Fabric

• Choose a 2-yard piece of fleece with baby-themed patterns and colors at a fabric or hobby store. Your blanket could be as simple as a plain, 2-yard rectangle, or you could add fringe or blanket stitching for decoration. If you choose to leave the blanket plain, consider rounding its corners.
  
  

Fringe or Stitching

• To add fringe, cut slits about 1-inch wide and 3- or 4-inches long all around the blanket. Either leave the fringe plain or tie two together in a loose knot all around the blanket. Consider cutting a scallop shape around the blanket and using blanket-stitching all around, or consider sewing a zigzag stitch around the edges.
  
  

Style

• For a thicker blanket, purchase two pieces of fleece in matching or coordinating colors. If you are not sewing, add the fringe, which will keep the two pieces together. Another option is to zip a wide, zigzag stitch all around the blanket to secure both pieces together decoratively, leaving plenty of room for fringe if you choose to add it. For additional embellishment, add embroidery or appliqués, but don't include small parts that might come loose and become dangerous to the baby.
  
  

Tips and Extras

• There are several options for this gift. For example, use a large, decorative gift bag, which can be purchased at a dollar store. Stuff the bag with coordinating or white tissue paper. Gently wrap the blanket in the same tissue paper, and top with more tissue paper. Add curly ribbon to the bag for effect, and don't forget the card.
  
  Find a friend who wants to split the gift with you. Add to your gift by picking up a few baby accessories at the dollar store or including a package of diapers and baby wipes.
  
  If you have fabric scraps left over, make a receiving blanket or washcloth. You don't have to finish the edges of fleece, but you could add a blanket stitch with embroidery thread or yarn around the edges for decoration. Fleece does not wrinkle or unravel, but pre-wash the fabric before assembling.