DIY: Customize a Blanker to Match Any RoomA blanker can be a cozy, functional, and decorative piece—if you customize it to fit your room’s style. Whether you’re refreshing an old blanker or making one from scratch, this guide walks you through design planning, materials, techniques, and finishing touches so your blanker complements any space.
What is a blanker?
A blanker is a versatile textile item used for warmth, decoration, or both. People may use different words (blanket, throw, coverlet) but in this article “blanker” refers broadly to any portable blanket or decorative throw.
Planning your project
Choose your goal before starting. Are you replacing an old blanker, creating a seasonal accent, or tailoring something to match a specific color scheme or texture in a room? Answer these questions:
- Function: warmth, decor, or both?
- Size: throw, twin, queen, or custom?
- Style: modern, rustic, boho, minimalist, or eclectic?
- Skill level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced?
Measure the furniture piece (sofa, bed, chair) you’ll pair the blanker with, and note the dominant colors, patterns, and textures in the room.
Materials and tools
Common materials:
- Cotton — breathable, easy to sew, washes well.
- Fleece — warm, no-fray edges, great for no-sew projects.
- Wool — warm and textured, needs special care.
- Minky or plush — ultra-soft, luxurious drape.
- Linen — casual, breathable, slightly textured.
- Knit or crocheted yarn — for handmade throws.
Tools:
- Sewing machine (optional for sewn projects)
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Measuring tape and straight pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Fabric glue or fusible tape (for no-sew)
- Needle and thread (for hand-finishing)
- Pom-pom maker, fringe cutter, or trim for embellishments
Design ideas by room style
Living Room (modern/minimal)
- Use a neutral base color (gray, beige, cream) and add a bold geometric trim or a single contrasting corner panel.
- Choose clean finishes: mitered corners and narrow hems or a hidden seam for a tailored look.
Boho / Eclectic
- Mix textures: pair a solid woven base with macramé fringe or embroidered patches.
- Use warm jewel tones or mixed patterns; consider patchwork for an artisanal vibe.
Scandinavian
- Keep it muted: pastel or monochrome palettes, simple stripes, or small-scale herringbone.
- Opt for natural fibers like wool or linen and subtle tassels.
Farmhouse / Rustic
- Plaids, ginghams, and heavy woven textures work well.
- Add leather corner tabs or rustic wooden buttons as accent hardware.
Bedroom (luxury)
- Layer fabrics: a silky reverse with a plush front (minky top, cotton backing) creates depth.
- Embellish with piping around the edge and hidden ties if you want it to stay on the bed.
Kids’ Room
- Make it interactive: add velcro-attached shapes, pockets for toys, or a chalkboard fabric panel.
- Use washable, durable fabrics and rounded corners for safety.
Techniques for customization
No-sew options
- Fleece tie-blanket: cut matching fringe strips on both layers and tie them together—fast and kid-friendly.
- Fabric glue or fusible hemming tape: secure hems and appliqués without a machine.
Sewing basics
- Simple hem: fold ⁄4” then ⁄2”, press, and stitch.
- Double-turned hem for durability on heavy fabrics.
- French seam for a clean interior finish on lightweight materials.
Appliqué and embroidery
- Use fusible web to position shapes, then sew around them for durability.
- Hand or machine embroidery for monograms, motifs, or patterns.
Patchwork & quilting
- Use a consistent seam allowance (commonly ⁄4” or ⁄8”) and press seams flat as you work.
- For quilted blankers, add batting and quilt through all layers in straight lines or decorative motifs.
Adding trim and hardware
- Tassels, pom-poms, fringe, piping, and decorative stitching can change the whole vibe.
- For a modern look, add leather or fabric tabs with brass studs at corners.
Dyeing and printing
- Tie-dye, dip-dye, or fabric-paint stencils are great for bold customization.
- Test dyes on fabric scraps and follow washing instructions carefully.
Step-by-step project: Simple sewn blanker with trim (approx. throw size 50” x 60”)
Materials:
- 1.5–2 yards of main fabric (woven or knit)
- ⁄2 yard coordinating fabric or trim (for border or piping)
- Matching thread, pins, measuring tape
Steps:
- Prewash and press fabrics.
- Cut main fabric to 52” x 62” (allowing 1” total for hems).
- Cut trim or border strips to fit each edge; if piping, make and insert in seam.
- Pin trim to right side of main fabric, stitch with ⁄2” seam allowance.
- Fold edges under to form hems; press and stitch close to edge.
- Optional: topstitch ⁄8” from the edge for a finished look.
- Trim threads and launder per fabric care.
Care and maintenance
- Follow the most delicate care instructions of the fabrics used.
- For mixed-fabric blankers, wash on gentle cycle in cold water and air-dry or tumble-dry low.
- Spot-clean stains immediately; use fabric-specific cleaners for wool or specialty fibers.
- Store folded in a breathable bag; avoid plastic for long-term storage on natural fibers.
Styling tips
- Fold and drape diagonally over a sofa back or casually across the foot of a bed.
- Stack two blankers of different textures for depth (e.g., knit over linen).
- Match a small accent pillow to a trim color for cohesion.
Quick project ideas (10–60 minutes)
- Fleece tie blanket with printed fabric backing — no-sew.
- Pom-pom trimmed throw — sew or glue pom-poms on the edge.
- Reverse-seamed minky blanket — soft front, cotton back.
- Patchwork pillow-sized blanker — use leftover scraps.
A customized blanker is an easy, high-impact way to pull a room together. With a few basic tools, thoughtful fabric choices, and simple techniques you can create a piece that’s both personal and practical.
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