project linus instructions

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Project Linus Tucson

Sharing Blanket Hugs

Blanket Guidelines

Blanket Sizes

• Typical blanket sizes are:            Baby size 36″x36″          Child size 45”x60”         Teen size 60”x72”
• Blankets must be  minimum  of 36″x36″ finished.
• Weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted blankets. NO fringe on any blankets; it could be a choking hazard.
• Secure the batting into outer seams. If the blanket is tied, please anchor it every 4-6 inches, cutting ties to 1 inch or less in length.
• Single layer no-sew blankets are all we need.
• Visit Project Linus’s website for specific instructions for No-Sew Blankets.
• Pre-wash all fabric that you feel may cause a problem with bleeding.
• Use  new ,  clean ,  washable  materials in infant, child or teen friendly colors. Remember, these blankets are meant to be colorful, cheerful, and cuddly.
• Make blankets from 100% cotton fabric, flannel, fleece or acrylic yarn.
• Check your blanket carefully for straight pins and safety pins. It’s better you find that pin and not the child who receives your blanket.
• Don’t make your blankets out of tapestry, burlap, upholstery fabric, 70’s type double knit, felt, vinyl, wool, or wool yarn.
• Don’t attach buttons or decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard.
• Don’t use thick fabric paint on the surface of your blanket. Use only permanent fabric markers made specifically for fabric when coloring on muslin.
• Don’t use fabric that has been stored in a damp area and has a musty smell. The mold spores can cause an allergic reaction in a child and are very difficult to remove from the fabric.
• Don’t use yarns with metallic threads.
• Don’t use fragrance products due to allergy concerns. This includes scented detergent, fabric softeners and softener sheets, plastics bags or body perfumes. 

Please Note …

• Blankets that smell of smoke or strong chemicals (including perfumed fabric softeners) , or have pet hair on them cannot be accepted as they may produce severe allergic reaction in the children. Unfortunately, washing these blankets does not always remove the problem. Please use a lint brush or roller on your blankets if they are covered with thread or lint.
• Another word about pins…please  check, double check and triple check your blankets for straight pins , as well as safety pins. Let’s not risk leaving a lost pin just waiting to poke a child.
• Be creative! Keep in mind that children will be selecting a blanket with which to cuddle and receive comfort.

Watch for emails regarding details and updates.   If you did not get an email or have questions

contact [email protected] or [email protected]

BLANKET SPECIFICATIONS

A project linus label is sewn into each blanket which reads, "made with tender loving care for project linus".

New, Handmade, Washable (do not use wool) / Dryable.

Suitable NEW Materials: 100% cotton fabric, flannel, polar fleece, or acrylic yarn.

Made in infant, child or teen friendly colors.

Remember that these blankets should be colorful, cheerful, and cuddly.

Please we do not need blankets smaller than these sizes

Approximate Sizes (Inches)

Baby / Toddler 36 x 40

Grade School 40 x 45

Teen 45 x 50, 50 x 60 

No sew fleece blankets should be made from about 1 ½ yards

with all selvage cut off.

NO DOUBLE FLEECE or DOUBLE WORSTED or BULKY YARNS - Please as we do not have a need for these types of blankets at this time.

If you have any questions regarding the type of blankets we accept or sizes, please contact the Chapter Coordinator at [email protected]

Please Note: We would prefer you use Cayola Fabric PERMANENT Markers instead of crayons when making muslin squares for blankets. We are hearing that the crayon pictures are not lasting as long. 

TYPES of BLANKETS

© Quilts and Tied Blankets

A quilt is defined as a blanket, which has three layers – a top (which may be pieced or simply a single piece of fabric), batting in the center, and backing (which is usually a single piece of fabric). In order to keep the batting from shifting secure the batting into the outer seams, the three layers of the quilt must be secured together. This is accomplished by sewing the three layers together by hand (hand quilting), machine (machine quilting), or tying (using yarn or thread to tie the three layers together at various points on the blanket). If yarn is used to tie a blanket, make sure the ends are trimmed to approximately 1" and the knots are secure. We don’t want the quilt to fall apart after just a few washings. Check your blanket carefully for straight pins. It’s better you find that pin and not the child who receives your blanket.

© Afghans

Afghans are made of yarn that is crocheted or knitted into a blanket. Please no double worsted weight yarn or bulky yarn.Weave in all yarn ends on crocheted & knitted afghans with at least an inch or two of thread so it does not come apart.

© Fleece blankets - NO DOUBLE FLEECE, Please

Pieces of polar fleece may be purchased and it takes very little work to create a blanket. Serging or hemming, or cutting a fringed edge – which takes no sewing at all, may finish off the edge. Please be sure to cut off the selvage edge of fleece before making your blanket.

© Don’t . . .

v Make blankets out of tapestry, upholstery fabric, burlap, felt, vinyl, wool, wool yarn, or any other scratch fabrics or laces. Also, please do not donate these materials, we just cannot use them.

v Attach buttons or similar decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard to children.

v Use paint to decorate a blanket.

© Please Note . . . Blankets that smell of smoke or strong chemicals (including perfumed fabric softeners) or have pet hair on them are not acceptable as they may produce a severe allergic reaction in the children. Unfortunately, washing these blankets does not always remove the problem. 

© Please Note . . . Please check, double check & triple check your blanket carefully for pins.

© Please Note . . . Yarn blankets - do not tie a knot & cut the yarn next to the knot.  This will come untied.  Instead leave 4 to 8 inch yarn ends and use a yarn needle to weave the yarn ends into the stitches to secure the yarn.  You can come to a meetin g to learn how to tie the ends when crocheting or knitting.

© Please Note   . . . For your donated blanket to be considered a Project Linus blankets they have to be donated to a PLChapter and the PL label will be attached after it is donated to the Coordinator. 

  If in doubt, would the blanket you plan to donate be welcomed by you and your child if you were on the receiving end of a Project Linus blanket?

Project Linus Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern

Great handmade Project Linus Baby Blanket is a great gift to a kid.

At Mycrochetpattern you can find easy to understand tutorial on how to crochet this beautiful blanket, techniques used, necessary thread and hooks and video guide for this crochet pattern.

We even made a research to find the best deals of high quality yarn, hooks and other important materials and accessories on Amazon or Etsy. So you can start crocheting in no time.

Posts in this website contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but My Crochet Pattern will receive a small commision. Please read my full disclosure policy for details.

Your support is very important for us and it helps keep website going! Thank you.

Skill level

What do you need to crochet this project, crochet sizes, stitch abbreviations used in this crochet, download project linus baby blanket crochet pattern, top 3 free scarf crochet pattern.

• Crochet hook size I (5.5 mm)
• Yarns: 1538 Lilac (A): 2 balls and 0529 Bubble (B): 2 balls
• Yarndage: 5oz/141g = 256 yds/234m
• Yarn weight: Worsted
• Fiber type: 100% acrylic
• Yarn Brand: RED HEART® Baby Love
• Stitch/place markers
• Yarn needle
• Gauge: 3 stitches = 4″ in pattern repeats
• Finished size: 32 x 32″/81.5 x 81.5cm square
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet

If you still have questions regarding what those symbols mean or how to read them, please take a look at our epic guide of Crochet symbols and abbreviations .

Don’t forget to pin this post to your Pinterest board to keep it.

If you like this pattern and want to see more of them subscribe to our cozy Pinterest page. This way you don’t miss a single new pattern.

Author: Carrie Carpenter

Crochet openwork scarves for women

Cute crochet scarf of blue daisies

Beautiful crochet scarf of fluffy triangles

If you have any questions regarding how to crochet, how to use hooks or how to open a pdf scheme and how to read it – ask them in the comments or send me a quote via contact form. I’ll do my best to help you out.

If you wish to use this pattern in any way please contact the author of the scheme mentioned in this article.

Blankets Specifications

    A gentle reminder concerning the types of blankets Project Linus chapters may accept.

Blankets must meet these National Guidelines.

Blanket Sizes

Typical blanket sizes are:            Baby size 36"x36"          Child size 45”x60”         Teen size 60”x72”

Blankets must be minimum of 36"x36" finished.

The most popular blanket is a single layer, no-sew fleece blanket - approximately 54"x60" (use 1-1/2 yards of fleece).

DO …

Crochet or knit

Weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted blankets, and PLEASE no fringe on baby blankets, it could be a choking hazard.

Secure the batting into outer seams. If the blanket is tied, please anchor it every 4-6 inches, cutting ties to 1 inch or less in length.

Tie fleece blankets

S ingle layer only. And please remove selvage before tying the knots ( see instructions ).    

Fleece with crochet around the edges (aka skip-stitch blankets)

We request a minimum of 3 rows of crochet.

Though it may sound silly, be sure your finished blankets lay flat . Take a 2nd look before you turn your blankets in. Do not turn them in if they are wavy, roll up at the edges or bunch up –  take the time to retie or redo any edges that need help before you turn them in. If they are received “un-flat”, they need to be reworked by someone before we can give them to the children – please help us minimize any rework. Thank you.

Pre-wash all fabric that you feel may cause a problem with bleeding.

Use new , clean , washable materials in infant, child or teen friendly colors. Remember, these blankets are meant to be colorful, cheerful, and cuddly.

Make blankets from 100% cotton fabric, flannel, fleece or acrylic yarn.

Check your blanket carefully for straight pins. It’s better you find that pin and not the child who receives your blanket.

Each time you donate blankets, please provide your name, address, phone #, e-mail, so that we may acknowledge your donation.

DON’T …

Don't use fleece sold at JoAnn's under the name "Make it Give it" fleece as it is too thin, and not as durable as their standard fleece.

Don’t make your blankets out of tapestry, burlap, upholstery fabric, 70’s type double knit, felt, vinyl, wool, holiday fabric or wool yarn.

Don’t attach buttons or decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard.

Don't use thick fabric paint on the surface of your blanket. Use only permanent fabric markers made specifically for fabric when coloring on muslin.

Don't use fabric that has been stored in a damp area and has a musty smell. The mold spores can cause an allergic reaction in a child and are very difficult to remove from the fabric.

Don't use yarns with metallic threads.

Don't use yarn larger than 6 ply. The size and weight of the blankets make them too heavy and unwieldy to pack in a bag of 20, which is how they are distributed.

Don't use fragrance products due to allergy concerns. This includes scented detergent, fabric softeners and softener sheets, plastics bags or body perfumes. 

Please Note …

Blankets that smell of smoke or strong chemicals (including perfumed fabric softeners), or have pet hair on them cannot be accepted as they may produce severe allergic reaction in the children. Unfortunately, washing these blankets does not always remove the problem. Please use a lint brush or roller on your blankets if they are covered with thread or lint.

Another word about pins…please check, double check and triple check your blankets for straight pins . Tags usually separate from the blankets when they are transported leaving a lost pin just waiting to poke a child. Please use only thread to attach notes to blankets.

No religious holiday fabrics or panels please (No Christmas, Easter, etc.)

Be creative! Keep in mind that children will be selecting a blanket with which to cuddle and receive comfort.

Blankets that do not meet Project Linus specifications and cannot be given to children will be returned to the blanketeer.

Welcome to the Project Linus login page. Those with a Project Linus account login here to access special sections of our website, which are:

• 2023 Mystery Quilt Challenge participants
• Chapter Management (Chapter Coordinators only)

Project Linus accounts apply to those sections listed above. Our online store is different; it only uses your email address.

A Spectacle Quilt Pattern for Project Linus

Hello from Faith over at Fresh Lemons Quilts !   This week I am really excited to share a new, simple, beginner friendly quilt pattern that also just happens to support a cause close to my heart.   Quilters are generous people.   Why do many of us make quilts?   To gift them to others—as a thank you perhaps, sometimes for a celebration, or at times to comfort those hurting.   One wonderful organization that gives comfort to children is Project Linus .

When I first began quilting, one of the first charity organizations I heard about was Project Linus.   I’ve pictured children in the hospital receiving these quilts and blankets, and been happy to know that as a quilter, I’ve done something to help them.   But recently my family was on the other side—the receiving side of a Project Linus blanket.  

As one of my children was in the hospital undergoing testing, she was very scared and upset.   We were getting her settled and before I knew it, the nurse pulled out a fleece blanket.   It happened to be navy and pink, the colors of her bedroom.   And it had a Project Linus tag on it.  For her in that moment, this magical blanket created an instant calming effect.  For me in that moment, it was an emotional realization that Project Linus makes an enormous difference for each child that receives a gift of a blanket or quilt—from you!

Today, I am happy to share a quilt pattern that I hope you will use to make a quilt for your local chapter of Project Linus , another charity close to your heart, or someone you love who needs comfort. The Spectacle Quilt consists of only one quilt block pattern, but it is rotated and alternates fabric placement to give the illusion of several different block designs.

For my quilt, I used Spectacle fabric by illustrator Christian Robinson for Cotton + Steel.  I love this fabric because of the playful nature of the amazing illustrations as well as the gender neutral and diverse designs.

Let’s get started!

Materials to Make a Spectacle Quilt

Finished Size: 50″ x 60″

Block Size: 10″ x 10″ Finished Number of Blocks: 30

The Spectacle Quilt is a mix of prints and a solid.   The center squares are sized to be charm pack friendly.   If you want to only use a charm pack for prints, simply use those for the center of all your blocks, and a solid for the border.   The quilt turns out just as cute!

Today’s pattern will cover the version seen on the above left.

Background: 1-2/3 yards of White fabric

Prints: 1-2/3 yards of print fabric

(5) 1/3 yard cuts (each 12” x 42” cut will be enough fabric for 6 blocks)*

(8) Fat Quarters (each 18″ x 21″ Fat Quarter will be enough fabric for 4 blocks)*

* I used a larger fat quarter bundle for a scrappier look of blocks.   I plan on making more quilts with the unused fabric from my bundle.

Quilt Backing, Binding and Batting:

3 yards of 42” wide Backing Fabric ** – OR – 2 yards of 57” wide Minky Fabric 54” x 66” Piece of Batting 1/2 yard Binding Fabric (optional) **

** If using 42” wide backing fabric, there will be enough left over fabric from the quilt backing for your binding.   Alternatively, you may purchase different fabric for your binding.

Cutting Instructions to Make a Spectacle Quilt

From White (Background/Solid) Fabric:

Cut (15) 5″ x 5″ squares (Block B) Cut (15) 2-1/2″ x 5″ rectangles (Block A) Cut (15) 4″ x 5″ rectangles (Block A) Cut (15) 2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangles (Block A) Cut (15) 4-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangles (Block A)

From Prints:

Cut (15) 5″ x 5″ squares (Block A) Cut (15) sets from each fabric (one set per block):

• (1) 2-1/2″ x 5″ rectangle (Block B)
• (1) 4″ x 5″ rectangle (Block B)
• (1) 2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle (Block B)
• (1) 4-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle (Block B)

If you decide to use 1/3 yard cuts or fat quarters for your quilt, I thought I’d share some cutting layout diagrams so you can get the most out of your fabric. The 1/3 yard diagram on the left below shows how to cut enough prints for those portions of 3 Block A’s and 3 Block B’s. The fat quarter diagram shows how to cut enough prints for 2 Block A’s and 2 Block B’s.

Instructions to Make Quilt Block A

First, let’s make all the blocks with the white background and print center.

Step 1: Select (1) print 5″ x 5″ square, (1) white 2-1/2″ x 5″ rectangle, (1) white 4″ x 5″ rectangle, (1) white 2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle, and (1) white 4-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle.

Step 2: Lay out your fabric as shown.

Step 3: Stitch the white 2-1/2″ x 5″ rectangle and white 4″ x 5″ rectangle to the left and right of the center print square, as shown.   Press your seams as desired.

Step 4: Stitch the white 2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle and white 4-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle to the top and bottom of your block, as shown.   Press your seams as desired.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 1 – 4 to create (15) 10-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ white/print quilt blocks.

Instructions to Make Quilt Block B

Now let’s make the blocks with the white centers and print background.

Step 6: Select (1) white 5″ x 5″ square, (1) set of matching prints :   (1) 2-1/2″ x 5″ rectangle, (1) 4″ x 5″ rectangle, (1) 2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle, and (1) 4-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle.

Step 7: Lay out your fabric as shown.

Step 8: Stitch the print 2-1/2″ x 5″ rectangle and print 4″ x 5″ rectangle to the left and right of the center white square, as shown.   Press your seams as desired.

Step 9: Stitch the print 2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle and print 4-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ rectangle to the top and bottom of your block, as shown.   Press your seams as desired.

Step 10: Repeat Steps 5 – 9 to create (15) 10-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ print/white quilt blocks.

Instructions to Assemble the Quilt Top

Step 1: Collect your (30) finished quilt blocks.   Alternating block fabric choices and rotating blocks as desired, lay out your quilt.   This quilt has 5 blocks across and 6 blocks down. I had to lay my quilt out sideways to fit on my design wall.

Step 2: Stitch your blocks together into rows.   Press your seams in alternating directions as the previous row.

Step 3: Stitch your rows together to form your finished quilt top.

Backing, Quilting and Finishing the Quilt

Step 1: Collect the backing, batting, and binding supplies.

Step 2: If using 42″ wide backing fabric, cut your 3 yards of backing fabric in half, resulting in (2) pieces of fabric 42″ x 54″. Stitch fabric together along the 42″ side, resulting in a backing that measures 83-1/2″ x 54″.   Trim backing to 66″ x 54″.   Reserve the 17-1/2″ x 54″ section for binding.

If using 57″ wide Minky fabric for your backing, there is no need to alter your cut of fabric.

Step 3: Collect your quilt top, batting, and quilt backing.   Baste your quilt.   Please see my How to Pin Baste a Quilt for a tutorial.

Step 4: Quilt your quilt.   I quilted mine in a meandering design using my BERNINA 770QE’s BSR foot .

Step 5: If you are using your backing scrap fabric for your binding, Cut (5) strips measuring 2-1/2” x 54” from your backing scraps.

If you are using different binding yardage, cut (6) 2-1/2″ x 42″ (WOF = width of fabric) strips from your binding fabric.   Bind your quilt.   If you are new to quilt binding, see my tutorial for complete directions .

Donate your finished quilt !

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9 comments on “a spectacle quilt pattern for project linus”.

Your layout for the FQ diagram won’t work. The 5x5s should be switched with the 4 x 5s. Otherwise, you will need a piece more like 19″ along one side.

…and then arrange the 5 x 5s in a different way somehow at the bottom.

Sorry…insomniac here. I just looked at your Fat eighth layout, and you’ve mislabeled the 4 x 5 rectangles and 2 1/2 x 5s. You switched them with each other. Maybe edit so people don’t get confused.

It is not a fat eighth. It is 1/3 yard with of fabric. Just sayin’

Would like to print this pattern. Is it possible?

Our WeAllSew blog content is posted in an open format. If you wish to print the post, you can easily print the tutorials directly from your screen. If you attempt to print directly from the screen a pdf will be generated for your convenience. Please give it a try.

Thank you for reading WeAllSew!

Faith, this is a delightful quilt and perfect for Project Linus! Your instructions and illustrations are so thorough and easy to follow. It’s very obvious that it comes from the heart. Thank you!

The 3/ fat quarter layout on Facebook is actually 20″ wide. I see the layout above that gets 2 per fat quarter but I did finally redo a layout that truly does get 3/FQ IF the FQ is a full 21.5″ long or if a regular 1/4 yd is 42.5″ wide. I have a diagram drawn out on EQ7 but don’t know how to add it to this. I did put it in a comment on the shared Facebook link but don’t know if others can get to one shared on my friend’s page. PM me with an email address if you would like a screen shot of the layout I came up with.

Faith, I sew for Project Linus, too. TY so much for the testimony. I sent it to my PL coordinator to share the free pattern and how much the quilt meant to you and your daughter. Love thke pattern. Love the heart warming testimony. Hope all is well with your family.

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• September 2023
• August 2023

Helping children in need

Give us a call: 1-828-645-8800.

Blankets can be knitted, sewn, crochet, quilted, or tied fleece in a pattern of your choice. Blankets must be new, handmade, and washable. They must also be child-friendly. They must be free of smoke, fabric softeners, highly scented detergents, and pet dander. They should not have buttons or other embelleshments that might be harmful if detached.

Pattern choice is up to the blanket maker, but we suggest no large holes in knitted or crochet blankets in the smaller size as little hands can get caught. No fringe on small blankets as that is too tempting to eat.

Suggested sizes:

Small 35" x 45" and up

Medium 40" x 50" and up

Large 45" x 60" and up

Quick Quilt

Pillow Afhgan

No Sew Fringe Blanket

Machine Quilt

"The best kind of sleep under heaven above,

Is under a blanket handmade with love".

Lili's Hug ©

Link to additional patterns at

PROJECT LINUS PATTERNS

Project Linus

Fort wayne / northeast indiana chapter, latest news, the project linus workshop is temporarily closed because the owner of our current space has decided to repurpose the building where we are located.  we are actively looking for a new space and welcome any suggestions or leads you might have  that we can pursue.  we need a space about 1,000-1,500 square feet that we can use rent free with utilities provided.  please contact the chapter coordinator for further details on our needs for a space.  in the meantime, we have moved the vast majority of our supplies and equipment into storage so that renovations can begin on our old space.  we will have limited work sessions as needed to process new blankets and fulfill requests for blankets to be delivered.  please know that we appreciate your continued support of our chapter., deb heath is the new chapter coordinator for project linus fort wayne/northeast indiana,  she can be reached at:, 9831 greenmoor drive, new haven, in 46774, 260-438-6575, [email protected], infant – 36×36″ to 38×38″, toddler – 38×38″ to 45×50″, elementary – 45×50″ to 50×60″, pre-teen/teen – 50×60″ to 60×72″.

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• Drop-Off Locations

New Locations for Drop-offs

Please see the recent location changes

for those businesses that serve as

Drop-off Locations to safely take

your completed blankets!

Chapter Meeting Schedule

                                                Chapter Meetings 2023-2024

May 4, 2023

Sept. 7, 2023

Oct. 5, 2023

Nov. 2, 2023

Dec. 7, 2023

Jan. 4, 2024

Feb. 1, 2024

March 7, 2024

April 4, 2024

May 2, 2024

What is Project Linus?

Project Linus is a national non-profit organization with a two-fold mission:

     First, to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."

     Second, to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested 

individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.