We’re right in the middle of winter, and a warm fleece blanket is always a good idea to have around the house. But don’t you just want to crawl into it to feel cozy?

With this cocoon-blanket you can! And it’s a no-sew pattern, so it’s easy and fast to do.

Step 1: Supplies

2 fleece fabrics - 2 yards of each (different patterns recommended)
Scissors
Ruler
Flat surface (floor is the best option for cutting, due to the size of the fabrics)

Optional, but highly recommended:

Rotary cutter
Something to protect the surface you’re working on (I’m using this self-healing cutting mat, but even a flat cardboard box helps too)
Sewing clips, clothespins, or binder clips

Additional Notes:

Fabrics are normally 60 inches wide.
Your end product will be 3 to 5 inches smaller than the original fabric.

Step 2: Before Cutting

Most fleece fabrics have a “right side” and a “wrong side”. You want to make sure you assemble your blanket with the right side outwards. Meaning you will have the two "wrong sides" facing each other inside the cocoon.

There are several ways to identify fleece sides:

Ask the fabric's store clerk to help you identify the correct side.
Compare both sides of your fabric. If it has distinct patterns, you'll notice a difference on the details. The "wrong side" will have a smoother texture and faded colors, the "right side" will be brighter, and kind of lumpy and nubbly. In other patterns, the differences can be very subtle.

Step 3: Assemble Your Cocoon

1. Lay the two fabrics, one on top of the other, on the flat surface of your choosing. Remember, wrong sides facing each other.

2. Make sure your two pieces of fabric are exactly the same size. My helper assisted with this part.

a. Smooth the fabrics together, making sure that the one underneath is not wrinkled. Fleece is a thick fabric, so it makes it easier to see if there’s lumps or wrinkles in the bottom one.

b. Identify which one is bigger than the other. In my case, the top (patterned) fabric was bigger by a couple of inches. I arranged the fabrics together by one end (top end) and cut them the same size.

c. When cutting the pieces, make sure you also cut the selvage of the fabric (fancy word for the finished edge).

d. I used the rotary cutter and the self-healing pad to make this step easier; this can also be done with scissors. I also used the clips to keep the fabrics together.

Step 4: Setting Up the Cocoon-Blanket

To make the cocoon-blanket, we will tie together the fabric with fringes on 3 sides of the blankets.

1. Select the side that will be the opening of the cocoon.

2. Cut a 5x5 square on the bottom two corners (opposite of the chosen opening).

Step 5: Making the Fringes

1. Use the ruler and scissors to cut 1 inch wide and 5 inches long fringes through one side of the fabrics (I usually start with the bottom one to help secure the two fabrics in place).

* I use my self-healing mat as a ruler too.

* Fringes don’t have to be perfect, but as even as possible.

2. You can start tying up to secure the fabrics together. I wanted to bring some of the back color to the front, so I twisted the fringe in a way that the back color faces the front (see video).

*You can do other types of knots to give it the style you like.

3. You can start tying knots as you cut...or cut fringes through a side and then tie them.

* I usually secure the cocoon tying every 5 fringes, and later move to a more comfortable place to finish tying.

4. Continue making fringes along the three sides of your fabric. Leaving the "opening" untouched.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once the three sides are tied together, your cocoon-blanket is ready to be used!

Enjoy the coziness and warmth, I know my helper is!