How to Make a Snuggle Blanket With Sleeves

Cut the Body of the Snuggle Blanket

Cut a piece of fleece to 72 inches long, and then cut the selvage edge off of both sides. To make sure the cuts are straight, you can ​use a rotary cutter with a ruler and cutting mat.

To customize the length of your snuggle blanket, measure the person the blanket is for from their chin to the floor, and add 12 inches to this number. For example, if the measurement is 48 inches, the total length of the blanket would be 60 inches. If the person is very tall, you might need to purchase additional fabric yardage.

Measure the Armhole Placement

Make an armhole template by cutting out a paper circle that is 8 inches across.

Fold the piece of fleece in half lengthwise, and lay it on your work surface. It should be approximately 30 inches by 72 inches when folded (unless you've adjusted the height of your blanket).

Place the circle template on the fabric, so the edge of the circle is 9 inches in from the folded edge and 10 inches down from the top edge of the fabric. Pin the circle in place through both layers of fleece.

Cut Out the Armholes

Cut around the circle template by lifting the pattern piece and snipping through both layers of fabric slightly within the circumference of the circle. Then, cut around your armholes again to smooth out the edges, keeping the circle about 8 inches in diameter like the pattern piece.

Make the Snuggle Blanket Sleeves

Cut two sleeve pieces from your fleece fabric, each measuring 27 inches by 30 inches.

Fold each sleeve piece in half lengthwise, lining up the 30-inch edges. Then, sew the 30-inch edges together, using about a 1/2-inch seam allowance. ​Backstitch (sew back and forth) when you start and finish sewing.

To customize sleeve length, measure the person's arm from the top of the shoulder to the fingertips. It's best to cut the sleeves a little long if you're not sure about the right length, as you always can adjust them shorter after they're attached.

Attach the Sleeves to the Body

Use pins to mark the top and bottom of each armhole you cut in the large fleece piece (shown below with red pins), which represent the shoulder and armpit.

Turn each sleeve right side out. With each sleeve lying flat, place a pin directly across from the seam on the fold.

Then, with the right sides of the fabric together, pin the sleeves to the holes in the body. Match each marked sleeve top with the top pin on the blanket body, and match each sleeve seam with the bottom pin on the blanket body.

Continue pinning the sleeve piece to the opening. Then, sew around the sleeves using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Make sure you lock stitch at the beginning and the end.

Turn the snuggle blanket right side out, and try it on.

If the sleeves are too long, you can trim them or make a cuff and tack it in place with a few stitches. If the blanket itself is too long, you can simply trim off any extra. Because fleece doesn't fray, you don't have to worry about the raw edges. However, you can hem the edges for appearance if you want.