Another thing I made for our cousin’s six month old son was a ribbon blanket. I essentially followed this tutorial from Moda Bake Shop but looked at many other ones as well.

Due to the fabric that I was using, I ended up with odd sizes. I cut each square 9 5/8” with 1/4” seam allowances, except for attaching the ribbons which I did at 1/8”.
I made both sides of the blanket with all four fabrics instead of a minky fabric on one side.

As you can see, I did not do the best job at matching up my fabrics, which caused issues when I stitched in the ditch at the end. The reason I decided to stitch in the ditch is because I didn’t want to take the chance that the warm & natural (the batting that I used) would come loose and ball up after being washed.

I chose three different ribbons and cut them in three different sizes. When attaching them, I just made sure to not have any of the same pattern next to each other, but the same size was fine. And actually, I used one of each size and pattern on each half of a side.

I decided to pin each ribbon in place and then I sewed them on with about 1/8” seam allowance. This may have caused more work for myself, but I felt that there would be less chance of having the ribbons shift this way. I would do it this way again even if it is more work.

Here is one side of the blanket after attaching all of the ribbons. I placed the ribbon fairly even (just eyed it) because well, that is how I am. haha Many other people can easily randomly attach ribbons, but I just don’t have it in me. As often as I try to make things random I always end up with some sort of organization.
In other words, attach the ribbons however you are feeling at that time. I think it can look fantastic either way!

I may not have needed to use safety pins to keep everything in place, but I thought I would give it a try. Plus, I then wouldn’t have to worry about being poked by pins.
For the most part the ribbon went toward the inside, but there were a few that wanted to sneak out, so I just had to make sure to tuck them back in. Otherwise, they would be on the inside of the blanket once it was completed.

After sewing everything together, I trimmed the warm & natural so there was less bulk. Turned the blanket inside out, ironed, and topped stitched all the way around.

After topstitching, I decided that it would probably be best to quilt it in some way. I didn’t feel like actual quilting would look the best, so that is why I decided to stitch in the ditch. I am not 100% happy with how it turned out, but it has to do. I wish that you weren’t able to see the stitching, but you are.

Overall, it’s an adorable ribbon blanket, but it could have turned out better if I had made sure my blocks were completely lined up. Live and learn, right?

laura
we think it looks fabulous, can’t see any mistakes! both kids like the blanket!
April Baylor
Don’t look too close now that I have pointed it out. 😀
Serendipity
lOvE iT!!! What is that to-die-for fabric with the elephants? It’s sooo cute!!! Nice job on the blanket!!!
April
Thanks!! I got the fabric from Joann’s…it’s by Debbie Mumm. They also had a pink one for girls. I looked online to see if I could link to it for you but it appears that it’s no longer in stock.