Yak Blanket Free Tutorial: An Easy Minky & Flannel Blanket You’ll Make Again and Again
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small kickback from the seller for recommending products here, but this comes at no extra cost to you.
If you’ve been around Modern Textiles for a while, chances are you’ve heard whispers of the Yak Blanket. (And no—there’s no actual yak involved.) This cozy blanket has been a fan favorite with OG Modern Textiles followers since way back in the 2010s, and for good reason. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, endlessly customizable, and downright addictive to make.
I originally designed this blanket when I needed a fast, satisfying project—the kind you can knock out in an afternoon but still feel proud to gift. With the holidays approaching (or baby showers popping up, or just a strong urge to sew something cozy), the Yak Blanket free tutorial popped back into my brain. And honestly? It deserved its moment in the spotlight again.
Whether you’re brand new to sewing with minky or you’re a seasoned quilter looking for a no-stress project, this easy minky blanket tutorial is one you’ll come back to again and again.
👉 Grab the Yak Blanket Free Tutorial Here
Why the Yak Blanket Is a Must-Make Project
Let’s talk about why this blanket works so well—especially if you’re short on time or sewing energy.
First, there’s no quilting required. That alone makes this project a winner when life is busy. You’re working with two cozy layers—minky on one side and flannel on the other—which makes it perfect for throws, couch blankets, and even receiving blankets for babies.
Second, the construction is simple and forgiving. This isn’t one of those projects where everything needs to be cut within a hair’s width of perfection. The Yak Blanket was designed to be approachable, even if you’ve never sewn with slippery minky before.
And finally, it’s a project that feels useful. These blankets get used. They get washed. They live on couches, beds, and in cars. They’re the kind of handmade item people reach for daily—and that, in my opinion, is the best kind of sewing.
Choosing the Right Minky: Llama Luxe by Shannon Fabrics
The secret sauce of this blanket is the minky. Not all minky is created equal, and choosing the right one makes a huge difference in both the sewing experience and the finished result.
For this easy minky and flannel blanket tutorial, I used Llama Luxe Minky by Shannon Fabrics, which I purchased from Lakes Makerie in Minneapolis. They’re one of my favorite shops for specialty textiles—quick shipping, careful packaging, and fabrics that arrive looking exactly as you expect (which matters when you’re ordering plush fabrics online).
Llama Luxe has the perfect balance of softness and structure. It’s plush without being overly heavy, which makes it easier to manage under your sewing machine while still delivering that luxurious feel everyone loves.
I chose the ivory color, and yes—this was a strategic decision. These blankets are meant to be used often, washed, and loved hard. Choosing a an off-white color helps keep them looking fresh longer. Let’s just call it proactively keeping it clean.
That said, Llama Luxe also comes in:
- Bright white
- Sand
- And occasional limited runs in colors like grey, denim blue, rosewater, and black
(If that black sounds familiar, it’s the same one I used for my Ruby the Bear Rug.)
👉 Grab the Yak Blanket Free Tutorial Here
The Perfect Pairing: Flannel Backing That Gets Better with Use
On the flip side of the blanket is flannel—and this is where you can really have fun with personality.
For this flannel and minky blanket tutorial, I chose Mammoth flannel by Robert Kaufman in a red and grey buffalo check. It’s casual, cozy, and has just the right amount of visual interest to balance the simplicity of the minky.
Mammoth flannel is one of my go-to choices because it:
- Washes beautifully
- Gets softer over time
- Has a substantial feel without being stiff
When I’m sewing gifts—especially blankets—I gravitate toward fabrics I genuinely love. If I wouldn’t keep it in my own house, it doesn’t make the cut. And honestly? If the recipient doesn’t fall in love with it, it very happily finds a cozy home with me.
That’s one of the reasons this design works so well for gifting. It fits almost any home aesthetic, from modern to rustic, and it feels thoughtful without being overly precious.
A Great Option for Baby Gifts & Receiving Blankets
One of the most common ways this tutorial gets used is for receiving blankets, and it’s easy to see why.
The Yak Blanket is:
- Soft against sensitive skin
- Warm without being heavy
- Durable enough for frequent washing
You can easily size it down for baby use, making it an excellent option for showers, new parents, or charity sewing. Swap in playful flannel prints, softer color palettes, or themed fabrics to match a nursery—and you’ve got a handmade gift that’s both practical and meaningful.
If you’re new to sewing with minky, starting with a receiving blanket size is a great confidence booster before moving on to larger throws.
Tips for Sewing with Minky (Without Losing Your Mind)
If minky has intimidated you in the past, you’re not alone. It’s soft, stretchy, and has a mind of its own—but a few simple tips make all the difference:
- Use lots of clips or pins. Minky loves to shift..
- Walk your machine slowly. There’s no rush—slow and steady wins here.
- Don’t overthink perfection. This blanket is forgiving by design.
- Expect fluff. Lint rollers and vacuums are your friends once your blanket is complete.
The Yak Blanket tutorial walks you through everything step by step, making this a truly beginner-friendly project—even if it’s your first time working with plush fabric.
👉 Grab the Yak Blanket Free Tutorial Here
Optional Longarm Quilting Services
This blanket does not require quilting—part of its charm is how quick and cozy it is without extra steps. However, if you’re new around here, I also offer professional longarm quilting services for hire.
I quilt:
- Modern quilts
- Traditional quilts
- Custom projects
- And yes—even whole cloth quilts you want finished beautifully
I now offer binding services as well, so you can send off your quilt top and get back a fully finished quilt, ready to gift or enjoy.
If you’re interested in longarm quilting or binding services, feel free to email me for details and availability.
👉 Learn More About My Longarm Quilting Services
Why This Is a Project You’ll Make More Than Once
Ask anyone who’s made this blanket and they’ll tell you—the Yak Blanket is rarely a one-and-done project.
Once you finish the first, you start mentally assigning the next one:
- One for the couch
- One for a gift
- One for the car
- One “just in case”
It’s fast, cozy, customizable, and satisfying—everything a great sewing project should be.
Stay in the Loop with Modern Textiles
If you enjoyed this free blanket tutorial and want more projects like it, I’d love to have you join the Modern Textiles community.
When you subscribe to my weekly newsletter, you’ll get:
- New quilt patterns and free sewing patterns
- Helpful quilting tips and tricks
- Fresh projects straight off the longarm
- Updates from my sewing and quilting business
Plus, when you sign up, you’ll receive a free pillowcase pattern delivered straight to your inbox.