Blanket Guidelines

Are you wondering what size of blanket to make or what materials to use?  Here is the place to get all the information you need! We accept only blankets made with new, clean, and washable materials in infant, child or teen friendly colors. We accept blankets that are crocheted, quilted, knitted, fleece blankets (click here for fleece guidelines), or a tied comforter. Remember these blankets are meant to be colorful, cheerful, and cuddly. We require that every item donated be new.  

  • Please sew in smoke-free, pet hair free environments, or thoroughly wash the blanket before donating it.
  • Please use new materials to make a Project Linus blanket. The older the fabric is, the more fragile the fibers become and will break down and tear with each washing.

We rarely have had to deem a blanket unacceptable, but it can happen.  Blankets that are musty smelling, or smell of smoke or strong chemicals, or have pet hair on them cannot be accepted because they may produce severe allergic reactions among children whose needs we are trying to meet.

Blanket Sizes and Types

Please note that there is no specific size of blanket that we need. Below are guidelines for you, but do your own thing. We can use any size.

  • Preemie and Newborn Baby Blankets – A very small blanket (30″ x 30″) can easily wrap a premature baby, but in many hospitals they prefer a (36″ x 36″) blanket used to cover the entire bassinet.
  • Toddler Blankets – An average sized blanket is (40″ x 60″). A cut of fabric is usually 45″ inches wide — so 1 2/3 yards of a 40-42 wide fabric is perfect size for a toddler blanket.
  • Teen Blankets – In order for a blanket to be comfortable for a teenager, it needs to be at least two yards in length. Since polar fleece is 50″ wide, a 2-yard piece of fleece makes a nice blanket for a teenager.
  • Fleece Blankets – Pieces of polar fleece may be purchased and it takes very little work to create a blanket. Serging or hemming, or cutting a fringed edge – which takes no sewing at all, may finish off the edge. This material can be used for any size blanket. Please click here for fleece blanket guidelines.
  • Blankets for the University of Tennessee Neonatal Units need to be approximately 45″ x 58″. 
  • See the Patterns page for easy patterns and sources of fabric.

Unsuitable materials:

  • denim, tapestry, polyester double knit, felt, vinyl, wool, corduroy, burlap
  • wool yarn
  • materials that aren’t cuddly & soft
  • used, soiled or old materials
  • materials that cannot be washed

Important Reminders:

  • Batting in quilts should be securely sewn into outer seams.
  • If the blanket is tied, anchor it every 4-6 inches and cut ties to 1 inch or less in length. We suggest embroidery floss.
  • Do not attach buttons or similar decorative items to blankets; they can be choking hazards for children.
  • Please be sure to complete the construction of your blanket.
  • Please remove all pins before turning in your blanket – check, double check and triple check it. It’s better you find that pin and not the child who receives your blanket.

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