DIY Giant Embroidery Picnic Blanket

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! (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.

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