Sensory Baby Tag Blanket {Tutorial}

This is a project that just happened. It was not planned at all. Do you ever have that ? ☻It happens when I go through my stash of supplies that I really want to use up to make something useful.  I loved the end result, so I had to share a tutorial. First I made the above -imperfect-because-I-am-in-a-hurry- small baby blankie for my son to play with. (I'm sure you have seen these tag blankets before.) I noticed  he loves pulling on little things, and so I thought he would like this.  He loved it!

I so did not tell him to pose and hold this blankie thing- he just knows what I need him to do for a photo...hee....hee. His little smile just gets me. ☻Moving on...here is the improved upon Sensory Baby Tag Blankie thing:

YOU NEED:

Fabric of various textures- soft fabrics for baby

9 squares, plus a backing piece about 15 1/2 inches square or so

My squares were about 5 1/2 inches square.

I also added a piece of Warm and Natural Batting to mine (optional)

thread

ribbons, tags, of various colors, textures, and lengths

small piece (2-3 inches) of sew-on Velcro

Cut out squares, arrange them how you like and sew them together. TIP: to get your seams to match, sew one row at a time. Then iron your seams so they go the same direction. Do the same thing with the next row, but iron the seams so they are going the opposite direction. When you sew the two rows together, the seams should now match up evenly. You can find more information HERE if I just confused you. ☻

If you want to add an extra layer of softness, pin this to some warm and natural. Stitch on top of your squares(the side that will show when you are done)  right along where your squares are sewn together.

 Sew on your ribbons and tags so they are facing into the blanket squares. When you turn the blanket, they will face out off the edge. Remember to leave a spot with no tags so you can put your velcro in and turn it  right side out.

NEXT pin your backing to this side so that right sides are together. Sew all the way around the square at 1/4 inch. Double check to make sure you caught all the tags and ribbons inside the seams. Trim your seams, turn it right side out through the opening you left unsewn.

Where the opening is, fold the seams into the inside, and sew on  your piece of velcro. This way, you can open the blanket and insert a plastic grocery bag, empty baby wipes bag (like from Costco's wipes), something noisy,that you normally would not give an infant to play with. (DON'T put small things inside like beans, or something...because it could get out if the velcro was opened.)  The opening/velcro closure provides a way to wash it, and make it a quiet toy too- or noisy-depending on if you put something inside or not. You can just sew it closed too and not do this part at all.

AND he really does love it.  He loves to pull and feel the tags and ribbons, hear a crunchy noise when something is inside, and feel the soft fabrics. He loves to look at different prints too. So you see- it uses many of the baby's senses!

He is even holding it up for you to see! ha ha

Let me know if you have any questions....Hope this was helpful and clear. I am loving these things, and it just may be the new gift I bring for baby showers. :)