Daughter's Method--The Wadded-up Throw

My family is a mixture. I am a folder-draper (not a neat stack, but rather, folded then draped longways over the end of the couch.) The son is a definite folder (when he has “time”!) The daughter is the notorious wadder-upper. (She apparently never has time!) My husband just would like for the throws to be clean (perhaps the most important attribute). He really doesn’t ask for much.

Son's Style--The Folded Throw

There is even the faction out there that actually throws the throw. But that is a little too literal for me.

We have a few different types of throws in this house. Fleece, cotton store-bought, chenille, and raggy flannel (my favorite!)

My Style--Folded/Draped Raggy Flannel Throw

I leave most of them out year-round. (I get cold even in the summer–thanks to a family who has much thicker blood than I.)

No matter what kind of throw you have, keep it clean. Wash often, and it will be much more enjoyable to snuggle under! That distasteful what-is-that-smell smell that comes with kids and animals (and adults, if we are being honest) can taint a perfect cozy evening at home…Yes. I speak from experience.

Tide plus febreze--Great Product!

If you can sew a straight stitch, you can make a custom, reversible throw (small blanket) to enhance your room. (If you can’t sew, you can still make a throw. It just might need to be treated a bit more gently. Look for iron-on tape in any sewing/craft store.)

First, choose a fabric or two. I chose two that complemented each other (and that I had left over from other projects.) Cut two large squares or rectangles from each fabric. I made mine about 54 inches by 64 inches, but a square works just fine. One side note–before choosing fabrics, decide how you’re actually going to use the throw. Mine is more decorative, so although the fabrics are somewhat soft, they are not all that cuddleable. Also, I used decorator fabrics. That accounts for the 54 inch width. If you use other fabrics (usually 45 inches wide), you might consider sewing two panels together to give you a substantial piece. If you will use your throw often, prewash the fabric, according to manufacturers suggestions.

If you are using trim (I used a buillion fringe), apply next by sewing it to the FRONT  side of your main fabric. Match the top of the heading (which will end up inside the throw) with the edge of the fabric, guiding fringe in toward the center of the square. Pin and sew into place. TIP:  Use Scotch tape to hold fringe to the face fabric while you sew. It can be easily removed when you turn the quilt and keeps the trim completely out of your seamline.

Next, place second fabric square on top of first piece, FRONT sides together. Pin and sew all around (most home dec sewers use a 1/2 inch seam allowance), carefully keeping trim OUT of the seam and leaving about 15-18 inches open for turning right side out. Turn and whipstitch opening shut.

Just a couple of thoughts (beyond your fabric cuddleability factor)–Most trims (fringes, ball fringes, tassels) can not be safely washed. If you are really ambitious (and clever), apply these with velcro. That way, you can remove before washing. Or you could just skip trim, altogether. Or after sewing, you could tie tassels onto the four corners which could also be removed before washing. It’s completely up to you and your plan for using the throw!