Blanket Guidelines

• 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.

Project Linus of East TN Blanket Guidelines

• Preemie blankets – approximately 24 x 24” up to 36 x 36”  If crochet or knitting, these need to be dense blankets and no large stitches/holes that tiny fingers and tubes can get caught in.
• Baby blankets – approximately 36 x 36” up to 45 x 45” 
• Swaddling baby blankets – approximately 40” by 50” very light weight one layer of flannel
• Toddler blankets – approximately 40/45 x 50/55”
• Child blankets – approximately 45/55” x 60”
• Older Child/Teens – approximately 50/55” x 65” or larger
• Police Car Blankets These blankets should fit into a 2.5 gallon Ziplock bag (we will provide that) and should be one layer of fleece or a very light weight quilt.  Approximately size 45” x 60”.
• Snowball Express Blankets (these guidelines can change every year so be sure to check Facebook or with Deb

• • no US flags but camouflage is fine 
  • no patriotic for 2026 (too many left from last year)
  • Military branches such as Army and Marines (No Navy in 2026 – too many left from last year)
  • No extra labels – just the Project Linus label
  • No college teams
  • Should be 45 x 60” and larger

• Hugs for Heroes blankets https://projectlinuseasttn.org/military/hugs-for-heros/ 

• • These blankets are “usually” patriotic blankets ranging from size of 36 x 36” up to 50” x 50”
  • Blankets are accompanied by a “pocket” blanket that is similar to the larger blanket.  That “pocket” blanket is about 4 or 5” square.  It is sent to the military father (serving out of the area) of the baby

• UT Medical Center NICU blankets 

• • 45 x 58” approximately
  • Child friendly
  • No big loops/holes like in crochet blankets that are done loosely that can catch fingers and tubes, quilts are preferred for this specific need

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace

• • Should be 80 – 90” long and at least 45” wide (ideally wider)

• Newborns in Need  

• • Flannel receiving blankets and regular baby blankets work well
  • put any small stuffed animals (stuff with new materials only), burp cloths, clothing, baby wash cloths, etc. in a separate bag marked Newborns in Need
  • Flannel Blankets should be single layer only.
  • Quilts should have batting in them or the backing should be flannel or minky type fabric.

• 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.

Pins: The incidents of PINs found in blankets has been growing across the US. One PIN is TOO MANY. Thankfully, we’ve not had any reports in our chapter in quite a few years, but we need to always be on guard to make sure we don’t. Suggestions:

• Use clips instead of pins.  (Click for image)
• If you MUST USE PINS, count out a certain number and put them in a pin cushion. Only use those in making the blanket. When you are done with the blanket, make sure all pins have been returned to your pin cushion. (Click of image)

In addition to the above, when we sew on labels at sewing days, please double check all blankets. Squish them up in your hands vertically and then do the same horizontally.

I am going to try some metal detectors, but haven’t had much luck in the past. They tend to pick up the metal from the table legs, walls in the storage unit, etc.

Please be vigilant. We don’t want to be sued by a parent and we don’t want a child and/or their medical devices to get stuck by a pin.