Introduction
How To Make A Taggie Blanket – If you’re looking for a fun and creative project that will delight babies and toddlers, making a taggie blanket is a wonderful choice. Taggie blankets, also known as sensory blankets or loveys, are soft and comforting blankets with various textured tags or ribbons attached around the edges. These tags provide tactile stimulation and sensory exploration for little ones, making them a favorite companion during playtime and naptime.
Creating a taggie blanket is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that requires minimal sewing skills. It allows you to personalize the blanket with your choice of fabrics, colors, and textures, making it a unique and special gift for a baby shower or a cherished item for your own child. Not only will you have the satisfaction of making something by hand, but you’ll also witness the joy and excitement on a child’s face as they explore the different tags and textures.
In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making a taggie blanket. From selecting the right materials to sewing on the tags, we will provide clear instructions and helpful tips along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this project is perfect for anyone looking to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake that combines functionality and sensory stimulation.
What size are Taggie blankets?
12 x 12-inch square
Taggies Original blanket is a 12 x 12-inch square piece of fabric with the softest jersey on top, fluffy fleece on the underside, and lots of sewn-in looped ribbons for babies to explore.
Taggie blankets come in various sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. The size of a taggie blanket can vary depending on its intended use and target age group.
For newborns and infants, smaller taggie blankets are often preferred. These typically measure around 12 inches by 12 inches (30 cm by 30 cm) or slightly larger. The compact size makes them easy for little hands to grasp and explore. They are portable, making them ideal for on-the-go use or as a comforting item during car rides or stroller walks.
For older babies and toddlers, taggie blankets can be larger in size, ranging from 16 inches by 16 inches (40 cm by 40 cm) to 24 inches by 24 inches (60 cm by 60 cm) or more. The larger dimensions provide more surface area for sensory exploration and cuddling.
Ultimately, the size of a taggie blanket is a personal choice. Consider the age of the child, their preferences, and the intended use of the blanket when selecting the size. Whether small and compact or larger and more spacious, taggie blankets offer a delightful sensory experience for little ones.
Why do babies like Taggie blankets?
Why do babies like tags on blankets? Each layer adds a texture that your baby or toddler can feel, this opens a whole new world of discovery whilst improving and honing their fine motor skills with, it’s surprising how long these taggie toys can keep them occupied for.
Babies are naturally drawn to Taggie blankets for several reasons. These blankets are designed with sensory exploration in mind, which captivates and engages babies’ curiosity. Here are some reasons why babies love Taggie blankets:
Tactile stimulation: Taggie blankets feature various textured tags or ribbons sewn along the edges. Babies enjoy touching and grasping these different textures, which provides tactile stimulation and enhances their sensory experience.
Sensory development: The tags on Taggie blankets encourage babies to explore different textures, shapes, and sizes. This promotes the development of their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they learn to manipulate and grasp the tags.
Comfort and security: The soft and cozy fabric of Taggie blankets provides comfort and a sense of security for babies. The familiar texture and scent of their favorite blanket can be soothing, helping them feel calm and relaxed.
Self-soothing: Babies often find comfort in touching or rubbing fabric between their fingers or against their skin. The tags on Taggie blankets offer a convenient and safe outlet for this self-soothing behavior.
Visual stimulation: Many Taggie blankets feature vibrant colors, patterns, and designs. These visual elements capture babies’ attention and stimulate their visual development.
Taggie blankets offer a multisensory experience that babies find engaging, comforting, and enjoyable. They provide a safe and interactive way for babies to explore the world of textures, fostering their sensory development and bringing them comfort and joy.
How long should taggies be?
The key here is to ensure you cut them long enough (minimum 3″ is good) so that when they are folded over and sewn into the block that they are long enough to allow you to thread a taggie toy through! Most of mine were cut 3 1/4″ to 3 1/2″ long.
Taggie blankets come in various sizes, but the optimal length for a Taggie blanket typically ranges from 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). This length provides enough fabric for the baby to grasp and manipulate comfortably.
The width of a Taggie blanket can vary depending on personal preference and intended use. However, a width of around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) is commonly used. This width allows for easy handling by both babies and caregivers.
It’s important to note that the size of a Taggie blanket can vary based on the age and developmental stage of the baby. Newborns and younger infants may prefer smaller Taggie blankets that are easier for them to hold and explore. As babies grow, they can handle slightly larger Taggie blankets.
When creating a homemade Taggie blanket, you have the flexibility to customize the size according to your preference and the intended recipient. Consider the age and developmental abilities of the baby, as well as the practicality of the size for carrying and washing.
Remember, the main focus of a Taggie blanket is to provide sensory stimulation and comfort, so ensuring that it is an appropriate size for the baby’s age and development is key.
What are the benefits of a taggy blanket?
Sensory tag blankets also offer children an additional tactile component in their tags or ribbons. Babies and toddlers love rubbing the tags, and which can help them feel safe as it can decrease their anxiety and increase comfort which in turn can help them self soothe and fall asleep with ease.
Taggie blankets offer several benefits for babies and toddlers, making them a popular choice among parents and caregivers. Here are some of the key benefits of using a Taggie blanket:
Sensory stimulation: Taggie blankets are designed with various textures and tags attached to the edges, providing tactile stimulation for babies. The different textures and tags encourage sensory exploration and help develop their sense of touch.
Fine motor skills development: The tags on a Taggie blanket are easy for babies to grasp and manipulate, promoting the development of their fine motor skills. As they explore the tags, babies learn to coordinate their movements and strengthen their hand-eye coordination.
Comfort and security: The soft fabric and textures of a Taggie blanket provide comfort and a sense of security for babies. The familiar feel of the blanket can help soothe and calm them, making it a great source of comfort during naps, bedtime, or times of stress.
Independent play: The tags on a Taggie blanket allow babies to engage in independent play. They can explore and manipulate the tags, providing entertainment and keeping them engaged. This can be especially useful during times when the baby needs to be occupied, such as during car rides or when waiting.
Promotes self-soothing: The tactile experience of touching and exploring the tags on a Taggie blanket can help babies self-soothe. They can hold onto the tags and rub them against their skin, providing a comforting and calming sensation.
Taggie blankets provide a multi-sensory experience for babies, promoting their cognitive and physical development while offering comfort and entertainment.
What are taggies made of?
While minky fabric is used here, you can use any kind of fabric you want, from cotton to flannel to fleece. The most important component of a baby taggie is the ribbon. Loops of ribbon are used to form ‘tags’ around the outer perimeter of the shape that a baby can play with.
Taggies are typically made of a combination of soft fabrics that are safe and comfortable for babies to touch and interact with. The main fabric used for the body of a Taggie blanket is often a plush or minky fabric, known for its softness and cuddliness. This fabric provides a cozy and gentle texture for babies to snuggle against.
The tags on a Taggie blanket are made of various materials such as ribbon, satin, or textured fabrics. These tags are securely sewn onto the edges of the blanket and come in different colors, patterns, and textures. They are designed to be easily grasped by little hands and offer a variety of tactile sensations for babies to explore.
The choice of materials for Taggie blankets focuses on safety, durability, and sensory stimulation. Fabrics used in the production of Taggie blankets are typically hypoallergenic and free from harmful substances. Manufacturers pay careful attention to selecting high-quality materials that are gentle on a baby’s delicate skin and can withstand frequent washing and use.
It’s important to note that while the fabric and tags used in Taggie blankets are carefully chosen for safety and sensory benefits, adult supervision is still recommended during playtime with any baby product to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for the child.
Are there any specific sewing techniques required to make a Taggie blanket?
While making a Taggie blanket doesn’t require advanced sewing skills, there are a few basic sewing techniques that can be helpful in the process. Here are some sewing techniques commonly used when making a Taggie blanket:
Straight Stitch: This is the most basic sewing stitch used to join fabric pieces together. It is typically used to sew the front and back panels of the blanket.
Zigzag Stitch: A zigzag stitch is often used to sew the tags onto the edges of the blanket. This stitch helps to secure the tags and prevent them from unraveling.
Topstitching: Topstitching is a decorative stitch that is sewn on the top layer of fabric. It is commonly used to add a finishing touch to the edges of the blanket or to create decorative lines on the fabric.
Backstitching: Backstitching is used at the beginning and end of a seam to secure the stitches and prevent them from unraveling.
These sewing techniques can be easily mastered with some practice. It’s important to have a sewing machine or needle and thread, along with basic sewing supplies like scissors, pins, and a measuring tape. Additionally, following a sewing pattern or tutorial specific to Taggie blankets can provide detailed instructions on the sewing techniques required.
Are there any safety considerations I should keep in mind when making a Taggie blanket?
Yes, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when making a Taggie blanket for infants or young children. Here are a few important points to consider:
Fabric Selection: Choose fabric that is safe and appropriate for babies. Look for fabrics that are soft, hypoallergenic, and free from any harmful chemicals. Avoid fabrics with small parts, loose fibers, or embellishments that could pose a choking hazard.
Securely Attach Tags: Ensure that the tags on the blanket are securely attached. Double-check the stitching to make sure they are firmly in place and won’t come loose during use. Use strong thread and reinforce the tags if necessary.
Size and Shape of Tags: Make sure the tags are an appropriate size and shape for babies to grasp and explore safely. Avoid tags that are too small, sharp, or have any pointed edges.
Tag Material: Choose tag materials that are safe for babies to handle. Soft ribbons, satin, or textured fabrics are commonly used. Avoid tags made of materials that can easily fray, unravel, or shed fibers.
Supervision: Always supervise babies and young children while they are using the Taggie blanket. Regularly check the blanket for any signs of wear or damage and repair or replace it as needed.
By taking these safety considerations into account, you can ensure that the Taggie blanket you make is a safe and enjoyable sensory item for babies and young children to explore and interact with.
What materials do I need to make a Taggie blanket?
To make a Taggie blanket, you will need the following materials:
Fabric: Choose two coordinating fabrics of your choice. Soft and breathable fabrics like cotton or flannel work well.
Tags: Gather a variety of ribbon or textured materials to create the tags. You can use satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, or fabric scraps with interesting textures.
Thread: Use a high-quality thread that matches or complements the fabric colors.
Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will make the process faster and more efficient, but you can also hand sew if you prefer.
Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors for cutting the fabric and ribbon.
Pins: Straight pins will help hold the fabric layers together while sewing.
Sewing Needle: If you choose to hand sew, you’ll need a sewing needle that is suitable for your thread.
Iron: An iron will be handy for pressing the fabric and creating crisp seams.
Optional materials:
Sewing ruler or measuring tape for precise measurements.
Fabric marking tool or chalk for marking fabric before cutting.
Embellishments like appliques, buttons, or small toys (ensure they are securely attached and safe for babies).
By gathering these materials, you will have everything you need to create a Taggie blanket that is soft, tactile, and visually appealing for babies and young children.
Conclusion
Making a taggie blanket is a rewarding and enjoyable DIY project that offers countless benefits for babies and toddlers. By following the step-by-step instructions and unleashing your creativity, you can create a unique and personalized blanket that will bring comfort and joy to the little ones in your life.
The process of making a taggie blanket is relatively simple, making it accessible to crafters of all skill levels. It allows you to choose your preferred fabrics, colors, and textures, enabling you to create a truly customized sensory experience for the child. The attached tags or ribbons provide tactile stimulation and encourage sensory exploration, promoting the development of fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
Not only is making a taggie blanket a creative endeavor, but it also offers a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Witnessing a child’s joy and excitement as they interact with the tags and cuddle the soft blanket you crafted with love is truly heartwarming.
Taggie blankets also make thoughtful and cherished gifts for baby showers or birthdays. They are practical, sentimental, and can become beloved comfort items for children as they grow.
So, gather your materials, follow the instructions, and embark on this delightful crafting journey. Create a taggie blanket that will bring comfort, stimulation, and lasting memories to the special little ones in your life. Enjoy the process and the smiles that your handmade creation will bring.
