Things sewn using the bonbon (bombon) technique help to add coziness, decorate a room, and create a warm atmosphere at home. The technique is often used when assembling a blanket. Imagination in this style helps to sew beautiful carpets, bedspreads, pillows, ottomans, educational baby rugs, discharge envelopes and crib bumpers.
What is it and what is it eaten with?
Initially, such a blanket was intended solely for decorative use. The patchwork technique in one form or another exists among almost all nations. "Bonbon" is a variation of this technique. At one time there was a catastrophic shortage of fabric, and every free scrap was used in the work. Therefore, the blankets turned out to be very colorful and varied in texture.
Bonbon is a type of patchwork technique.
Today this model has several names: “Bonbon”, “Biscuit”, “Marshmallow”, “pouf blanket” and the like. Since modern craftswomen have no shortage of materials, the blankets turn out to be very impressive and presentable. Even if the accessory is made from multi-colored fabrics, the palette is carefully selected. The technology for creating a Bonbon blanket is considered a type of decorative and applied art, and the result looks more textured and unusual compared to regular patchwork.
This blanket is made using the technique of stuffed patches.
This unusual blanket has two sides: the back side, which is more even (probably, it would be more accurate to say, flat), and the front side, consisting of square fragments of the same size. The edge of the blanket is decorated in different ways: it can be just a wide edging, or in addition to the edging, a lace braid or frill with small pompoms can be used.
In addition to the blanket, you can also sew bumpers on the crib.
What material is used
To sew a blanket from squares, you need to select not only the fabric for the cover, but also the filling. The durability of the product will depend on the quality of the material chosen.
Case material
For the reverse side, it is advisable to give preference to natural textiles, mainly cotton:
- satin;
- ranfors;
- satin-satin.
After all, it is this part that comes into most contact with the skin.
For the front side, you can already take semi-synthetic or synthetic fabric.
Filler
The filling for a “marshmallow” blanket is also selected taking into account a number of factors. But it is padding polyester and holofiber that are considered popular. You should not use cotton wool, as when washed it will crumple and the “bubbles” will simply lose their shape.
Practical or just pretty?
The “Bonbon” blanket is not just a unique thing, but also a practical accessory. Such a model will easily become a spectacular accent of the interior, emphasizing the sense of style of its owners. Moreover, the blanket will reliably cover and warm you.
The blanket, sewn in the bonbon style, is warm and light.
The product is truly multifunctional:
- Can be used for its intended purpose as a blanket.
- Some people prefer to use this accessory as a blanket or bedspread.
- Depending on the size, it can easily cope with the role of a cover for a chair, armchair, or ottoman.
- It quickly transforms into a blanket-cocoon, reliably covering you in an armchair or on the sofa.
- For a children's room it can be used as a rug for a baby who has just learned to sit. Tiny ottomans will soften the fall.
It can also be used as a mattress for a baby. It will reliably protect the baby from impact when falling.
Additional functions
The design of the bonbon blanket allows it to be used not only for interior decoration and heating. If there is a child in the house, he can crawl around and spend time actively.
The printed patterns and bright elements of a bonbon blanket are a good alternative to an expensive developmental rug.
The child will love the educational elements of the bonbon blanket
A light bonbon blanket can also serve as a temporary curtain. Its light weight makes it possible to place it as a bedspread on a window or the side of a bed. Sunlight and wind do not penetrate through the fabric and filling, so the bonbon blanket will be good protection from adverse external conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any model, this blanket has its strengths and weaknesses. “Bonbons” are rightfully considered exclusive; they are not created en masse, which means that having such an accessory, you can rest assured that you have acquired a unique item of its kind. After all, even if your model was made by a needlewoman who made your neighbor happy with the same blanket, it will not be absolutely identical. And this is the beauty of hand-made.
The blanket has two sides - the wrong side (smoother) and the front side, consisting of stuffed squares.
And due to the fact that fabric of different colors can be used in the work, you can order (or sew yourself) a blanket with any pattern: from primitive diagonal stripes to some kind of ornament.
This blanket can be made monochromatic or multi-colored. It looks great both in a children's room and in an adult's bedroom.
Advantages:
- Thermal properties are not inferior to ordinary blankets. Reliably protect from cold and drafts.
- Thanks to the use of modern lightweight fillings, this unusual blanket is lightweight, so it can be used for both adults and children.
- Most are made from natural materials, and, as a result, are ideal even for allergy sufferers or very sensitive people.
- Large range of sizes available. Bonbon blankets are made for newborns, small children, teenagers, as well as for adults, and even for the elderly.
- The models feature a natural lining on the reverse side, which provides additional comfort while sleeping.
- There is always a choice: buy just a blanket or a complete set, which includes additional covers, as well as pillows, either made using the Bonbon technique, or regular models, but in the appropriate colors.
- Modern materials are used as filler, which are not only light in weight, but also resistant to the appearance of all kinds of microorganisms, and are also easy to clean.
- For blankets made using the bonbon technique, dense textiles are used that do not allow dust to pass through and do not contribute to the appearance of dust mites, which can cause redness and itching in a child (and even an adult).
- Such blankets are very mobile; if desired, they can be rolled up very tightly and stored in any drawer or niche where they will take up minimal space.
- Not only a professional craftsman, but also a novice needlewoman will be able to create her own masterpiece called “Bonbon”. The technique is quite simple (especially since there are accessible instructions), and at the same time interesting. So you can ensure yourself several unforgettable evenings doing what you love with a practical end result.
- This is a wonderful gift for loved ones. You will not only provide them with the necessary and beautiful thing, but also give them a piece of yourself.
- For the most part, Bonbon blankets are easy to care for; they can even be machine washed on a delicate cycle at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees.
- Finally, such an unusual blanket will decorate any interior. In addition, “Bonbon” always looks stylish and expensive. So, even skeptics about hand-made are thinking about purchasing such an accessory.
A plain version of the marshmallow blanket.
Unfortunately, it was not without its shortcomings either. Although, these are rather not shortcomings in the full negative sense of the word, but rather features of the use of the blanket. For example, many are accustomed to using regular blankets as an addition to a mattress, increasing the softness of the latter. Bonbon is not suitable for this purpose, since the uneven surface of the blanket interferes with the correct position of the back. This is especially critical for infants and young children.
For small children, this version of the blanket cannot be used as a mattress.
The next nuance is the limited form options. Since the blanket is made from square elements, it can be either square or rectangular when finished. Also, restrictions relate to the size of the elements themselves: if you make the “ottomans” too large, the blanket will look rough and unattractive, and the design will become completely incomprehensible.
The shape of this blanket can be square or rectangular.
Another nuance concerns drying the blanket. After washing, you can't just hang it up and wait for it to dry. This model should only be dried in a horizontal position, avoiding the use of any heating devices or iron.
It is necessary to dry the “Marshmallow” in a horizontal position away from heating devices.
Making a blanket with the unusual name “Bonbon” will take time and perseverance, but the result will definitely please you. Such models fit very harmoniously into the “girly” interior of a nursery, but boys, most likely, are unlikely to appreciate the uniqueness of the model. Therefore, if your family does not have little princesses, but only growing knights, it is better to buy an ordinary blanket for them.
Any boy, even a teenager, will like this blanket.
Varieties
Blankets with ottomans are made in two types: for children and for adults. The difference between the models is in color, finish, and, of course, size.
For children's models, fabrics with cartoon prints or delicate colors (pink and white, mint, etc.) are used. Very often, blankets for children are produced as a set and are distinguished by a different texture for each product, for example, blankets made using the “Bonbon” technique, and pillows are figured, but made using conventional techniques and harmonizing in color with the blanket.
Set - bonbon blanket and pillows.
Blankets for adults are made in more subdued colors. If the material is not monochromatic, then it is a floral print or a discreet ornament. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that there are no strict rules in choosing the color of the material.
Bonbon in an adult's bedroom looks no less cozy and original.
If you like bright colors, use them, just make sure that the interior is not too overloaded with multicolors.
Bonbon bedspreads for adults are made in more subdued colors.
Standard marshmallow blankets for adults are complemented by regular pillowcases made from pouffe textiles. In this case, the set turns out to be interesting and not “flashy”.
A soft and warm product can perform many functions and will be useful to every family member.
How to sew a blanket yourself
Making a bonbon blanket with your own hands is not at all difficult. It's worth noting that there are at least two ways to create a spectacular Bonbon blanket.
Sewing such a blanket is not too difficult. Any beginning seamstress can handle it.
First way
It all starts with a diagram and pattern. On a separate sheet of paper, draw a diagram of your future masterpiece. The more detailed the diagram, the easier it will be to implement it. Carefully note not only the dimensions of the ottomans, but also the colors and the final design you want to achieve.
First, draw a diagram of the blanket and decide on the dimensions.
After this, we proceed to the main part of the work. We cut out squares of two sizes. For example, one with a side of 15 cm, and the other with a side of 21 cm. They are cleaved together in this way: to reduce the side of a larger square, folds are made. Their number can be from 2 to 4. Then three sides of the square are stitched, and the fourth is left for subsequent turning and stuffing with filler. Now they can be sewn together on a typewriter. Having made the required number of “ottomans”, they are customized onto the base fabric, and then the edge of the blanket is processed in any way convenient for you.
The squares are connected to each other and stitched.
Second way
This option is considered simpler in execution, only the blanket turns out to be monochromatic and not very embossed. The fabric on the front side is drawn into squares and stitched along the marked lines. Just remember to add folds in each square, otherwise you will end up with a regular quilt. Gauze is sewn to the wrong side. Then a hole is made in each purl gauze square, and the squares are filled with holofiber or padding polyester. After all the squares have been filled, the backing fabric is hemmed. At the final stage, the edge is processed.
In this case, the fabric is simply sewn into squares and stuffed with filler. The blanket turns out to be one color and not very embossed.
The "Bonbon" blanket is a stylish and functional thing. It will decorate your interior and will delight your loved ones if you decide to give them a handmade gift.
Bonbon blanket sizes
The dimensions of the bombon blanket itself are no different from the standard sizes of blankets placed in a child's crib, on a single bed or on a large double bed. It is only important to focus on the size of the squares, the side of which can vary from 10 to 30 cm in different versions.
The most popular blanket sizes are: 80x160, 100x120, 100x160, 120x60, 120x90, 120x120 cm.