Hey everyone. Today we're making a Cuddle throw blanket, and you're going to learn how to let one beautiful, textured fabric do almost all the work.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Aqua Sea Luxe Cuddle Galaxy 58/60" Fabric Per Yard from Shannon Fabrics. It's a Cuddle Fabric. It's a Luxe Cuddle® Galaxy minky plush fabric.
Here are the real numbers. It's 100% polyester. It's 58/60" wide. It features a 10mm pile height. It weighs 520 grams per linear yard.
That 10mm pile is the story here. It's plush and cozy. You feel it the second you pick it up. For a throw you reach for every night, that depth really matters.
Galaxy is embossed, too. And it features multiple shades of the same color. That adds depth to any project. Shannon says it makes matching different fabrics as easy as possible, and I agree.
The color here is Aqua Sea. The tags list it with Blue. Think soft, watery shades shifting across the surface. Not flat. Not boring. Just really really pretty.
One honest note. This fabric has a tie dye nature. Variations in color saturation, pattern, and overall appearance may occur. Each yard is unique. No two yards are ever alike. I love that, folks. Your throw will not look exactly like mine. That's the charm.
The project: a cozy Cuddle throw blanket
A Cuddle throw blanket here is a simple two-layer throw. One Galaxy front. One soft backing. Light quilting to hold it together. Clean, finished edges all around.
We're finishing at about 52" by 60". That's a generous sofa throw. Big enough to cover your legs and tuck around your feet.
Why does this fabric suit it? That embossed, multi-shade surface is made to be seen and touched. A throw shows off a big, unbroken piece of it.
That 58/60" width helps, too. Your 52" width fits with room to trim. You're not piecing narrow strips just to get wide enough. Just like that, cutting stays simple.
Materials list
- 1 3/4 yards Aqua Sea Luxe Cuddle Galaxy for the front — that gives you 63" of length to trim to 60"
- 1 3/4 yards coordinating Cuddle fabric for the backing, cut the same size
- Optional thin batting, about 54" by 62", low-loft cotton or polyester
- Matching polyester thread for sewing and light quilting
- 90/14 stretch or ballpoint needle
- Walking foot, pins or clips, and a long ruler
Brief steps
Here we go. First, let your Galaxy relax flat. Look at the color flow before you cut. Trim your front to 52" by 60". Cut from the back side when you can.
Second, trim your backing to the same 52" by 60". If you're using batting, trim that to match, too. Take your time. It's not a race.
Third, layer it up. Backing face down. Batting in the middle, if you're using it. Galaxy front face up. Smooth from the center out with your hands.
Fourth, pin or clip well. Cuddle can shift a little as you sew. I pin every 4 inches or so. Slow and steady wins here.
Fifth, quilt it lightly. A few straight lines work. A gentle meander works. All three ways work — I prefer a few straight lines, about 8 to 10 inches apart, so the throw stays soft and drapey.
Use that walking foot. Lengthen your stitch to about 3.0 to 3.5mm. Slow down if the layers feel thick, or the needle can struggle.
Sixth, trim your edges even. Then bind it, or fold the backing over for a self-binding edge. Tie off your ends clean. Smooth it flat with your hands, never a hot iron on Cuddle.
Practical tips from my table
Shake your cut Cuddle pieces outside. That fluff gets everywhere. A quick shake now saves a cleanup later.
Want options? Skip the batting for a lighter throw. Add it for extra warmth. Back it in a quiet solid to calm the Aqua Sea down, or in a deeper blue to lean into it. Completely up to you.
Your throw does not have to be perfect. If a quilting line wobbles a little, it wobbles. You're your own worst critic. Nobody on that sofa is checking your lines. They're checking how soft it feels.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. I have had a backing shift on me before. The fix is simple. Unpick that small section, re-pin it, and sew it again. No drama.
This is a super duper cozy gift make, too. It sews up in an afternoon, and that tie dye variation makes every one feel personal.
Alrighty, folks. Thanks for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Aqua Sea Luxe Cuddle Galaxy 58/60" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
