Not to worry I am getting to the how-to part, but first lets discuss prices on these blankets.... $20 at least on Amazon. These are the not so soft or cute taggies, but if you go to the boutique websites they will run you upwards $60. Huge difference, but there is a huge quality variance too.
Now, if you are like me, and wish to take on the challenge of designing one of these creatures you will NOT save any money. You can not make it for less than $22 plus about an hour of labor. Here is why...fabric you can buy in smaller portions than a yard, of course, but with the ribbon you have to buy by the rolls. I have 2 Tupperware containers now full of ribbons, but they come in handy for spur of the moment times. Yes, Hobby Lobby does offer 50% off almost every other week on the ribbons, but if you have to have the ribbon in a pinch then you have to buy full price. It does not take a full roll maybe a quarter so you will have plenty for the next project.
One more tidbit on this childhood favorite, the ones at the store are usually only 12 inch square. I always make mine 18 inch square. You can use this size to throw over baby in the car seat during colder weather and they have a light toy.
Supplies:
18 inch piece of cotton (you will have to buy 1/2 yard but you can make three out of this piece)
18 inch piece of minke (super soft polyester that washes like a dream)
4-5 rolls of coordinating ribbon (you want varied sizes and textures)
thread
pins
PATIENCE
Cut both pieces of fabric to an 18 inch square. The minke crawls really bad, so beware when you are cutting. Cut a little larger than what you need so you can maneuver it later on.
I use a cutting board and rotary cutter for ease on this type of fabric.
Next lay out your ribbons you want to use for the project. Cut them to about 6 inches in length. The store bought ones are usually much shorter than this, but I know E-C loved sticking her finger through and loops. So, I leave them longer.
Sorry, but you MUST pin all loops into place. I HATE pinning, but you will throw the project in the trash if you miss this step. Both 18 inch pieces must be front sides facing. Then, you sandwich your loops between the two pieces. You must leave about an 1/8 inch sticking up past the edges, the cut sides. This is a precaution that is necessary because the minke crawls when you are sewing it together. Pin every ribbon, checking to make sure as you go to the next loop that all sides are still even.
Off to the sewing machine, say a quick prayer, and start sewing. Start on the second loop in on one side, take a 3/8" seam. You want to sew over the second loop and continue all the way around until you get back to the same side and you have sewn ONLY over the first loop. There will be a gap unsewn between the 1st and 2nd loop. This is where you will turn your project to the right sides, trim your corners for less bulky corner, poke your corners out with a pair of scissors, and top stitch the small gap.
Completed project... Yes, I was making several at a time, if you were wondering why I started with lavender and ended up with planes. This saves precious time. Make a couple and put them in the gift drawer for emergencies!!
**Note: If you are going to embroider a name or initials on the taggie you will need to cut your fabric- I would leave about 24 inch square piece and take the cotton into the embroidery place. The minke might not give you a great finished piece because it moves so much. Remember to add on about $10 for the embroidery, but this must be done before you sew it all together.
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