Kids can make a cozy blanket for your pet or make lots of blankets to donate to a shelter for animals in need.
What you’ll need:
- cardboard
- ruler (or tape measure)
- pen
- scissors
- 12 straight pins
- 2 pieces of fleece material, at least 2/3 of a yard for each (You’ll need larger pieces if you have a large pet!)
- sewing machine (optional)
Directions:
Start by making some cardboard templates to help make cutting easier. Measure and cut a 4″ x 4″ square and a 4″ x 1″ piece.
Pin the two pieces of fleece together, right sides out, one piece on top of the other. Have your child use the 4″ x 4″ template to cut out a square of fleece at each corner.
Then have your child make 4-inch cuts into the pieces of fleece around the entire perimeter. Show your child how to space each of the cuts about an inch apart, using the smaller template if needed.
After all cuts are made, show your child how to match up and tie a strip from one piece of fleece to the corresponding strip on the piece of fleece below it. Knot the two strips together.
Have your child tie the strips together around the entire blanket. Remove all the pins and count them to make sure you got them all. Pull and stretch the corners to smooth the blanket.
To help blankets keep their shape, you can use a sewing machine to stitch an X across the center of each blanket. This step is especially helpful if you plan to donate the blankets to an animal shelter, where they will receive frequent washings.
Encourage your child to present the blanket to your pet, and then grab a book and snuggle up and read together!