There’s this magical thing that happens in the summer where we live. It’s called Concert in the Park, and once a week for six weeks the community puts together a concert band and the band plays onstage at a park in our neighborhood. Everybody who’s not in the band comes to watch and have picnics. And let me tell you, the picnic game is fierce. You have to go the night before and set out your blanket if you want a spot or it’ll all be taken up. People bring out their best gear — I’m talking white tablecloths on picnic tables, candles lit, the whole shebang. I like to keep it simple but I did want to fancy up a picnic blanket this year, mostly so we would be able to recognize it in the sea of blankets. So clearly a little giant embroidery was in order!
We also stocked up on some primo picnic gear from AllModern! (Now I won’t have to feel like a schlub next to the white tablecloths.) Read on for the picnic blanket how-to, and details on our favorite picnicking pieces.
Materials
- striped blanket
- yarn
- large sewing needle for knitting
- scissors
- colored chalk
Make Time: 2 Hours
Step 1: Sketch out your design on the blanket using the colored chalk. Be sure you make a mark dark enough to remain visible.
Step 2: Thread your needle with the yarn, tying a knot at the end. Begin embroidering at the end of your first word, using a split stitch. This diagram is better than I could ever create — check it out if you don’t know a split stitch! If you run out of yarn, tie a hidden knot behind the blanket and thread your needle with a new piece. Knot it to your old piece and continue your split stitch.
Step 3: When you’ve embroidered your whole design, knot your yarn firmly at the back of the blanket and snip the ends.
I love this blanket! We’ve started keeping it in our car just in case — ya know, for picnic emergencies. And when we’re toting stuff to and from the park, that basket with leather handles has been the perfect carry-all. Check out a few more of our recommendations for a perfect picnic!
For cheeses and charcuterie // Cheese Tray + Tool Set
For lounging // Mrs. Pillow + Coral Pillow
For outdoor dining // Retro Glasses + Plates
For sharing food // Marble Lazy Susan
For a family-style dish // Oval Platter
For small extras // Buttering Board
For carrying it all // Half Moon Basket
Do you have anything in your town like our Concert in the Park? Do you go? I don’t know what it is but I just love an event that brings the community together like that, especially in the summer. Hope you make yourself one of this fun little blankets and find a place to picnic soon! xoxo
Product for this post graciously provided by AllModern.
Cute! I love this idea, Chels.
Sounds like a fabulous time! Picnics during the summer is such a fun idea and I can definitely use a cute blanket to use.
-The Office Stylist
How amazing is that picnic blanket?! We’ll definitely be recreating this over the summer!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Yay! Share pics if you make your own, I’d love to see!
This is such a lovely picnic blanket! Looks perfect!
This is so cute for summer! It really makes me want to go out on a picnic.
THIS IS THE CUTEST THING. I neeeeed to make one that matches my picnic basket!
Do it!
This is so cute–what a great idea!
xx Hannah // TheCheapishly.com
Ummmm. I want one. I want this one. This is the cutest!
Thanks Lex!
This is so stinkin’ cute! Love the size of the stitches!
Thanks doll! 🙂
What a creative way to make your picnic blanket unique! I think it would be a great idea for different holidays/parties/etc! Cute share! 🙂
Lovely blanket! Really great idea! Do you mind if I share it to my blog? 🙂
Adorable! I love this idea!
What type yarn did you use? Brand? Cotton or acrylic?
SO cute! Love this!
The best picnic blankets are ones that you can spread out and lay comfortably on. This DIY embroidery picnic blanket looks like that! Its huge, which is exactly what I like when laying outdoors.
This Blanket is really beautiful. Cool colors!!
WOW this picnic blanket is so beautiful and cushions are so cute. I love this design