Master the Art of Crafting: How to Sew a Taggie Blanket in 5 Easy Steps

There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a soft, cozy blanket. But what if that blanket not only kept you warm, but also provided a source of comfort and entertainment? Enter the taggie blanket – a beloved baby item that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These colorful, tactile blankets are designed to stimulate and soothe little ones as they explore the world around them. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home with just a few basic sewing skills. In this article, we’ll show you how to create your own personalized taggie blanket for your little bundle of joy or as a heartfelt gift for friends and family. So grab your sewing supplies and get ready to learn how to sew a taggie blanket!

The Purpose and Benefits of a Taggie Blanket

Taggie blankets, also known as sensory blankets, are a great activity for babies and young children. They typically consist of a soft and cozy fabric with colorful ribbons attached around the edges. These ribbons are fun to play with and easily grab the attention of little ones. But beyond being just a fun toy, taggie blankets actually serve a purpose and offer numerous benefits for children’s development.

One of the primary purposes of a taggie blanket is to stimulate babies’ senses. The different textures and colors on the ribbons provide tactile stimulation for their tiny fingers, while the movement of the ribbons helps to develop their hand-eye coordination. This sensory play is essential in helping babies explore their surroundings and learn about different sensations.

Another benefit of taggie blankets is their calming effect on children. The soft fabric and comforting touch of the ribbons can help soothe fussy or upset babies by providing them with something to focus on and distract them from their emotions. This can be especially helpful during naptime or when traveling.

Taggie blankets also promote language development in young children. As they grab, pull, and play with the ribbons, they are learning new words to describe the various textures, colors, and shapes they encounter. This can help expand their vocabulary at an early age.

Additionally, taggie blankets can be used as a transitional object for little ones who are starting daycare or have separation anxiety. They can hold onto their familiar blanket with its comforting ribbons while adjusting to being away from their parents or caregivers.

How To Choose the Right Fabric

When it comes to sewing your own taggie blanket, choosing the right fabric is crucial for both functionality and comfort. The fabric you choose will determine how well your blanket holds up over time as well as how enjoyable it is for your child to play with. Here are some factors to consider when choosing fabric for your taggie blanket:

– Softness: You’ll want to choose a soft and gentle fabric, especially if the blanket is intended for a baby. Fabrics like flannel, fleece, and minky are excellent options for their soft and snuggly texture.

– Durability: Since taggie blankets are meant to be played with and dragged around, you’ll want to choose a durable fabric that can withstand lots of use. Look for fabrics with a tight weave that won’t easily unravel or tear.

– Washability: With babies and young children, spills and messes are inevitable. So it’s essential to choose a fabric that is easy to clean. Fabrics like cotton or polyester blends can typically be machine-washed without any issues.

– Sensory appeal: As mentioned earlier, taggie blankets are meant to provide sensory stimulation for children. So it’s worth considering fabrics with different textures or patterns that can enhance this experience. Ribbed knits or fabrics with raised details can add an extra element of touch to the blanket.

Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a fabric that meets your child’s needs while also being suitable for your sewing skills and tools.

Step-by-step Guide on How To Sew a Taggie Blanket

Now that you have chosen the perfect fabric for your taggie blanket, it’s time to learn how to sew it together. Follow these steps for a simple yet effective way of making a taggie blanket:

Step 1: Prepare materials
Gather all the materials you will need before starting. This includes your chosen fabric, ribbons (about 14-20 pieces), scissors, pins, ruler or measuring tape, needle and thread or sewing machine, and any other decorations you’d like to add.

Step 2: Cut the fabric
Cut two squares of your chosen fabric measuring approximately 14-18 inches. You can make the blanket larger or smaller, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Attach ribbons
Lay one of the fabric squares flat with the right side facing down. Then, take your ribbons and lay them in rows on top of the fabric. Space them out evenly, leaving about an inch of space between each ribbon. Pin them in place, making sure to tuck in the ends of the ribbons so they won’t get caught in the seams.

Step 4: Sew the ribbons
Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along each row of ribbons to secure them onto the fabric. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to prevent unraveling.

Step 5: Attach second fabric square
Place the second fabric square on top of the one with ribbons, right sides together. Pin all around, leaving a small opening for turning.

Step 6: Sew edges
Sew all around the edges using a ½ inch seam allowance, making sure to leave a small opening for turning. Backstitch at both ends.

Step 7: Turn it inside out
Carefully turn your blanket inside out through the small opening you left in step 6. Use a pencil or

What is a Taggie Blanket?

A taggie blanket, also known as a sensory blanket or a security blanket, is a small quilted cloth made for infants and toddlers. It is usually made from soft materials such as fleece or flannel and features various textures and ribbons sewn around the edges. These ribbons are often referred to as tags, hence the name “taggie” blanket.

The purpose of a taggie blanket is to provide babies with sensory stimulation through different textures, colors, and shapes. The tags on the edges of the blanket allow infants to explore and play, promoting their physical and cognitive development. It also serves as a comforting item for young children, providing them with a sense of security and helping them cope with separation anxiety.

Materials Needed

To sew your own taggie blanket, you will need the following materials:

1 yard of soft fabric (fleece or flannel work best)
1 yard of coordinating fabric for the backside
Ribbon/tape in various textures (approximately 30-40 pieces)
Sewing machine
Thread
Pins
Scissors
Ruler/measuring tape
Fabric marking tool/pencil

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Fabric

Start by washing and drying your fabric according to the care instructions. This will ensure that any shrinkage occurs before you begin sewing. Iron out any wrinkles or creases in the fabric to make it easier to work with.

Next, lay out your main (front) fabric on a flat surface with the right side facing down. Place the coordinating fabric on top with the right side facing up. Pin them together along the edges.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

Using your ruler and fabric marking tool, measure and mark a square or rectangle according to your desired size for the taggie blanket. A standard size is around 30-36 inches. Cut out both fabrics along the marked lines, making sure they are even and straight.

Step 3: Preparing the Ribbons

Take your ribbons and cut them into smaller pieces, approximately 6-8 inches long. You can use varying lengths to add more interest to your blanket. Be sure to cut each ribbon on a diagonal to prevent fraying.

Step 4: Sewing on the Ribbons

Place the two fabrics together with their right sides facing each other again. Pin them in place along all four edges, leaving a small opening of about 6 inches for turning inside out.

Start sewing from one corner, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. Sew around all four edges of the fabric, leaving a gap in one side for turning.

Once you reach a corner, leave your needle in and lift up your presser foot. Insert one end of a ribbon under the presser foot and lower it back down so that it is between both layers of fabric. Continue sewing until you reach your next corner and repeat this process until you have added ribbons all around the edges of your blanket.

Step 5: Finishing Up

Once you have sewn all around, make sure to backstitch at the end to reinforce your stitches. Trim off any excess threads and carefully turn your blanket inside out through the gap.

After turning it inside out, use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners and edges of the blanket. Then, sew up the opening with a topstitch to close it.

Your taggie blanket is now complete and ready for use! You can customize it by adding more or fewer ribbons, using different textures and colors, or even personalizing it with embroidery or appliques.

Tips for Caring for Your Taggie Blanket

Wash your taggie blanket in a gentle cycle with similar colors.
Avoid using fabric softeners as they can cause the tags to lose their texture over time.
Hang dry your blanket or tumble dry on low heat to prevent any shrinking.
If your blanket starts to lose its fluffiness, you can give it a quick press with a warm iron to fluff it back up.

Additional Uses for Taggie Blankets

Apart from being a comforting item for infants and toddlers, taggie blankets have many other uses. Here are some ideas:

Use it as a playmat for tummy time or playing on the floor.
Add a bit of padding

Q: What is a taggie blanket?
A: A taggie blanket, also known as a sensory tag blanket, is a soft and lightweight baby blanket that is designed to stimulate a baby’s sensory development.

Q: Do I need any special skills to sew a taggie blanket?
A: No, you do not need any special skills to sew a taggie blanket. As long as you have basic sewing knowledge and skills, you can easily make one yourself.

Q: What materials do I need to make a taggie blanket?
A: To make a taggie blanket, you will need soft fabric for the front and back of the blanket, coordinating ribbons or loops, scissors, sewing machine or needle and thread, and filling material (if desired).

Q: What size should I make my taggie blanket?
A: The standard size for a taggie blanket is usually around 14 inches by 14 inches. However, you can make it any size you prefer. Just keep in mind that it should be small enough for the baby to hold on their own.

Q: Is there a specific way to attach the ribbons or loops on the taggie blanket?
A: Yes, there are different methods for attaching the ribbons or loops on the edges of the taggie blanket. You can either sew them in between the two layers of fabric or sew them on top of one layer before sewing both layers together.

Q: Can I personalize my taggie blanket?
A: Absolutely! You can personalize your taggie blanket by adding appliques or embroidering the baby’s name on it. You can also choose fabric with special patterns or colors to make it unique.

In conclusion, sewing a taggie blanket is a fun and creative way to make a special gift for a loved one or for your own little one. The process may seem intimidating at first, but by following the steps outlined above and practicing your sewing skills, you can easily create a unique and personalized blanket that will be cherished for years to come.

As we have discussed, the key to sewing a successful taggie blanket is selecting the right fabrics, tools, and techniques. From choosing soft and cozy fabrics to creating securely attached tags and reinforcements, attention to detail and precision are essential in producing a high-quality taggie blanket.

Furthermore, making a taggie blanket allows you to add personal touches such as customizing colors and patterns, incorporating meaningful tags or textures, and adding an extra layer of padding for comfort. This makes it an even more heartfelt and special gift for someone special.

We have also explored the benefits of using taggie blankets for infants and toddlers, including promoting sensory play, soothing and comforting during times of distress or transition, as well as aiding in cognitive development through tactile stimulation.

In summary, learning how to sew a taggie blanket not only allows you to unleash your creativity but also provides practical value for both babies and parents. By following our step-by-step guide and
Author Profile
Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.
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