Tips for Sewing An AnyTime Topper from a Blanket

In an hour or two you can upcycle a blanket in to a amazing Topper. This AnyTime Topper Pattern will be your new favorite fashion. Perfect for sharing your sports team colors (Go Chiefs!) or creating a cozy DIY gift!

Things progressed successfully for decades. Even in the 1960s, American textile companies were still producing 95% of bedding and clothing in the United States. 

But the American textile industry began to slow down in the late 1990s and the bulk of textile factories were closed by 2009. 

With the American textile industry now focused primarily on advanced, technical materials – only a few traditional textile mills still operate within the United States today, primarily the Amana Mills in Iowa and the Pendleton Mill in Oregon. Pendleton still operates two of the few remaining woolen mills in the country and it is a true history lesson if you get to experience a visit yourself. I really hope you do!

Before we jump to the Q&A – I wanted to show you a few of the blankets I have thrifted recently. I tend to look for blankets in my favorite team colors but you can find them in a rainbow of options to suit your own taste or team. I can’t wait to see what you find in your hometown!

Now, let’s get to the AnyTime Topper blanket Q&A!

How big does my blanket need to be?

The minimum size you should use is approximately 36” x 44”.  If you are a smaller person you may get by with a smaller blanket and likewise a larger person may require a larger blanket.  This is such a simple design that it is easy to adjust the pattern instructions to your particular blanket. Keep in mind, you can make the length of the topper any measurement you prefer. It can be shorter or longer depending on the size of your blanket.

I would suggest making a test in a muslin fabric to work through your adjustments before you cut into your blanket.

My blanket is very “vintage” – meaning a little beat up, can I still use it?

Don’t worry if your blanket has a few holes, we can patch them up with matching thread! If your blanket has a nice finished edge, make those the center fronts of your topper – with the cut edges on the sides of the topper. If you have a rotary cutter, that will give you a smooth cut, but of course scissors will work as well.

What do I need to know about a heavier or lighter weight blanket?

If you have a lightweight blanket, you may want to fold back and hem the edges as the pattern requires. A heavier wool blanket is usually of the felted variety and does not require the edges to be turned back and stitched or hemmed.

What do I do with this fringe??

If your blanket has fringe, it can be used around the bottom of your topper or down the center front of your topper. If your fringe is a bit tattered, keep in mind, you can cut it off and hem that edge.

How do I deal with the plaid pattern?

When it comes to Plaids, as many vintage blankets are plaid blankets, my suggestion is to match your plaid in the front, but don’t worry about the plaid matching on the sides – no one will see it! If possible, it’s a nice touch to center your plaid down the middle of the back.

I hope this has helped answer some of your questions! Come back next week to see a fun, and very “on trend” add-on to the AnyTime Topper!

Be sure to tag your projects with #anytimetopper and #amybarickmanstudio on social media! I can’t wait to see what you create! Go Team!

AnyTime Topper

This is an Instant PDF Download. A wrap, shrug, robe, or beach cover-up. This loose fitting, versatile style can go from casual to a cocktail party depending on fabric choice. The quick and easy construction make it as fun to make, as it is to wear.

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