcycled clothes sell well at craft fairs and online, especially coats and children's ponchos. Wash the blanket first, photograph the item honestly, and say clearly that it is made from a recycled blanket.
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An old blanket upcycle is a slow, satisfying winter project that costs almost nothing and keeps a good blanket out of the bin. Start with a cushion, learn how the fabric behaves, and work up to a coat when you feel ready. The result will be warmer than anything new, because it was made by hand for someone you love.