Sew a weatherproof picnic blanket

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What you need:

● Old wool blanket

● Tape measure

● Oilcloth

● Scissors

● Pins

● Needle and thread

Takes about an hour: basic sewing skills needed

Before you begin

This is a quick way to transform a blanket or throw into a practical damp-proof rug. PVC or oilcloth fabric is available in a wide range of patterned designs at John Lewis. We've used green spot oilcloth, £16 a metre, but if you'd prefer something floral, look at fabrics from Cath Kidston. If you want to insulate the rug further, add a layer of wadding between the blanket and the oilcloth.

How it's done

Carefully cut off any fringing on the blanket. Measure the blanket and cut your oilcloth to the same size.

Lay the oilcloth face down, then lay the blanket face side up on top. If you're adding a layer of wadding, place this between the two layers.

Fold each side of the oilcloth and blanket over so the edges of the oilcloth are on top, creating an 8cm border all the way around. Pin in place as you go.

Fold all four corners in to form a neat mitred seam and, again, pin in place. The oilcloth can then be sewn on to the blanket all the way around with a simple hemming stitch.

You could use a sewing machine, but if you've added wadding, the three layers may be too thick to manage. Then sew mitred corners together using a slip stitch.

 Text: Maxine Brady. Photos: Simon Scarboro 

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