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    How to Finish Baby Receiving Blankets with a Serger

    Published: Jul 23, 2014 · Modified: Jul 22, 2014 by Christina Dennis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 5 Comments

    One of my most favourite and practical baby gifts to give and receive are flannel receiving blankets. And not just regular old baby blankets - extra large receiving blankets that are perfect for swaddling newborns. They're hard to find in stores, but they're so easy to make! I've made baby receiving blankets all sorts of different ways (you can see my bound edge method here, and my folded edge method here), but my latest favourite method is finishing their edges with the rolled hem function on my serger. This makes for a nice stretchy edge that works well when using a blanket for swaddling, and it's a quick and easy finish to do if you have a serger.

    This is the easiest way to make adorable baby receiving blankets! Use a serger, and make a narrow rolled hem.

    If you don't have a serger, I think you'd love one! It's such a fantastic machine for seam finishing and doing quick little projects like this that look really professional. I love mine, and I've had it for years. Here it is if you want to buy it too:

    Janome MyLock 204D Serger Janome MyLock 204D SergerThe MyLock 204D gives you a wide range of serging features in a compact machine. Its sturdy design and precise Janome stitch mechanism ensures beautiful ¾ thread operation. And the fact that it doesn't take up much space makes it an easy fit for your sewing room.Features:

     

    • 3 or 4 thread overlock
    • Lay-in thread tension dial
    • Seam width: 1 - 5mm seam length3.3mm
      (narrow), 7.5mm (wide) 2.0mm Rolled hem
    • Slim foot
    • Handy needle threader
    • Convenient thread cutter
    • Easy rolled hem change-over
    • 0.5 - 2.2 differential feed ratio
    • Easy upper knife release
    • Adjustable cutting width: 3.1 - 5.1mm
    • Easy lower looper threading
    • Differential feed
    • Lower looper pre-tension setting slider
    • Changeable thread guide
    • Front and back needle guard
    • Retractable upper knife
    • Numbered tension dials
    • Color-coded thread guides
    • Snap-on presser feetStandard Accessories:
    • Standard Serger Foot
    • Instructional Video
    • Instruction Book
    • Package of Serger Needles
    • Screwdrivers (L, S)
    • Tweezers
    • 110 volts
    • This machine does not conform to International electronic codes. Warranty is voided outside the US.






    I'm writing this tutorial as it works with my Janome serger above, but this method will probably work for most sergers. If not, consult your serger's manual for the directions on how to do a narrow rolled hem.

    This is the easiest way to make adorable baby receiving blankets! Use a serger, and make a narrow rolled hem.

    Materials (per blanket):

    • 1 yard of cotton flannel (I buy mine at Fabric.com)
    • serger & serger thread

    Directions:

    Pre-wash your flannel, and then cut it into a square that's 1 yard by 1 yard (36" x 36"). Round the corners using a round plate as a template. Make sure any stray strings are trimmed off of the edges of your piece of fabric.

    DIY Cloth Napkin Tutorial + How to Make a Rolled Hem with a Serger - The DIY Mommy

    Take out the left needle on your serger. You only need the right one to make the narrow hem.

    DIY Cloth Napkin Tutorial + How to Make a Rolled Hem with a Serger - The DIY Mommy

    Next, disengage the blade by folding it down (there's a button on the left of my blade that I press as I fold the knife down). You won't be cutting fabric as you serge a narrow rolled hem, your serger will fold it under.

    DIY Cloth Napkin Tutorial + How to Make a Rolled Hem with a Serger - The DIY Mommy

    Then, change your serger's setting from "standard" to "rolled". On mine, there's a knob that I move to "R".

    DIY Cloth Napkin Tutorial + How to Make a Rolled Hem with a Serger - The DIY Mommy

    Adjust your stitch length to the smallest there is (on mine it's "1"). You may have to adjust the tension of your lower threads too if you're sewing with a thicker fabric like linen. For my serger and this project, I had to tighten the tension on both lower threads to make the fabric fold under properly. Test your hem on a scrap piece of fabric before doing the real thing.

    DIY Cloth Napkin Tutorial + How to Make a Rolled Hem with a Serger - The DIY Mommy

    Starting at a corner, lift up your presser foot and slide your fabric in so that it's a half inch or so in front of the presser foot. On my serger, I place the raw edge of the fabric so that it just touches my guide, as above. Put the presser foot down and sew. You should see the fabric folding under as you stitch a narrow, finished hem.

    DIY Cloth Napkin Tutorial + How to Make a Rolled Hem with a Serger - The DIY Mommy

    Trim all of your threads when you're finished, and your blanket is already complete!

    This is the easiest way to make adorable baby receiving blankets! Use a serger, and make a narrow rolled hem.

    Doesn't this make a quick and adorable gift for a new baby? I made some for my neighbors and friends, and included them in a box full of baking as a new baby gift. I don't think you can have too many receiving blankets around. I sure go through them quickly with my own Baby B!

    (Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase products via these links, a small percentage of the sale will be given to me at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win – thanks for helping support thediymommy.com!)

    « Motivational Monday #8 - Craft, DIY & Home Decor Link Part
    Our Small Entry: Before And After - Our DIY House »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Automator

      July 24, 2014 at 3:03 am

      Great work waiting for more news.

      Reply
    2. Virginia

      July 25, 2014 at 5:27 am

      I dream of being a serger owner, someday! Thanks for the tips!

      Reply
    3. TheMrs

      September 10, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      I own this exact serger AND my next project is flannel and/or knit baby blankets. I'm having trouble getting my tension adjusted properly. Grrrr. Can you tell me (or take a pic) of your upper/lower looper tension dials? I'm pinning this tutorial BTW.

      Reply
      • Christina Dennis

        September 13, 2015 at 9:41 pm

        My uppers are at 5 and my lowers are at 3. I hope that helps!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Sew a Frozen Inspired Kid’s Dance Costume | The DIY Mommy says:
      January 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm

      […] is minimal sewing in this project, but it really helps if you have a serger to make the bodysuit. Here’s the serger I have – best sewing investment […]

      Reply

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