A baby sling can be a convenient baby carrier. Essentially a long swathe of fabric that holds your baby snugly against your body, a baby sling lets you keep your arms free while still holding your baby close. Since celebrity moms like Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie and Denise Richards have made baby slings new mom must-haves, there are plenty of commercially available baby slings for sale. Making your own baby sling is an easy process that lets you customize your sling's look and save a little money.
Step 1
Use scissors to cut both rectangles of fabric so that they are 36 inches wide. Set aside any leftover fabric for future projects.
Step 2
Hem each rectangle on all sides by pinning a 1/4-inch fold on each side and sewing it down using a straight stitch. Use an iron to press the finished seam flat.
Step 3
Pin the two rectangles of fabric together with right sides facing out. Stitch together along each side, using a decorative zigzag stitch.
Step 4
Pleat one of the short ends of the rectangle of fabric by making 4-inch accordion folds. Pin the fabric pleats in place, then stitch across them about 1 inch from the top of the fabric, using a zigzag stitch. Make sure your stitches go completely through the fabric.
Step 5
Slip the pleated end through both of the rings, pulling it through so that 3 to 4 inches of fabric come through the rings.
Step 6
Fold the fabric over the rings and pin in place just below the ring. Lift the folded end away so that you don't accidentally sew it down, and use a straight stitch to sew the folded fabric to hold the rings securely in place. Sew a second straight seam directly below the first one to reinforce the seam.
Tips and Warnings
- If you prefer a more understated sling, you can use the same fabric for both rectangles. If you're taller than 5 feet 8 inches or overweight, you might want to increase your fabric yardage to 2 1/2 yards of each fabric. Along the same lines, if you have broad shoulders, you might want to trim your fabric so that it's 38 inches wide.
- Choose thick, sturdy rings to ensure that your baby is secure. Use strong, all-purpose thread to sew your baby sling. Consider using upholstery thread to make sure your baby is secure. Try on the sling with your baby to make sure she fits comfortably into the sling. Check periodically to make sure her nose and mouth are uncovered and that she's not getting too warm.
Things You'll Need
- 2 1/4 yards of cotton or flannel fabric
- 2 1/4 yards of coordinating or contrasting cotton or flannel fabric
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Coordinating thread
- Iron
- 2 metal or nylon 3-inch rings
- Thread
