Applique Ribbon Blanket- A tutorial

Since I seem to be making quite a few of these bad boys lately, I figured that I might as well have a go at making my first sewing tutorial on such a fabulous item! I know this isn't the first taggie blanket tutorial you've seen-nor will it be the last. It's just my spin on a classic, with a few tricks tossed in for good measure.

If you seem to be attending baby shower after baby shower, maybe you should start being known as "The Awesome Gift Giver" by taking one of these and a few burp rags. Trust me. It's what all hormonal women want. It's just an added bonus that they will become the babies favorite blanket.

Want to make one? Then here's what you'll need:

If you're new to sewing, or just terrified at the thought of applique, it's really not that difficult. In fact, it's probably the easiest sewing there is because it's just glue. Here's a quick run down of the way I applique:

(please note that I ALWAYS use Heavy Duty Wonder Under. It washes soooo well. In my many years of using it, I've never had a problem. And you know this is going to be washed. And washed. And washed. And you don't want anything to fall off. So just use the Heavy Duty stuff ok?)

Once you've traced your shape or letter (if you'd like to monogram), cut apart the shapes so you can use them on different material. Don't waste your time cutting them out perfectly. Save that for when you have the material attached.
You're going to iron the Wonder Under to the wrong side of your material. Let it cool down. Then cut out the shape. Please let it cool. It only takes about a minute. And I don't want anyone to have to stop sewing because you've burnt your finger and thumb. Use my wisdom here, k?

Once it's cool and cut out, here's the best trick I've found for peeling off the paper backing: gently slice through the middle of the paper with a pin. Make an X and start peeling. It will peel off like a ripe banana. Promise. And you don't end up with frayed edges from trying to start on the edge.

Nice and Clean!

Once they are cut out, attach the circles to the center of the flower by removing the paper and dry ironing for 5-10 sec depending on the thickness of the material. Cottons bond very quickly. Maybe 5 sec. Flannels take about 10. So just watch it. If it's not totally stuck, just go back over it with a very hot iron.

Once you've attached the centers to the flowers, you need to attach the flowers to the material. Lay it out how it looks good to you. Trust your gut here. Or your eyes. Whatever.

Once you've ironed on the flowers, you're going to need to stitch around the applique. This is mostly for visual appeal. The Heavy Duty Wonder Under won't let go. Stitching around the edges just gives it a more finished look. Use a blanket, satin, or close zig-zag. Whatever you feel comfortable with.

Now on to the ribbons!

Select 8-10 matching ribbons. To make sure they fit, lay out the rolls like so:

Sorry the picture won't turn... but you get the idea.

Once you've determined how many different ribbons you're going to use, cut 16" of each ribbon.

Then fold over, cut at fold, fold again, and cut again at fold so you're left with four 4"ish pieces. It doesn't have to be exact.

Once you've got four 4" ribbons, you need to burn/melt the edges to keep it from fraying. This step is not optional. If you don't, the ribbons will fray after multiple washing and will come unraveled from the seam. So please just find a candle and melt the edges.

Divide into 4 equal piles.

Select a pile and layout along the side. Make sure you leave 1" on both ends for seam allowance. This is the best way I've found to keep from repeating a pattern around the sides with the ribbon, unless that's what you're going for. Take a second and make your spacing even and spread out the colors. Once you've found a layout you like, fold each ribbon in half, lay on material with the fold facing inward and edges on the edge. You can stagger the length of the tags, but don't lay them more than a 1/4" in. Or they won't get caught in the seam.

Do this for all four sides and you'll end up with something like this:

Now it's time to sew:

Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew over one ribbon, back stitch the entire ribbon, then sew over again. Do every ribbon this way to ensure they are sewn on well. Because these are going to be chewed on by little babies. And your heart would break if they were to tug one out.

Once you've done all the ribbon, lay flat, making sure all ribbon is laying properly. Take a second and pin the two ribbons closest to the corner together. This will keep them from getting caught in the seam. You can thank me later for saving you from having to un-pick and re-sew. You're welcome.

Take your fuzzy material and place it on top of the flannel, putting right sides together. Make sure all sides are flush.

Then pin around edges, leaving a 3"-4" opening for turning.

Sew around the edge, this time using a 1/2" seam allowance. Clip Corners and turn inside out. Press edges and pin shut the opening. Then sew twice around the edges using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Now step back and admire your work! Isn't it adorable?!

Whew! That was a lot of reading for you. Sorry about that. I tend to ramble. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments and I'll answer as quickly as I can

~Janice