TGIF you guys!! I can't wait to put my feet up tonight and just chill. We've been in and out of a cold snap and it's just about driven me mad. Anyone need a room mate south of the border?? Ugh I am dreaming of warm sun and being pool side again some day!
So speaking of warmth I decided to try out a DIY I saw on Instagram and see if it would turn or not. I wanted to transform an ordinary blanket and dress it up with a bit of boho flare. The DIY looked so easy and attainable!! Attainability is always my number one must have when it comes to "do it yourself" projects. I hate it when I find a project and you need to go out and find some rare wool from Indonesia or something crazy like that, lol. I genuinely like to only try things that anyone can do no matter what their skill set is, and this definitely looked like that kind of project! Here is where I found the idea from on Instagram provided by the talented @inspired_diy20 She has a great account full of boho inspired DIY projects, so be sure to check her out as well!
Alright, let's get into it. First thing you are going to need to do is find an inexpensive plush throw or any kind of throw blanket you don't mind using. I found mine at Dollarama when they were selling blankets. I don't see them there any longer, but Walmart also sells them for $6.97 here in Canada. I loved the soft warm taupe colouring of the blanket and felt it would be a good neutral option.
I decided on an off white brushed yarn for the contrasting stitch. Again, I found it at Dollarama. I ended up using 400 grams of yarn (4 packages at 54.5yd each) to complete my 50"x60" throw blanket.
I grabbed Curtis' right angle and used that as a guide to make sure my diamond shapes were consistent. Then I used one of my kids rulers and wrapped my yarn around the ruler from end to end. Using my hot glue gun I ran a line of hot glue along the edge of the yarn and then paced that along the 45 degree angle and pressed down to stick the yarn to the blanket. After that I cut the yarn at the top edge to open the loops. Once opened you are left with a pretty boho fringe!
You can scroll through the slides below to see how easily it's done....
Now you are going to do the same thing using your right angle or angle finder to make your diamonds or squares. When doing the last 2 lines of your square just position your right angle along the fringe as straight as you can to find your straight line...hopefully that makes sense??
Now you might be thinking straight off the bat, "but Dale, why use hot glue?" or "why not just sew the fringe down?".....well that's a great question! I say if you want to sew your fringe pieces down than go for it! I am simply doing the same version that I was inspired by on Instagram. Also I LOVE my hot glue gun and love the quick results I get with using one. Another question you may have is, can you wash the blanket once you've used hot glue? Yes you can, but you would need to use a cold gentle cycle or hand wash.
This turned out way better than I could have ever hoped! It has added the most cozy textured piece to my living room....
I find it hard to believe I made this with only supplies from the Dollarama! To me it looks like an Anthropology or Urban Outfitters knock off. Mine cost about $18 to make.
A couple things to mention...
The blanket is not crusty. I think that's because the blanket I used is a plush material and allows for movement and keeps the feel soft.
I've had to reattach a few strands that have come off. It's easy enough to do with a dab of hot glue or fabric glue.
I would NOT suggest using this as your snuggle up blanket. This is more for "show", kinda like your moms "good towels", lol! I like to keep it draped at the edge of my front living room couch or chair.
I just loved how this turned out so much that I made another blanket. This time I used a fleece blanket from Ikea. I would advise not to use fleece though if you were to try this DIY. Every little thread and cut material sticks to it like crazy!! It was very annoying!
I made this one for my daughters room and she picked out the thread colouring and helped with the design of it herself. Her room is pretty much her space now being that she's 12. Her door has a lovely welcoming sign that says "PLEASE KNOCK" and "Visiting hours, 3-4pm, 7-8pm......". Mom no longer has any say as far as decorating her room goes, sniff sniff....lol, and taking pics of her room is pretty much out of the question, as it's always in a state of utter chaos.
Hope this was a DIY that you enjoyed, and maybe now feel inspired to create a boho blanket yourself, or perhaps a pillow cover or two....or maybe you could even do this to some old curtain panels even?? Hmmmm....now that I say that I think I may have to go find some old curtains panels.....
As always you can head to my Instagram to check out more details on this fun and easy boho blanket DIY!
Enjoy your day!
Dale