A baby sling is an easy and convenient way to carry your baby when grocery shopping, cooking, or even going for a walk. To make a baby sling, simply choose the fabric you like, do a little light sewing, and you'll end up with a new way to carry your baby!
Step 1
Pick out the fabric of your choice. The best material for making baby slings is the kind that is found in the home décor section of craft stores---this is typically used for covering furniture or making curtains, and is sturdier than traditional fabric used for clothing. When choosing a fabric, avoid synthetics, as they may be uncomfortable for the baby. No matter what type of fabric you choose, purchase at least 2 yards---this will be enough to make the pattern, but you may require more if you make a mistake.
Step 2
Cut the fabric lengthwise to 22 inches---this will give you a piece of fabric which is 2 yards by 22 inches. Fold the fabric in half, and then again fold lengthwise, so all four open corners are on the upper right side.
Step 3
Measure the distance between your shoulder and your hip (for example, this may be 25 inches). Measure the top edge of the folded fabric, and make a mark at the shoulder to hip measurement you got---using the example, this would be at the 25 inch mark. Now measure the bottom edge of the folded fabric, and make a mark at the top edge measurement plus three inches (or at 28 inches, per the example). Cut a half moon from the bottom to top marks.
Step 4
Unfold the fabric widthwise and sew the two cut edges together. Next, turn the sling inside out, and sew a new seam along the curved side of the pouch that you just stitched---this process is known as making a French seam. Finish the pouch by making a 1/4-inch hem along the top and bottom edges of the sling. Remember to adjust the sewing machine when reaching the part of the sling that has been sewn previously---there are three layers of fabric there, and this may be too tight for you settings when stitching the top and bottom edges.
Things You'll Need
- 2 yards of fabric
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Thread
