How to fold a Pocket Blanket

The short version.

4 folds into a strip. 4 folds into a bundle. Then into the pouch.

Watch how to fold it

To fold a pocket blanket, fold it in half lengthwise four times to make a narrow strip. Then halve the strip four times into a palm-sized bundle and slide it into the pouch. The step-by-step guide below shows each fold for the BEARZ Outdoor Pocket Blanket, 55" x 60" (140 x 152 cm), with one illustration per step. It is a picnic blanket and beach blanket that packs into a pouch of 4.5 x 3.5 in (11.5 x 9 cm).

  1. Start Lay the blanket flat

    Place the colored stripe nearest you.

    Blanket laid flat with the colored stripe along the edge nearest you
  2. 1 Fold in half lengthwise

    Bring one long edge to the other, keeping the stripe at the bottom. This is lengthwise fold 1 of 4.

    Blanket folded in half lengthwise, with the stripe still along the bottom
  3. 2 Fold in half again

    Fold the same way again. This is lengthwise fold 2 of 4.

    Second lengthwise fold, making the folded blanket narrower
  4. 3 Fold twice more

    Make two more folds in the same direction. That makes 4 lengthwise folds in total, leaving a narrow strip.

    Two more lengthwise folds leave a narrow strip with the stripe at one end
  5. 4 Halve the strip 4 times

    Turn the strip sideways. Bring the ends together, then repeat three more times to make a palm-sized bundle.

    Strip turned sideways and halved four times into a small square bundle
  6. 5 Slide into the pouch

    Slip the bundle into the separate pouch, then pull the drawstring.

    Folded bundle going into the drawstring pouch, with the carabiner on the cord

All step pictures are illustrations.

For next time.

On a windy day, fill the corner pockets with sand or stones.

Do not have one yet? See the Pocket Blanket

Download the full folding guide (PNG)

Folding questions

What if the bundle doesn't fit in the pouch?

Unfold the last two folds, then refold neatly and tightly, pressing the air out as you go. If it still catches, check the strip: it should come from 4 lengthwise folds, as in step 3. A wider strip gives a bundle that is too wide for the opening.

How do I get sand off before I fold it?

Shake it out before the first fold, or the sand ends up in the pouch. Hold one short edge, stand with the wind at your back and give the blanket a few firm shakes. Then lay the blanket flat with the stripe nearest you.

Can I fold it while it is wet?

You can pack it damp to get home. Once you're back, hang it up to dry before folding it into the pouch for storage. A damp blanket shut in a pouch for days can start to smell.

What if I lose the pouch?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to buy a replacement pouch.