Quick Answer: What Kind of Fabric Do You Use for Tie Blankets?
When it comes to making tie blankets, the best and most popular fabric is fleece. It’s soft, warm, and doesn’t fray—making it perfect for cutting and tying without sewing.
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of fabric do you use for tie blankets, fleece stands out for its comfort, color variety, and durability. You can choose between anti-pill fleece for long-lasting coziness or blizzard fleece for extra warmth. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and ideal for crafting beautiful, no-sew tie blankets for all ages.
Now let’s dive deeper.

The Comfort and Creativity of Tie Blankets
Few DIY projects blend comfort, creativity, and simplicity as perfectly as tie blankets. Whether you’re making one as a heartfelt gift, a fun group project, or a cozy addition to your home, tie blankets have become a beloved craft for all skill levels. Their charm lies in their ease — no needles, no thread, just two pieces of fabric, a pair of scissors, and your imagination.
However, a crucial part of getting a perfect result lies in one question: What kind of fabric do you use for tie blankets? The right fabric determines not only how your blanket feels but also how long it lasts and how easy it is to make. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the best materials, textures, and pro tips for crafting flawless tie blankets.
1. Understanding the Tie Blanket Craft
A tie blanket is a no-sew blanket made by layering two pieces of fabric—often in different colors or patterns—and tying the edges together in small knots. This simple technique creates a fringed edge that’s both decorative and functional.
Tie blankets are especially popular for:
- Gifts (baby showers, birthdays, holidays)
- Charity donations
- Family crafts or classroom projects
- Cozy home décor additions
The simplicity of the process makes it accessible to everyone, but the quality of your final product largely depends on the fabric you choose.
2. Why Fabric Choice Matters?
Fabric choice impacts everything from texture to durability. If you pick a fabric that frays, stretches unevenly, or lacks softness, your blanket will lose its charm quickly. The perfect tie blanket should feel plush and cozy yet hold up well after repeated washing.
When considering fabrics, focus on:
- Softness: How it feels against the skin
- Durability: Whether it withstands daily use
- Ease of cutting and tying: Edges should stay clean without fraying
- Warmth: Depending on whether the blanket is for winter use or year-round comfort
With these in mind, let’s explore the most suitable fabrics — and why fleece is the clear winner.
3. The Best Fabric for Tie Blankets: Fleece
Without question, fleece is the go-to fabric for tie blankets. It’s a synthetic fabric made from polyester fibers, known for its warmth, softness, and resistance to fraying. Unlike cotton or wool, fleece requires no hemming or stitching, making it perfect for the tie-blanket technique.
Here’s why fleece works so well:
a. It Doesn’t Fray
One of the main reasons crafters love fleece is that it doesn’t unravel when cut. This makes it ideal for creating clean edges that can be easily tied without worrying about loose threads.
b. Soft and Comfortable
Fleece offers a luxurious softness that feels gentle on the skin, perfect for cozy blankets, baby wraps, or winter throws.
c. Warm Yet Lightweight
Despite being light, fleece provides excellent insulation. It traps body heat efficiently, keeping you warm without being overly heavy.
d. Easy to Work With
Cutting fleece is simple, and the ties stay firm even after multiple washes. It’s forgiving for beginners and fun for children’s projects too.
e. Affordable and Widely Available
Fleece is available in countless colors, patterns, and thicknesses, making it easy to personalize your creation.
4. Different Types of Fleece You Can Use
Not all fleece is the same. When choosing fleece for your tie blanket, understanding the different types helps you select one that best fits your purpose.
1. Anti-Pill Fleece
This type of fleece has a special coating that prevents small fabric balls (pills) from forming after washing. It maintains a smoother surface, making your blanket look newer for longer.
Best for: Long-lasting, everyday blankets.
2. Blizzard Fleece
Blizzard fleece is thicker, denser, and warmer than regular fleece. It’s often used for heavy-duty blankets meant for cold climates or outdoor use.
Best for: Extra warmth and durability.
3. Micro Fleece
This is a lighter, finer version of fleece, offering excellent softness without much bulk. It’s perfect for baby blankets or layering.
Best for: Lightweight, soft, and breathable blankets.
4. Polar Fleece
Known for its thickness and plush texture, polar fleece is highly insulating. It’s durable and ideal for winter throws or bed blankets.
Best for: Maximum warmth and comfort.
5. Printed or Patterned Fleece
If creativity is your goal, printed fleece adds flair. You can mix patterns—like stars, paw prints, or stripes—with solid colors for a fun, custom design.
Best for: Themed or gift blankets.
5. Choosing Between Single and Double Layers
When making a tie blanket, you can use one layer of fleece or two layers tied together.
- Single Layer: Lightweight and ideal for warmer climates or indoor use.
- Double Layer: Offers more warmth, visual contrast, and a thicker, fluffier texture.
Most tie blankets use two layers of fleece — one solid, one patterned — for both style and function.\
6. Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Fleece Tie Blanket
If you’re ready to start, here’s a simple process to create your own cozy masterpiece.
You’ll Need:
- Two equal-sized pieces of fleece (usually 2 yards each)
- Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter
- Ruler or tape measure
Instructions:
- Layer the Fabric: Place the two fleece pieces on top of each other, wrong sides facing in. Smooth out wrinkles.
- Trim the Edges: Cut off any uneven or curled edges.
- Cut the Corners: Remove a 5×5 inch square from each corner to prepare for the ties.
- Make Fringe Cuts: Along all sides, cut 1-inch-wide strips about 4–5 inches long.
- Tie the Knots: Double-knot each pair of strips (one from each fabric layer). Continue around all sides.
- Finishing Touch: Shake it out and admire your soft, handmade blanket!
This easy method works great for small children, families, or group craft activities.
7. Where to Buy Quality Fleece for Tie Blankets?
Finding high-quality fleece is key to a great result. Instead of buying fabric by the yard from retail stores, many crafters prefer sourcing from fleece blankets wholesale suppliers. Wholesale purchasing ensures better prices, consistent quality, and access to a wider variety of textures and colors.
Whether you’re crafting for personal use, charity drives, or business resale, wholesale fleece suppliers make large-scale projects affordable and efficient. Look for trusted vendors offering anti-pill and blizzard fleece in multiple color options.
8. Creative Ideas for Tie Blanket Designs
Want to add personality to your blanket? Try these ideas:
- Sports Themes: Combine your favorite team’s colors.
- Holiday Styles: Red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween.
- Animal Prints: Mix leopard or zebra with solids for bold contrast.
- Children’s Designs: Cartoon characters, clouds, or stars.
- Custom Embellishments: Add initials, labels, or heat-pressed designs.
Each design reflects the maker’s creativity — no two tie blankets need to look alike!
9. Care and Maintenance Tips
Fleece is easy to care for, but a few tips help extend your blanket’s lifespan:
- Wash in cold or warm water with mild detergent.
- Avoid bleach or fabric softeners (they can damage fibers).
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
- Do not iron fleece, as it can melt under high heat.
Following these steps keeps your blanket soft, vibrant, and fluffy for years.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of tie blankets lies in their simplicity and personalization. Once you know what kind of fabric do you use for tie blankets, creating one becomes a joyful, creative experience rather than a complicated task. Fleece offers the perfect combination of softness, strength, and style — making it the ideal choice for crafters, parents, and gift-givers alike.
Whether you’re crafting for yourself or gifting to others, fleece ensures comfort and durability in every knot and tie. So gather your scissors, pick your favorite colors, and start crafting a masterpiece that’s as warm as it is heartfelt.
For large projects or community crafting events, consider sourcing materials through fleece blankets bulk suppliers — they provide high-quality fabric at unbeatable prices, perfect for creating comfort on any scale.



