Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Crinkly Taggies Style Blanket {Tutorial}


Like I said last week, I love making homemade gifts. In Lydia's Taggies Style Baby Block post, she mentioned a mutual friend who would be giving a Taggies style blanket to an expecting mom friend. That mutual friend is me. Almost every mom in our playgroup has received one of these cute little blankets for their new bundle. Not only do I love making them, but the babies have a great time entertaining themselves with the fun textures and colors.


My littlest playing peek-a-boo with her favorite taggies style blanket :-)

I've experimented with different sizes and types of blankets, but the coolest has to be the crinkly kind. For some reason, the crinkly noise is so entertaining to babies. My older toddlers even enjoy playing peek-a-boo with their sister if the crinkly taggies is involved.

I admit it, I am a bit of a ribbon hoarder fanatic, so finding ways to use up that extra ribbon from bow making is on my crafting agenda. These blankets could get quite expensive to make if I had to go out and buy all of the ribbon. I usually will buy 1 or 2 new spools per type of blanket that I make, just to keep my collection growing ;-) So if you have ribbon on hand, the only cost would be fabric! 

For this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a mini crinkly taggies. If you don't want make your own, I'll be adding some to my Etsy shop, Three Pretty Posies, opening on Friday! 




To get started, you'll need:

-A variety of ribbon in different textures and coordinating colors
-Minky Fabric
-Flannel or Cotton Print fabric 
-Chip bag (washed and dried) The silver shiny ones work the best!




First, cut 6" x 6" squares of minky and fabric. I cut enough to make two. 



Lay out your ribbon pieces to your liking. Cut 4-5 inch pieces  fold them, twist them, or layer them. I placed two on opposite ends and three on opposite ends. Then pin them (facing inward on the print fabric). 




Serge or sew around all sides to secure ribbon in place.



Now for the crinkly part! I used a pretzel bag, but the foil bags work so much better. Looks like I need to stock up on some junk food ;-) Cut a 6" x 6" square and pin it to the wrong side of the minky fabric. Serge or sew around all sides.



Next, take your right sides together and pin in place. Sew along the inside edge of your serged seam or sewing from the previous steps. Make sure to leave a small opening.


Turn right-side-out and fold opening under. Top stitch along all sides. Make sure to remove all of your pins!




Fray check all of your raw edges and you're finished!



Aren't these super cute? I made two with this super cute Michael Miller print; a larger soft one and a mini crinkly one. I'm sending them to my sister-in-law and brother who are due with a baby girl at the end of the month! 

What are your favorite homemade baby gifts?







Linking up at these lovely parties:






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7 comments:

  1. This turned out very cute! I'd love for you to check out our Pattern Party! Those with free patterns and templates to share are invited to link up!
    http://getyourcraptogether.blogspot.com/search/label/Pattern%20Party

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  2. Thanks Chelsea! On my way over to link up :-)

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  3. You can also use cellophane. I re-use mine from gift baskets others give me.

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  4. Thanks for the tip! I think I've read that somewhere. I just use what I have on hand :-)

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  5. Can you still wash these with the crinkle in it?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can, but it shouldn't be dried in the dryer. I would think that the plastic wouldn't stand up to the heat.

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  6. I have used greaseproof paper in one I hope it washes ok.

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