You’re sitting there, maybe on a Sunday morning with the pre-game show humming in the background, and you realize your living room is missing something. Specifically, something purple. If you've ever felt the itch to make a tie blanket or a custom seat cushion for M&T Bank Stadium, you’ve probably searched for baltimore ravens fleece fabric. It seems simple, right? Just buy the one with the bird on it.
Well, it’s not always that easy.
Between the different weights, the "pilling" issues, and the weird legal fine print, buying a few yards can get surprisingly complicated.
The Difference Between a Great Blanket and a "Fuzz Monster"
Honestly, most people don't realize that not all fleece is created equal. If you walk into a big-box craft store, you’ll likely see two main types: Anti-Pill and Blizzard.
Anti-pill fleece is the gold standard for Ravens fans. It’s treated so that those annoying little lint balls don't form after three washes. It's usually 100% polyester, about 58 to 60 inches wide, and has a smooth finish that makes the logo look crisp.
Then there’s Blizzard fleece. It’s often a bit cheaper. It’s thicker and warmer, sure, but it’s notorious for "shedding" or getting that shaggy, worn-out look quickly. If you're making a "no-sew" tie blanket—the kind where you just knot the edges together—you really want the anti-pill variety. Why? Because the knots hold better and don't turn into a matted mess after a season of use.
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What’s Actually in the Material?
Basically, you’re looking at a synthetic powerhouse.
- Fiber: 100% Polyester.
- Weight: Usually around 1lb per yard or a medium-weight 200-300 GSM.
- Stretch: Most has a 2-way stretch (it stretches side-to-side, not up-and-down).
The "Personal Use Only" Trap
Here is where things get a bit sticky. You’ll notice a disclaimer on almost every site selling baltimore ravens fleece fabric. It says something like: “This fabric is for individual consumption only. Any unauthorized use is prohibited.”
What does that actually mean?
It means the NFL is very protective of their brand. You can totally buy five yards and make ten blankets for your cousins or a custom hoodie for yourself. That’s "personal use." But the moment you try to sell those blankets on Etsy or at a local Maryland craft fair, you’re technically infringing on their license.
Most people don't get a "cease and desist" for selling one scarf to a neighbor, but if you're planning a side hustle, just know that the license you bought with the fabric doesn't cover commercial sales.
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Where to Actually Buy the Good Stuff
You can find Ravens prints at the usual suspects like Hobby Lobby or Joann, but the designs vary wildly. Sometimes you’ll find a "tossed" logo print (tiny logos scattered everywhere) and other times you’ll find the "block" or "distressed" look.
If you're looking for something specific, online retailers like Fabric Empire or various Etsy shops often carry older or specialized prints that the big chains might not have in stock. Prices usually hover around $16.95 to $22.00 per yard, though you can often catch it on sale for around $12.00 if you’re patient.
A quick pro-tip: If you’re ordering online, check the "bolt size." If you need a massive amount for a group project, a full bolt is typically 10 to 12 yards. Buying the whole bolt sometimes nets you a discount, and more importantly, it ensures the dye lot matches perfectly across the whole project.
How Not to Ruin Your Ravens Gear
You finished the project. It looks great. Now, how do you keep that purple from fading into a sad, dusty lavender?
Fleece is a plastic-based product (polyester), which means heat is its number one enemy. If you throw your Ravens blanket in a hot dryer, the fibers will literally melt and fuse together. This is what makes fleece feel "crunchy" over time.
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- Wash it cold. Always. Use a gentle cycle.
- Skip the fabric softener. This sounds counterintuitive because you want it soft, but softener actually coats the fibers and makes them less breathable and more prone to pilling.
- Air dry or tumble dry low. If you have the space, just hang it up. If not, use the lowest heat setting possible and pull it out while it’s still a tiny bit damp.
Beyond the Tie Blanket: Creative Uses
While the no-sew blanket is the "king" of fleece projects, there’s a lot more you can do with a yard or two of baltimore ravens fleece fabric.
Since it doesn't fray when you cut it, you can make:
- Stadium Seat Cushions: Wrap a piece of foam in fleece and staple it to a plywood base.
- Dog Bandanas: A simple triangle cut is all you need. No hemming required.
- Draft Stoppers: Stuff a long tube of fabric with rice or dried beans to keep the Maryland winter wind from coming under your door.
- Hand Warmers: Small squares filled with flaxseed that you can microwave (just make sure the thread you use is 100% cotton so it doesn't melt!).
What to Look for Right Now
When you're out shopping or browsing online, look for the "Official Licensed Product" seal. It’s not just about being "legal"—it's about the color. Unlicensed knockoff fabric often gets the "Ravens Purple" wrong. It’ll look too blue or too burgundy. Real licensed fabric uses the specific Pantone colors authorized by the team, so it’ll actually match your official jersey.
Check the selvage (the edge of the fabric) for the NFL logo and the manufacturer’s name, like Fabric Traditions. That’s your guarantee that you’re getting the real deal.
To get started, measure your space or your project dimensions—a standard twin-size throw usually requires 2 yards for the top and 2 yards for the bottom—and check the "Anti-Pill" label specifically to ensure your hard work lasts through the playoffs and beyond.