How to Make a Tag Blanket

A tag or taggie blanket is similar to a lovey in that it's a small, portable blanket that's perfect for newborns up to toddler age. Although you can add a "crinkle" aspect, most parents appreciate the silent nature of these blankets.

The blankets themselves are usually small squares (around 12" x 12") but can be made any size desired. They are usually made of soft fabric, such as Minky, fleece, or flannel. The fun element of these blankets is the addition of ribbon "tags" that are set around all sides of the blanket.

This type of baby blanket comes with a lot of benefits. With the softness, bumps, and ribbon tags, babies and small children find it stimulating, entertaining, and comforting. It's a popular baby shower gift! 
 

* 1  12" x 12" (30-1/2 cm x 30-1/2 cm) piece of Minky or cuddle fleece
* 1  12" x 12" (30-1/2 cm x 30-1/2 cm) piece of coordinating flannelette or other soft fabric
* 20  4-1/2" (11-1/2 cm) strips of ribbon of varying sizes and colours (mine range from 1/2" to 1" wide)
* Matching thread color

* Sewing machine
* Walking foot (optional but highly recommended)
* Pins
* Scissors (or rotary cutter and cutting mat)
* Ruler
* Chopstick (optional)

1. Lay the flannelette piece of fabric right side up. Arrange the strips of ribbon around the flannelette piece of fabric. 5 strips on each side should work nicely.

2. Once you are happy with the placement of the ribbon strips, fold the ribbon in half and pin in place around the edge of the fabric square.

3. Use a basting stitch (longest stitch your sewing machine can do) to hold the ribbon in place. I like to sew approximately 1/8" from the edge of the fabric.

This is what your ribbon tag lovey should look like so far.

4. Place the Minky square of fabric right side down on top of the flannelette piece of fabric.

5. Use lots of pins to hold the two pieces of fabric together. This will also reduce the amount of shifting while sewing the two sides together. You can find many other tips for sewing with Minky fabric here.
   
   Ensure you leave a 3-1/2" opening for turning the ribbon tag lovey right side out. I tend to mark my opening with double pins to stop myself from accidentally sewing the opening closed.

6. Sew the two layers together allowing a 1/2" seam allowance. I use a walking foot when I’m sewing with Minky fabric. This reduces the amount of shifting from the two layers as the walking foot has feed dogs that help pull the fabric through from the top.

Tip: Once the two layers of fabric have been sewn together, clip the corners of the square. This will allow the corners to turn out nicely when the ribbon tag lovey is turned right side out.

7. Turn the ribbon tag lovey right side out and push the corners out. A chopstick comes in handy for this bit.

Your ribbon tag lovey is almost done!

8. Pin, or use Wonderclips, to hold the opening closed. Topstitch (approximately 1/4" from the edge) all the way around the edge of the ribbon tag lovey. This will close up the opening as well as hold the two layers together nicely.

Your ribbon tag lovey is now complete and ready to gift to a new little baby in your life!

Happy sewing!
Domenica 

Be sure to check out Domenica's blog, Easy Sewing for Beginners, to find even more beginner-friendly sewing projects!