Need advice on receiving blankets please
 

A coworker's DIL is expecting twins and I wanted to do something simple. I made two of the self-binding receiving blankets on Missouri Start QC tuts. They were quick and easy to do but I think they look too plain. I used an owl print for the backing that comes around to the front but used a small dot for the front fabric. I thought about appliqueing an owl on each one but there is no batting inside and I don't know if I can machine applique on just two layers of fabric. I used quilter's cotton, not flannel. Anyone out there done that before?

I just made one this week with flannel.They are so easy and cute. I traced a heart in the middle and outlined it with a 3.5 straight stitch. lorraine

Been awhile since I did any receiving blankets, but I often did summer ones out of seersucker, just stitch around the edge, turn inside out then outline stitch around the outer edge so seam stayed flat. Did burp cloths the same way only out of contrasting or coordinating flannel.

Two layers of cotton SHOULD be OK to applique as long as you don't use a satin stitch. But to make sure, do a sample piece and/or use a wash-out stabilizer.

I would probably put a piece of paper under the blanket & use it as a stabilizer then just rip it away later. I use newsprint or even typing paper.... it may dull your needle a little but well worth it to keep your appliqué from puckering.

You can applique with two layers of cotton. I would use "stitch and tear" as a stabilizer. A satin stitch will work fine. It will rip right off when you are finished.

I just applicaid some leaves on a quilt top. I used iron on double sided sticky stuff/heat and bond and stitch around it with a zig-zag stitch. I am thinking this is correct way to put on applique. Is this correct way or is there a better way????

Receiving blankets are fine but I'll tell you what I make for newborns. I make burb cloths with flannel and batting in between. I made 6 of them for my daughter (3 per yard) and she loved them. When you purchase them in the store they are so thin that they really don't absorb well. I made them like a pillowcase, left about 4" open and turned them inside out and hand sewed them closed. I then machine quilted them on the diagonal. She always encourages me to make them for baby gifts instead of buying a gift.