Fleece Tie Blankets: 15 No Sew Designs Anyone Can Make for Christmas Gifts

Fleece tie blankets are the gift that almost everyone remembers getting, and they are one of the easiest things you will ever make. There is no sewing machine, no pattern and no special skill. You cut two pieces of soft fleece, snip a fringe around the edge and tie the strips together in knots. That is it. Yet the finished blanket feels warm, thick and full of love, because every knot was tied by hand. Families make them together at the kitchen table, church groups make piles of them for shelters, and grandparents make one for every grandchild. One video about tie blankets on Facebook pulled in more than 500,000 reactions, which tells you how many people still love this simple craft. Here are cozy designs to try this Christmas, from the classic version to clever new twists..

Fleece Tie Blankets for Everyone on Your List

A stack of colorful blankets on the couch is one of the coziest sights of winter. The beauty of this craft is that you can match each blanket to the person. Bright prints for kids, calm grays for dad, a favorite color for grandma. Most blankets take one to two hours, so you can make several in a weekend while watching a holiday movie. Start with the classic and you will be hooked..

You will need: Two pieces of fleece about 1.5 to 2 yards each, sharp fabric scissors, a ruler, a cutting mat or cardboard.

How to make it: 1. Lay both pieces of fleece flat, one on top of the other, wrong sides together. 2. Trim the edges so they match. 3. Pick a design from the ideas below and start cutting.

The Classic Double Layer Knot Blanket

This is the blanket most people picture. Two layers of fleece, one print and one solid, tied together all the way around. Cut a four inch square out of each corner first, then cut strips about one inch wide and four inches deep along every side. Tie each top strip to the bottom strip under it with a double knot. The tie blanket video by Cutesy Crafts has more than 1.7 million views if you want to watch it step by step. Ready to tie your first knot?

You will need: A print fleece and a solid fleece, scissors, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Cut a four inch square from each corner through both layers. 2. Cut one inch strips, four inches deep, along all four sides. 3. Tie each pair of strips in a double knot.

A Braided Edge Blanket That Looks Neat

If you do not love the look of knots, try a braided edge. Instead of tying the strips, you cut a small slit in each one and loop the next strip through it, like a chain. The result is a flat, tidy border that looks almost sewn. It takes a little longer, but it is just as easy once you get the rhythm. It is a lovely choice for a grown up gift. Braided fleece tie blankets also lie flatter on a bed, which some people prefer. Which edge do you like better?

You will need: Two fleece pieces, scissors, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Cut strips around the edge as usual. 2. Snip a small slit near the end of each strip. 3. Pull each strip through the slit of the one before it, all the way around.

Buffalo Check Fleece Tie Blankets

Red and black buffalo check is the coziest pattern of all, and it is easy to find in fleece every winter. Pair it with a solid black or red back so the knots blend in. Fleece tie blankets in this print look straight out of a mountain cabin, and they suit men, women and kids alike. Drape one over a chair by the door and the whole room feels warmer. Plaid always sells out first in December, so shop early. Who on your list would love this?

You will need: Buffalo check fleece, solid black or red fleece, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Lay the check fleece on top of the solid. 2. Line up the cuts with the pattern so the fringe looks even. 3. Tie double knots all around.

Christmas Tree Print With a Green Back

A holiday print makes a blanket that comes out every December and goes straight to the couch. Little Christmas trees on cream with a solid green back looks classic and cheerful. Kids love having their own holiday blanket to snuggle under on Christmas Eve, and it can become a family tradition. Make one new holiday blanket each year and soon you will have a stack. What print would you choose?

You will need: Christmas print fleece, solid green fleece, scissors, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Cut both layers to the same size. 2. Cut the corners and fringe. 3. Tie the knots and wash once before giving.

A Heart Cutout in the Center

This small twist turns a plain blanket into something very personal. Before you tie the edges, cut a heart shape out of the middle of the top layer so the color underneath shows through. Fleece does not fray, so the edge stays clean with no sewing. It is sweet for a grandchild, a new couple or a best friend. You could cut a star or a tree shape instead. Shapes like this are the easiest way to make fleece tie blankets feel one of a kind. Which shape would you cut?

You will need: Two contrasting fleece pieces, a paper heart template, chalk, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Trace a paper heart onto the center of the top layer. 2. Cut out only the top layer. 3. Finish the edges with knots as usual.

A Small Tie Blanket for the Dog Bed

Pets love these blankets too. A small one, about 30 by 40 inches, fits most dog beds and crates and washes easily. Choose a paw print or bone print for fun, and keep the fringe a little shorter so curious teeth have less to chew. Many shelters also welcome donated fleece tie blankets, so make two and give one away. Wash it often with the rest of the pet bedding. Does your pet steal your blanket already?

You will need: One yard each of two fleece prints, scissors, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Cut both layers to about 30 by 40 inches. 2. Cut a shorter fringe, about three inches. 3. Tie tight double knots and check them often.

Soft Fleece Tie Blankets for a New Baby

A soft pastel blanket is a lovely gift for a new baby, especially for stroller rides and tummy time on the floor. Use the softest fleece you can find and make it small, about 30 by 36 inches. Keep it for supervised use only and never leave loose blankets in a crib with a sleeping baby. Parents will treasure it for years, and many keep it long after the baby has grown. Soft colors like mint, cream and blush suit any nursery. Who is expecting in your family?

You will need: Soft pastel fleece in two colors, scissors, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Cut two small matching pieces. 2. Cut a short, even fringe. 3. Tie the knots firmly and wash before gifting.

Patchwork Fleece Tie Blankets With No Sewing

This one uses up all your leftover fleece. Cut squares of the same size, put a top and bottom square together, fringe them, and then tie the squares to each other in rows. The result looks like an old fashioned quilt but needs no sewing at all. It is a great group project, because everyone can make a few squares. It is one of the most impressive fleece tie blankets you can make. Do you have scraps saved?

You will need: Fleece scraps, a cardboard square template, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut matching top and bottom squares, about ten inches. 2. Fringe each pair and tie the sides. 3. Tie the squares to their neighbors to build a full quilt.

Add a Felt Initial

A big letter in the corner makes the blanket feel custom made. Cut a large initial from felt or fleece and attach it with fabric glue, then let it dry overnight before tying the edges. This is a sweet touch for college kids, teachers or each grandchild, so nobody fights over whose blanket is whose. You could also add a little felt heart or star. Whose name would go on yours?

You will need: Fleece blanket pieces, a felt sheet, fabric glue, a letter template, chalk.

How to make it: 1. Trace the letter onto felt and cut it out. 2. Glue it to the corner of the top layer and let it dry. 3. Tie the edges as usual.

Snowflake Print With a Silver Back

A snowflake print feels wintry without being only for Christmas, so the blanket can stay out until March. Navy and white snowflakes with a soft silver back look calm and grown up. It is perfect for a window seat or the end of a guest bed. Fleece tie blankets like this one make a thoughtful gift for a neighbor or a teacher too. Will you keep this one or give it away?

You will need: Snowflake print fleece, silver or gray solid fleece, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Lay the print on top of the solid. 2. Cut the corners and fringe. 3. Tie double knots and fold with the print showing.

A Pocket Corner for Cold Hands

This clever version has a pocket in one corner, perfect for cold feet on the couch or a phone and remote. Cut an extra triangle of fleece, fringe its two straight edges, and tie it into the corner along with the main blanket. It adds about ten minutes and makes the blanket extra useful. People with cold toes will thank you all winter. Small upgrades like this make fleece tie blankets even more practical. Would you use the pocket for feet or snacks?

You will need: Blanket fleece, an extra fleece square, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut a fleece square and fold it into a triangle. 2. Place it on one corner of the blanket and fringe through all layers. 3. Tie the knots so the pocket stays open at the top.

A Hooded Tie Blanket

Add a simple hood and the blanket turns into a wearable wrap that kids and teens love. Fold a rectangle of fleece in half, fringe and tie the back seam, then tie the hood to the middle of one long side of the blanket. It is great for movie nights and chilly mornings. Some people add little ears to the hood for younger kids. Hooded fleece tie blankets are a favorite gift for tweens who say they are too old for blankets. Who in your house would wear this all day?

You will need: Blanket fleece, an extra piece about 12 by 24 inches for the hood, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Fold the hood piece in half and tie the back edge closed. 2. Center it on a long side of the blanket. 3. Tie the hood edge to the blanket edge with the fringe.

Fleece Tie Blankets to Donate

Smaller lap blankets, about 36 by 48 inches, are a wonderful way to give back. Nursing homes, hospitals and shelters often welcome them in winter, and they fit nicely over a lap in a chair. Ask first what size and colors they need. Making fleece tie blankets as a family or with friends is a beautiful December tradition. For more no sew projects, try our no sew pillow covers. A group of five can make ten blankets in one afternoon. Where would you donate yours?

You will need: Fleece in calm colors, scissors, a ruler.

How to make it: 1. Cut pieces to about 36 by 48 inches. 2. Fringe and tie as usual. 3. Wash, fold and tie each one with a ribbon before dropping them off.

Wrap It Up as a Gift

A rolled blanket tied with a big ribbon looks like a gift from a cozy little shop. Roll it tightly from one short end, tie it with wide ribbon or jute, and tuck a sprig of pine and a handwritten tag under the bow. Add a mug and a packet of cocoa for an easy bundle. It is a gift that gets used every day. Who will get the first one?

You will need: A finished blanket, wide ribbon, a gift tag, a pine sprig.

How to make it: 1. Fold the blanket in thirds the long way. 2. Roll it tightly from one end. 3. Tie with ribbon and add a tag and a pine sprig.