DIY: Make Your Own Tag Blanket

I made two—one for a boy and one for a girl. For the girl’s, I chose a pretty paisley print with some pink fleece. For the boy’s version, I used a graphic orange, red and cream squiggle print with some red Minky fabric. Minky fabric is very popular for baby and nursery projects because it is ultra soft and cuddly and comes in so many colors, prints and textures. We carry a nice selection at the shop, but you can find other places that carry it.

Step 1: Cut each of your fabrics into a square the size you would like your blanket to be. In my case, I cut 15”X15” squares. These will be your front and back.

Step 2: Cut your assorted ribbons into 2” pieces. I chose four different prints for each of my blankets, but you can get creative and mix as many as you like. Consider using a variety of ribbon textures as well for baby to explore.

Step 3: Mark where you want your ribbons to be using fabric chalk or a marking pen or pencil. Since I was using four ribbons on each side, I spread the ribbons apart with 2” – 2 1/2” in between. You can use as many or as few as you like.

Once you have made your marks, pin the ribbon loops in place at each mark, lining up the raw edge of the ribbon with the raw edge of the fabric. Make sure the ribbon loops are facing away from the edge. Baste them in place using a 1/4” seam allowance (distance between your seam and the edge of the fabric). Basting is a temporary stitch that is very long so it can be removed easily. Doing this will make it easier and keep the ribbons from moving around when you sew your front and back together.

Step 4: Now sandwich the ribbons in between the right sides of your two fabrics, and sew them together using a 1/2” seam allowance. Repeat this step to make the ribbons even more secure.

Make sure to leave a 2” – 3” hole along one side (I suggest doing it in the center of one of the sides), so you can turn everything right side out. Clip your corners to keep the points clean.

Step 5: Using the opening you left, turn the blanket right side out and stitch around all four sides making sure to sew the hole closed. Be sure to check that all ribbons are securely attached. You’re all done!

I like to experiment with my DIYs. With this one, I chose to decorate the front of the girl’s blanket with two hearts cut from the fleece. You can use any shape or even an initial would be fun. Sew the shape on your front fabric before sewing everything together.

Also, as I have mentioned in my previous DIYs, if you do not have a sewing machine, you can always hand sew with a good needle and your thread.