Ribbon Tab Baby Blanket

This is a small-sized baby blanket measuring approximately 15"x15" (excluding tabs). It's made out of soft flannel and is quilted. You will need only a few materials, so get out the Joann coupon flyer and head to the store:

Supplies List:

• Three coordinating flannels, 1/4 yard of each is plenty--probably enough for two or the extra can be made into a coordinating bib (separate tutorial!)
• Thread* of a coordinating color
• Batting, measuring 16"x16" square
• Ribbon, 3/4" to 1" wide, measuring at least 84" long

*A note on thread: my mother always told me to use a good quality thread. I find this to be a good idea--cheap thread leaves a lot of lint in my sewing machine and breaks easily. I stick to the Gutermann brand of thread.

**Assume a 1/4" seam allowance unless otherwise noted.

Tutorial:

1. Cut five 4-1/2" squares of flannel #1
2. Cut four 4-1/2" squares of flannel #2
3. Lay them out in a typical 9-patch pattern and sew them together into three strips, each strip containing 3 squares.
   
4. Sew the three strips together, taking care when pinning so the points match up.
   
5. Cut two strips of flannel #3 measuring 2" wide and 12-1/2" long. Pin and sew to the sides of the blankie; trim to square up.
   
6. Cut two more strips of flannel #3 measuring 2" wide and 15-1/2" long. Pin and sew to top and bottom of blankie; trim to square up.
   
7. You should now have a 15-1/2" x 15-1/2" square. Lay this on top of your square of batting and trim the batting to size.
8. Cut 28 3" pieces of ribbon. Fold each in half and press. Lay each ribbon tab, fold facing inward, at equal distances all the way around the blankie--seven per side--and pin in place (you are pinning through the ribbon, 9-patch, AND the batting).
   
9. Baste stitch around the perimeter of the 9-patch to anchor the ribbon tabs and the batting in place. Make sure to use LESS than a 1/4" seam allowance.
   
10. Cut a 15-1/2" x 15-1/2" square of flannel #3 for the backing. Lay this face-side down ON TOP of your pieced 9-patch; pin.
11. Sew through all layers around the perimeter leaving a 4" opening on one side. Clip the corners close to the stitch line and turn right-side out.
    
12. Hand sew the opening closed.
13. All that's left is to quilt this little cutie. I quilted 5/8" from the seam in each square.
    
14. You're done! Wrap that baby up and send her on her way!