This sewing pattern for a patchwork blanket—which doubles as a play mat—is ideal for use as a crawling mat or as a base beneath a baby gym. The padding provides protection against cold floors and—depending on the thickness chosen—creates a pleasantly cozy surface for lying down. Vibrant colors and varied shapes playfully stimulate your baby's sensory perception. Optionally, interactive elements such as crinkle fabric or other engaging materials can be incorporated. The design of this baby blanket is highly flexible: both its size and shape can be customized to suit your preferences—for instance, by using rectangular patches instead of the squares shown here. Furthermore, the blanket can easily be adapted to serve as a picnic blanket, a sofa throw, or a sensory fidget blanket for individuals with dementia. For the finishing edge, you have the choice of using either a fabric border strip or bias binding.

Sewing Difficulty:

• Easy; requires some experience

What you get:

• Detailed step-by-step instructions (in PDF format)

The patchwork blanket can be sewn in any size.

• Front: Various woven cotton fabrics with a bit of body that combine well with one another.
• Back: Woven cotton fabric, fleece, an old blanket, or water-repellent fabrics such as outdoor fabric (ideal if the blanket is intended for use outdoors or as a picnic blanket).
• Filling: Voluminous batting
• Optional: Crinkle foil or roasting bag material, cotton cord, wooden elements, etc., bias binding