Easy and Personal Baby Gift Idea - Ribbon Blankets

ADDITION: I would like to thank the people that warned me about these being a patent infringement.  I have no intention to promote the sale of these blankets and I was posting them just for personal use. With no effort on Google, I have found a few companies that sell patterns (Kwik Sew) on how to make these plus some that sold kits (Joanne Farbics). I do not know if I should delete this post or leave it be!?!? So to solve the ongoing dilemma ...I have one additional step added to the end (thanks Mama's Little Monkey)..snip the ribbons so they are no loops!!! :)

If you are anything like me, you have struggled for a unique and personal gift idea for the many friends and family members that are having babies. I don't want to spend too much money and I love the idea of making them something. Anyone can run to the local Walmart and buy a baby blanket that gets lost in the gift giving frenzy, but only us (aka Blog addicts) can find ways of making a great gift for not too much money.

Let me introduce you to Ribbon Blankets. These are so great for little ones because they are soft and cuddly, offer entertainment with the ribbons and wash so well.


I start with two pieces of fabric, approximately 1/2 of a yard each; one side is cotton flannel and the other is that bubbly (extremely soft) coral fleece.  Be sure to wash both pieces because the cotton flannel will shrink. I purchased some ribbon but mostly used left overs from other crafts.

I cut approximately 20 pieces of ribbon into 5 inch lengths (so each ribbon is approximately 2 inches out from the edge of the blanket). Make sure that the length of the ribbon is small enough that a little hand can't get stuck.  I used 4 or 5 different types of ribbon, but that many is not necessary.

Cut the fabric to the size you want. I made a square but you can make pretty much any size or shape you want. Lay the two pieces of fabric with right sides together.

Placed the ribbon, folded in half, between the two pieces of fabric and pin all three pieces together. Make sure the wrong side of the ribbon are together (NOT like I did in the photo!).

Sew a straight stitch almost the entire way around leaving a small area (between 2 ribbons) to turn the blanket right side out. Make sure you catch all the ribbon as you sew. To make nice corners, leave the needle in the fabric, lift your pressure foot and turn the fabric. Then drop the pressure foot and start sewing in the new direction. This will give you nice corners.

Turn the fabric right side out and tuck in the excess fabric and sew the opening closed. I like to do a second seam approximately 1/2 inch away from the edge. I find this make the blanket lay nicer and finishes it off well.

So now if you don't want to get in trouble for patent infringement, the next step (as recommended by Mama' Little Monkey..THANKS) is to snip the loops. So that you have 2 pieces of ribbon sticking out from the blanket. Then take a lighter and gently heat the edges to prevent any fraying. This will entertain the kids just as much and you don' have to worry about fingers getting stuck.


These are extremely easy and very quick to make.

What do you think?
Stephanie

Comments

  1. Hi Stephanie! This is the first time I've left a comment!! I love your blog and I love these blankets!!! They looks so pretty and seem like they would be very easy to make.
    Thanks for such great ideas & easy ones!!
    Amee

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  2. Stephanie. This is very cute. Thanks for your time and putting up a tutorial.

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  3. Oh my goodness! My niece just showed me these over the holidays and I fell in love with the idea. Now I know how to do it too. Thank you for sharing!

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  4. Adorable blankets. Thanks for sharing how they are made.

    Stopping by from the linky party at Punkin Seed Productions.

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  5. Oh, that looks so soft and cozy for a little baby! I love the fabric you used! Great job!

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  6. Be careful, pretty sure T@ggies has copyrighted this design and may come after you. :(

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  7. what a cute idea! perfect baby shower gift!

    please come and share this to my linky party and come join my giveaway to anne franklin designs!

    http://tootsiewootsieboutique.blogspot.com/

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  8. Great gift idea, thanks! I had never seen these before reading blogs!

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  9. Hi Stephanie! I have been thinking about how to make one of these for my little grand daughter! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  10. Love, Love, Love this idea. I have always loved these blanket but didn't thing I could do it, but your tutorial is great and I'm going to try it. My sister is having a little boy in May! Thanks.

    Stop by at my blog - I'm just starting out - like this month!!
    http://thequeenbeebee.blogspot.com/

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  11. I was given one of these from a co-worker and my son loved it! You should come link up at Fun for Kids Friday http://www.localfunforkids.com/

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  12. I make these all the time, but a friend who also makes them lets me know that Taggies has trademarked the looped ribbon and will come after anyone who makes theirs that way. Apparently they can be ruthless about it. It's probably only an issue if you're selling them, but you might want to let readers know.

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  13. These things are so much fun to make! Very cute! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

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  14. Love these little blankets!

    Thanks for linking up to the party, I wanted to let you know that I am highlighting this on Polly Want a Crafter Feb 16 @ 7:00 AM cst. I hope you get some great traffic from the feature!

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  15. Let me be living proof that Taggie pays attention to every corner of the world when it comes to their patent. I "came up" with my own idea of sewing Ragtag Blankets (same exact method used in this post...it's universal, Taggie!). I was going to sell them on Etsy. I subsequently got a couple emails from Etsy saying I had "infringed on patent rights" with an attachment that included the official patent document. It's incredible how specific it is from materials used to method of assembly. However, by snipping the loops as suggested, you've gotten yourself out of infringement and into fringes for sweet little hands. :-) Wonder if I could sell them on Etsy that way! I have lots of fleece and ribbon I bought when I thought I'd be able to sell them... THANK YOU for the idea!

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