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