Oh, I just can't decide whether to put this in sewing or quilting.... I guess since it isn't really quilting, into sewing it goes!

For the flip-flop beach "blanket" that I am making, I can't decide when to attach the ribbon "thong" to it. I have 13 of the 30 appliques on, and may finish tonight depending on how stubborn I am (have to work in the AM so shouldn't stay up working on it.) So, I need to decide soon.

I can go two ways:

1)Put it on before sewing all the layers together (sheet layer with appliques + two layers of former comforter material.) This is the simpler way, but the middle piece of fabric would be able to float and wrinkle inside the blanket if it isn't perfectly laid out.

OR

2)Sew the three layers together (outside edges only) and then sew the ribbon on through all three layers, given it a slightly quilted effect just barely reminiscent of a yarn-tied quilt, in that it would only be sewn through in 3 small points on each applique. The advantage to this is that the floating piece of material in the center is tacked down. Of course, I need to be a little more meticulous about my stitches if I do it this way.

If you have followed my convoluted explanation this far, how would YOU do it and why?