DIY Fleece Sleeping Bag

A couple weeks ago I told some friends it would drive me crazy to do a diy blog because I wouldn't want to take the time to take all the pictures. So I don't know why I got inspired to do this post. But I did. And when I got started it was actually a lot of fun! I don't always have a lot of time for all the projects I want to do, but having one of my wonderful sisters around for a few days helps  lot! :)

I had seen this idea for a doll sleeping bag and just converted it to toddler/child size. So, here goes!

First step, get your fleece. I got 2 yards, 21 inches of my main fabric. {Because that's all there was. I was going for 3 yards. But I got the 21 inches half off of fleece that was already 60% off so I didn't complain. :) } I got 1 yard and 20 inches of the accent fabric. {for the same reason}

I was delighted to find some hedgehog fleece, because I think they're adorable and because Jakki loves all little forest animals. The only stories she tells are about bunnies and squirrels. They usually sound like this: "Bunny! Squirrel! Squirrel is sad! Him got an ouie. He fell off the train. Bunny fall of too. Squirrel is crying. Sorry squirrel." or "Bunny! Squirrel! Squirrel is playing. It's up in tree. Him is at Grammi's house. At the stream! I want to see him."

Anyway. I was happy to find this fleece because she is also fascinated with porcupines. :)

Next get a scissors  {the sharper the better!} and something to measure with and turn on some awesome music.

Trim off the white edges, because it will just look better.

Cut your accent fleece 40"x60" I used chalk to mark all my measurements.

Cut 2 pieces of your main color in the some size. I did mine on a fold to make it easier. You should have 3 separate pieces of fleece, each 40"x60".

Lay one of your main color pieces right side down. Place the accent piece right side up on top of it. The put your second main color piece right side up on top of that. Make sure it is all even on the edges.

Fold the top piece down about 14".

 Now you're ready to start cutting! I cut the tassels 5" deep. Start by cutting a 5" square out of the corners.

I didn't measure for the width of the tassels. They were about 1/2"-1" each. They don't have to be perfect. As long as they are within half an inch of each other I don't think you notice the difference.

Try to make sure the edge pieces come out the size of a full tassel. It just looks  little neater I think. I did use chalk to mark 5" all the way round to keep it uniform.

This is what it should look like when you're finished cutting.

Now for the fun part! Separate the tassels {there will be 2 at the the top part of the sleeping bag, 4 at the fold and 3 around the bottom half}

Tie them in a knot, like you're beginning to tie your shoe. Tie a knot on top of that. You want it snug, but not to tight or it will change the shape of the whole sleeping bag.

Continue around the whole sleeping bag. When there is just 3 tassels hold 2 in one hand and one in the other to tie the knots. When there is 4 you will hold 2 in each hand. {Obviously ;) }

And you're finished! I was hoping to have enough left over to make a pillow too, but I have just enough for a scarf or 2 for Jakki.

Jakki is absolutely delighted with her sleeping bag. I think it will be perfect for weekend trips to Papa and Grammi's to visit the squirrel that lives in the tree and plays in the stream with his bunny friend, when they're not falling off of trains. :D