DIY Monogrammed Taggie/Sensory Blanket

With baby season in full swing, I've been scouring the internet for DIY baby gifts...particularly ones that you can sew.  I love the sensory taggie blankets for babies.  I made this blanket for baby Sean & Kristin's baby Camden.  I did a monogrammed "C" to make it personalized.  It's not perfect but it's a handmade gift that I hope he enjoys.  

Here's a quick tutorial if you would like to make one for your baby or an expecting friend!

Supplies Needed:

• Heat and Bond paper
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter
• 1/4 yard Minky Dot fabric - pick your own size square to cut, anywhere from 8" to 12", depending on how large or small you want the taggie blanket to be
• 1/4 yard coordinating cotton fabric - cut in a square the same size as your fabric above
• 1/8 yard coordinating cotton fabric for monogram
• At least 3 coordinating ribbons of different widths and textures - cut each piece to 2" - 3" long
• Coordinating thread
• Monogram Letter (I used my Cricut Machine for the "C")

First trace your monogram onto your heat and bond paper.  Make sure the letter is backwards so that it faces the correct way when bonded to your fabric.  Follow directions according to the Heat and Bond package.  Once the paper/fabric is cool, use your scissors to cut out the monogram.

Remove the paper backing and iron monogram onto your fabric of choice, following directions on the package.

Using a close zig-zag stitch, go around the edges of your monogram. For more information on monograms, go here!

I added a decorative edging on this one with the minky fabric.  Cut strips and sew on the outside of your square if you wish to do this.  

Next, fold each pre-cut ribbon in half.  Tape or pin your coordinating ribbons along the edge of your fabric, facing inward.  Then lay your coordinating minky fabric on top, wrong sides out for both fabrics (I forgot to get a picture of this step, sorry).  Pin fabric in place and then sew around the edges, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.  Leave a 2" hole for turning your fabric right side out.  

Turn your fabric right side out and sew your hole for turning closed.  Stitch all the way around the blanket for  a finished look.

These make great shower gifts and can be personalized in so many ways!  These are also nice for taking on the go, no need to drag along a large baby blanket as a lovie.  

You can also add a sheet of cellophane to the middle of your fabrics for an additional sensory activity!