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DIY Blanket Carrier from Refashioned Belts

The last Tuesday of the month, is truly a time to get celebrate because it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! That means I take something of the fashion kind and refashion it into something useful. Today, I’m headed to my closet and the thrift store to make use of unwanted belts. The goal? To create a DIY blanket carrier for picnic or beach time fun. I spy some potential!

Thrift Store Belts Before Refashion into DIY Blanket Carrier | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Let’s let our creative juices flow and make this for ourselves as well as a sweet gift to others. Think weddings, showers, and birthdays – especially made from a loved ones selection.

REFASHION TIME

Let’s get this party started, shall we? First, here’s what you’ll need to make your own DIY blanket carrier:

  • two or three adult size belts (leather, canvas, etc) preferably all the same material, but colors can vary however you like
  • tape measure
  • sewing machine or needle and thread
  • your picnic or beach blanket

STEP 1

First, here’s my choice of belts. My original goal was to use leather, but I came up short. However, these woven belts will do the trick just fine. Yes, they don’t all match exactly, but the are in the same color family and will work awesome. I may not use all 3, but I want to be sure to have enough material to work with – it just depends on the length of the belts you choose.

Thrifted Belts Before Refashion into DIY Blanket Carrier | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Also, notice the D-rings are slightly different as well. That’s just fine too.

Belt Buckle D-Rings Closeup | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Because your blanket might not be the same size as mine, or you may want to make your carrier fit more than one size, keep that in mind. I’m aiming for larger with the ability to size it down if needed. That way I have versatility for years to come. I roll up my blanket and measure around the diameter. In addition, I take note of the length between where I would want my straps to fit so I can create a handle.

Fitting DIY Blanket Carrier to Blanket | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Notice I put a pin in at the length I want, roughly 25″ for my blanket. Then, once you have a rough idea for your sizing, it’s time to put together our belts. BTW, here’s another fun project using upcycled belts I’ve create for home decor.

Upcycled Belts for Home Decor Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

STEP 2

Next, at this point you can either use your belts as-is, or do as I did which is disassemble my three belts to make them into one carrier. Since only two belts have D-rings, I use the gray belts D-rings and set aside the belt for a later use since it’s pretty frayed anyway.

Removing D-Rings from Fabric Belt | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

However, I cut the grain-sack looking belt and the navy belt in half. I join them up using this configuration and stitch down. Last, I cut them to size and secure ends in a similar fashion. I’ll be honest, I had more pictures of step-by-step process, but somehow they became corrupt by my computer. grrrr…

Splicing Belts Together for DIY Blanket Carrier | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 3

Finally, we’re ready to attach a handle. I simply put the straps on my blanket and then use the remnant length to make up a handle.

Measuring Handle Strap for DIY Blanket Carrier | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I’m sewing it under the straps using a box stitch, but before I do that, I need to make the ends stable. You can either use this product which works best on natural fibers.

Fray Check by Drits for Carrier Handle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Or, for poly and mixed materials, you can melt the ends with a match.

Preventing Fraying with a Match on DIY Blanket Carrier | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Placement of Carry Strap on DIY Blanket Carrier | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

FINISHING

After my mini sewing stent is complete, I just need to pack up some yummies and head for a relaxing respite. Isn’t this so fun? Especially with the quackers (aka. ducks) waiting for a treat.

Refashioned Belts Turned into DIY Blanket Carrier for Picnic or Beach by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #sewing #refashion #summer

DIY Picnic Blanket Carrier from Upcycled Belts by Larissa fof Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #upcycled #picnic #wedding

Not only is this simple to do (I put it together in a morning), but it makes for a wonderful gift. Aren’t you guys tired of having a mess of a blanket in your trunk? Just think of all the blanket saving we can do by gifting these to friends and family. wahoo!

Box Stitching on DIY Blanket Carrier from Upcycled Belts by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #sewing #refashion #summer #giftidea

Upcycled DIY Blanket Carrier for Picnics or Beach with Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #picnic #diy #refashion #summer #wedding

Does this inspire you? I sure hope so! There are so many ways to make use of things we have on hand or can find at a thrift store. Half of the fun is the hunt, the other part is making our own home story.

Repurposed Blanket Carrier DIY from Refashioned Belts by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #giftidea #crafts #wedding #shower

SHARE

As always, I’d love for you to inspire others too. Pin and share to light the fire to get the ball rolling for others.

Refashion your old belts into a DIY Blanket Carrier for picnics or beach. Sew fun! Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #diy #wedding #giftidea #babyshower

Next on the makeover journey is the filing cabinet my dad handed off to me. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get all the details. Peek at its new look HERE. Until next time!
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Vintage Filing Cabinet Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Also, more fun refashion projects like this DIY Blanket Carrier:

Grab that thrifted basket and turn it into a DIY insulated picnic basket. Perfect for gifts! See more by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #crafts #home #summer #homedecor #farmhouse #giftsSew cute! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces creates a refashioned sweater sloth from an upcycled cashmere sweater. See the free pattern at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #diy #kids #toys

 

Comments

  1. Rebecca NC says

    That is so dang cute!! I have two picnic baskets and now HAVE TO make one of these for each one…. You are a crafting genius!!! ??

    • Larissa says

      You sound like me. I have a large quilt in the back of my truck for all 8 of us and made one for it too. Here’s to refashioning! 😀

  2. Lori Sawyer says

    I made straps and a pocket out of an old towel to add to my beach towel . I love the blanket idea !

    • Larissa says

      That’s the spirit, Lori! 😀 Anything that saves a headache is good with me. haha.

  3. ColleenB.~Tx. says

    What a great idea using up old belts and here I been just using an old looking bungee cord. Using old belts look much better and very professional.

    • Larissa says

      bwahahaha. Been there done that! 😀 I just wanted something fun, so I took about an hour and DONE. Now to make some for our beach towels!

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