Blanket Guidelines

We accept new, handmade blankets--quilts, afghans, fleece and flannel blankets.
You are encouraged to attach your name and address to your blanket, as many parents like to send thank you notes to acknowledge your treasured gift.
We always have a need for "boy" blankets and teen sized blankets. Blankets with animals, cars, and sports teams (Hurricanes, Panthers, NC State, UNC, ECU, etc.) are GREAT!

Blanket Sizes:
Baby - 30" x 30" or 30" x 36"
Child - 40" x 60"
Teen - 45" x 72"
These are approximate sizes - kids AND blankets come in all sizes. These are guidelines to help you and are not rules.

Fleece Blankets - Please cut off the selvage on the edges of the fleece before finishing the blanket. You may fringe the edges or finish them with a crochet or serged edge. There are many ways to make a fleece blanket that do not involve sewing! Look in the "Links" section for ideas...
Quilts - Please make quilts from cotton or flannel. Quilts need to be washable and durable since they will be laundered many, many times. Low loft batting is preferred. Secure the batting into outer seams and tie or quilt it every 4". Batting will disintegrate if quilted too far apart. Cut yarn and crochet thread ties no longer than 1" -1½" in length. DMC thread is colorful and easier to use than yarn.
Afghans - Use small knitting needles or crochet hooks and soft yarn to make preemie/baby afghans. Little fingers and toes, and medical instruments, can get caught in big stitches. If you prefer using larger size crochet hooks or knitting needles, please consider making bigger afghans in larger child and teen sizes. Weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted afghans, do not just tie and cut them off since yarn stretches and knots may come apart on your wonderful work!

General Guidelines:
Make blankets from new, clean, washable materials in infant, child or teen friendly colors. Remember, these blankets should be colorful, cheerful, and cuddly. Crochet, knit, quilt or tie your blankets, or finish the edges of polar fleece.
Please check, double check, and triple check your blanket carefully for straight pins. It's better you find that pin and not the child who receives your blanket. Don't attach buttons or similar decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard to children.

Please Don't...Don't make blankets out of tapestry, upholstery fabric, burlap, felt, vinyl, wool, wool yarn, or any other scratchy fabrics or laces. Don't attach buttons or similar decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard to children. Don't use paint to decorate a blanket. The thick stuff peels off - we don't want a child eating it. Other kinds of paint rub off.
Please DO...Do have fun and include love in the blankets. Do know that even one blanket makes a difference in the life of a sad or ill child or teen and their family. You make a difference in Project Linus!

Project Linus chapter coordinators are instructed by Project Linus National Office to ONLY accept blankets that are of excellent quality and free from contaminants including smoky smells, pet hair or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. If unusually strong smells due to detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, mold and mildew or smoking products are apparent, most hospitals will discard the blanket rather than jeopardize the health of a patient.

Thank you for helping to make sure that Project Linus blankets are safe and healthy, and will bring only comfort and security to a child in need.