Best Fabric for Tie Blankets – 2025 Reviews

Not all fleece is created equal when it comes to tie blankets. Anti-pill fleece is your best bet for long-term durability—it resists those annoying little balls that form on cheaper fabrics. Polar fleece offers that classic softness everyone loves, while knitted varieties provide excellent stretch for easier tying.

I’ve found that 100% polyester fleece consistently performs best—it’s easy to work with, maintains its shape, and washes beautifully without shrinking. The weight matters too: lighter fleece is great for seasonal blankets, while heavier options provide that cozy winter warmth.

The thickness of your fleece directly impacts both the warmth of your finished blanket and how easy it is to work with. Thicker fabrics create warmer blankets but can be trickier to tie tightly, while thinner options are easier for beginners but may not provide as much insulation.

For most tie blankets, I recommend mid-weight fleece—it’s substantial enough to feel quality but still manageable for tying. If you’re making a blanket for outdoor use or extra cold climates, don’t be afraid to go with a heavier weight, just be prepared for a more challenging tying process.

Choosing the right colors and patterns can make or break your blanket’s appearance. Solid colors hide minor tying imperfections better than busy patterns, making them ideal for beginners. If you love patterns, look for designs with clear, defined edges—they’re easier to align when creating your fringe.

I always suggest coordinating two complementary fabrics rather than using the same pattern on both sides. This not only looks more professional but also gives you two blanket looks in one. Darker colors tend to show less dirt over time, while bright patterns can hide stains between washes.

Complete kits like the David Textiles option are perfect for beginners—they include everything you need and take the guesswork out of fabric selection. However, buying fabric by the yard, as with our FabricLA pick, offers more flexibility for custom sizes and designs.

Kits typically include pre-coordinated fabrics and cutting templates, while yardage lets you create exactly the blanket size you want. Consider your skill level and how much creative control you want before deciding which route to take.

While the fabric is crucial, having the right tools makes the process much smoother. A good pair of fabric scissors is non-negotiable—dull blades will fray your edges. Many kits include cutting templates, but if you’re working with yardage, a clear quilting ruler and rotary cutter will give you perfectly straight lines.

I also recommend keeping a seam ripper handy for fixing any tying mistakes without damaging your fabric. For larger blankets, fabric clips help keep layers aligned while you work, preventing shifting and uneven edges.

Proper care ensures your handmade blanket stays beautiful for years. Always wash fleece blankets in cold water on a gentle cycle—hot water can damage the fibers and cause pilling. Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce softness over time.

When drying, tumble dry on low heat or air dry if possible. High heat can melt synthetic fibers and cause shrinkage. If your blanket does develop pills over time, a fabric shaver quickly restores that like-new appearance without damaging the material.

Anti-pill polyester fleece is hands-down the best choice for tie blankets. It’s easy to cut without fraying, ties beautifully, and maintains its appearance wash after wash. The anti-pill treatment prevents those annoying little balls from forming on the surface, ensuring your blanket stays looking new longer.

I’ve found that mid-weight fleece works best for most projects—it’s substantial enough to provide warmth but still easy to work with. Avoid fabrics that are too thin or stretchy, as they can be difficult to tie securely.

While flannel can be used for tie blankets, it’s not ideal. Flannel tends to fray easily when cut into fringe, which can lead to messy edges and loose threads. It also doesn’t have the same stretch as fleece, making tying more challenging and potentially less secure.

If you absolutely want to use flannel, I’d recommend sewing the edges or using it as an accent rather than the main fabric. For no-sew projects, fleece remains the superior choice due to its non-fraying properties and ease of use.

For a typical throw blanket that’s perfect for couch use, you’ll need two pieces of fabric measuring approximately 50×60 inches each. This size works well for most adults and is manageable for tying. If you’re making a larger blanket for a bed, consider 60×80 inches or even larger.

Remember that tie blankets require two layers of fabric—one for each side—so you’ll need to purchase double the amount if buying yardage. Most kits come with two coordinated pieces already cut to the perfect size for convenience.

The best prevention is starting with quality anti-pill fleece from the beginning. Brands like David Textiles and FabricLA use treated fibers that resist pilling much better than standard fleece. Proper washing care also plays a huge role—always use cold water, gentle cycles, and avoid fabric softeners.

If pills do appear, a fabric shaver or sweater stone can safely remove them without damaging your blanket. I’ve found that blankets made with higher-quality fleece can go years without significant pilling with proper care.

Polar fleece is typically thicker, warmer, and has a brushed surface that feels incredibly soft against the skin. It’s excellent for winter blankets but can be bulkier to work with. Regular fleece is often lighter weight and more versatile for year-round use.

For tie blankets, I slightly prefer polar fleece for its premium feel and extra warmth, but both types work well. The key is choosing anti-pill varieties regardless of which type you select—this ensures your blanket maintains its appearance over time.