What to Do with Old Crochet Blankets

Old crochet blankets often hold a special place in our hearts, carrying memories of the past and craftsmanship of our loved ones. However, in some cases, these heirlooms may no longer serve their original purpose due to wear and tear or changes in personal taste.

Fortunately, there are numerous creative and practical ways to repurpose these beautiful pieces. Breathing new life into an old crochet blanket not only pays homage to the original creator, but also allows the piece to continue on as a cherished part of your home or wardrobe.

In this article, we will explore several ideas for transforming your old crochet blankets while preserving the sentimental value they hold. From interior décor items to wearable accessories, the possibilities are great and suited for every level of craftiness.

Rejuvenating Old Crochet Blankets

Cleaning and Repair Tips

Before attempting any rejuvenation techniques, first make sure the blanket is clean and repair any damaged parts:

• Hand wash or gently machine wash (if possible for the yarn) the blanket in cold water with a mild detergent. If you are unsure whether a blanket may be machine washed, it’s always better to wash by hand.
• Air dry or lay flat to prevent stretching or shape distortion. You could gently squeeze excess moisture from the blanket first by placing it between some towels.
• Inspect the blanket for holes, loose stitches, or fraying edges. Repair these issues using a matching yarn and a compatible crochet stitch or by sewing.

Adding New Edges or Borders

Refreshing the edges or adding a new border can significantly improve the appearance of an old crochet blanket. Here are some ideas:

1. Single crochet (sc) stitch (UK double crochet, dc): Work a simple, clean edge around the blanket with a basic single crochet stitch to give it a fresh look. You could repeat this as many times as you like if you’d like a wider border. Turning the blanket after each round can help to keep the border flat.
2. Granny squares: Create small granny squares and join them to the edges to form a new border. This not only adds colour but also provides a unique twist.
3. Shell stitch: A decorative and slightly more complex option, this stitch creates a scalloped border for an elegant touch.

These are just a few ideas to get started. Don’t be afraid to customize your blanket by trying various stitches, patterns, or yarn colours. The possibilities are endless!

Upcycling and Repurposing Ideas

Old crochet blankets can be given new life through creative upcycling and repurposing. In this section, we will explore a few ideas on how to transform these cosy treasures into functional and stylish pieces.

Creating Cushion Covers

One popular way to reuse old crochet blankets is by turning them into cushion or pillow covers. This can add a touch of warmth and vintage charm to your home décor. To create a cushion cover:

1. Cut the blanket into squares or rectangles slightly larger than your cushion size. If you’ve not cut a crochet blanket before, don’t worry. It can be done very successfully and just takes a little care. Watch a video on YouTube showing you how to do it before you dive in.
2. Place two pieces of the cut blanket together, with the right sides facing each other.
3. Sew or crochet around the edges, leaving an opening for the cushion pad.
4. Turn the cover right side out, insert the pad, and hand-stitch or crochet the opening closed.
5. If you like, you could then add an extra border or edging to your cushion by crocheting around the seams.

Making Quilts or Rugs

Another idea for repurposing old crochet blankets is creating quilts or rugs. This can enhance the visual appeal of your living space while providing added warmth and comfort. Here’s how:

• Cut the blankets into squares or rectangles. These could be all the same size or you could have fun playing around with varying sizes.
• Arrange the pieces in a visually appealing pattern.
• Sew or crochet the pieces together.
• Add a new border to frame the quilt or rug. You could even add some simple tassels or pom poms for a fun touch.
• For rugs, consider adding a non-slip backing for safety.
• For quilts, you could add a pretty fabric backing to give extra warmth to your creation.

Crafting Bags and Accessories

Old crochet blankets can also be transformed into one-of-a-kind bags and accessories. This not only helps reduce waste but can also make for unique, personalized gifts. Some ideas include:

Accessory	Instructions
Tote Bag	Cut a blanket into two large rectangles, sew or crochet together on three sides, add handles (crocheted, leather or fabric), and create a lining for added durability.
Clutch	Fold a smaller rectangle in half, sew or crochet the edges, and add a zipper or button closure. A lining is also a good idea.
Headband	Cut a long strip from the blanket, sew the edges, and add an elastic band to fit around the head comfortably.

These are just a few ways to upcycle and repurpose old crochet blankets, ensuring they continue to bring joy and utility for years to come.

Donating and Gifting

Although old crochet blankets often hold a lot of sentimental value, there can come a time when they are no longer being loved and enjoyed. In these times, it can feel good to send them to a new home so that they can continue to be appreciated.

You can do this by gifting them to a friend or family member, or by donating them to a charity. Donating them to charity of course has the added bonus that this can also help to raise money for a good cause or help those in need.

Charitable Organizations

Donating crochet blankets to charitable organizations is a great way to share their warmth with those in need. These organisations can help distribute your blanket to individuals or families who need extra comfort and support, or sell them to raise money for their cause. Some places where you can donate include:

• Homeless shelters
• Refugee centres
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Animal shelters
• Charity shops

Before donating, be sure to clean and package the blankets properly to ensure they are well-received and appreciated by the recipients.

Handing Down as Family Heirlooms

Another way of preserving the value of old crochet blankets is by handing them down as family heirlooms. This tradition allows the craftsmanship and love that went into creating the blanket to be passed through generations. To make your blanket a timeless keepsake, consider:

1. Attaching a label with the blanket’s history and origin
2. Adding a personal touch, such as embroidering the family name
3. Providing care instructions to ensure the blanket remains in good condition

By handing down your crochet blanket, you create a meaningful connection between family members and preserve the unique story behind each stitch.

Preserving Blankets for Display

Old crochet blankets can be turned into decorative pieces that showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of these handmade items. There are several ways to preserve and display crochet blankets for everyone to enjoy.

Framing or Hanging Techniques

When framing or hanging a crochet blanket, the main objective is to prevent any future damage to the fabric while simultaneously showcasing its intricate patterns. Options for framing or hanging include:

• Shadowbox Frames: These deep-set frames protect your crochet blanket from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Place the blanket on acid-free mat board and use small hidden stitches to attach the blanket to the board, ensuring it lies flat and undistorted.
• Quilt Hangers: Quilt hangers utilize sturdy clips or fabric sleeves to secure the blanket on a hanging rod. They offer a less invasive method of displaying your crochet blanket, as they do not require sewing or pinning the blanket in place.
• Poster Hangers: Simple and affordable, poster hangers utilize two parallel dowels or magnets to grip the top and bottom edges of the blanket. These hangers allow for easy adjustments and make it simple to swap out blankets for different designs or seasons.

Creating a Memory Wall

A memory wall is a dedicated space in your home where you can artfully display your treasured crochet blankets. To create a visually appealing and cohesive memory wall, consider the following tips:

• Choose a Theme: Select a unifying colour, pattern or design element to bring harmony to your memory wall. This could be based on the blankets themselves or the surrounding décor.
• Utilise Different Sizes: Mix blankets of various sizes and shapes to add visual interest and depth to your display. If needed, fold or trim excess fabric to achieve the desired size and shape for your wall.
• Incorporate Other Memorabilia: Integrate other cherished items, such as photographs or keepsakes, to further personalise your memory wall.
• Add Lighting: Incorporate accent lighting to showcase the intricate details of your crochet blankets and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your space.

By preserving your old crochet blankets and tastefully displaying them, you can create a unique and meaningful décor in your home that showcases the artistry of these treasured pieces.

What to Do with Old Crochet Blankets: Conclusion

In the end, deciding what to do with old crochet blankets can be a fun and creative process. There are many options available, from repurposing to donating, which can help give new life to these handmade treasures.

Some ideas include:

• Turning them into cushion covers
• Creating a cosy pet bed
• Making a new garment or accessory
• Using them for crafting projects

Alternatively, donating crochet blankets to organisations in need can provide warmth and comfort to others. Remember to always consider the quality and cleanliness of your blankets before donating them.

Finally, consider joining or starting a local upcycle project to collaborate with fellow crafters and share your passion for repurposing crochet items. This option serves as a wonderful way to not only give blankets a new purpose, but also build connections within the community.

What next?

Of course, once you have found new uses or homes for your old blankets, it is time to start making some new ones. Crochet design is always evolving and it can be great fun exploring fresh new design ideas or trying out a new technique such as tapestry or mosaic crochet.

For plenty of crochet blanket inspiration, check out these posts or click on an image below to go straight to a pattern.

• 8 Fantastic Geometric Crochet Blanket Patterns
• 3 Fun Crochet Hexagon Blankets
• What’s the Best Tapestry Crochet Blanket Pattern for a Beginner?
• 8 Beautiful Crochet Tile Blankets
• 9 Tapestry Crochet Baby Blankets

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