How to Make a Tailored Crib Skirt With Inverted Box Pleats in a Contrasting Color

A stylish crib skirt is easily made and sewn by hand.

Whether you are planning a nursery or seeking the perfect baby shower gift, consider a tailored crib skirt with box pleats. The stylish, personalized design will be appreciated by any parent-to-be. A homemade crib skirt with box pleats in a contrasting material allows you to customize the fabric choice so that it harmonizes with the nursery decor. This project does not require a sewing machine and is simple enough for beginners.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric in two colors
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Iron

Instructions

1. Measure all four sides of the crib. Cut main fabric panels exactly to length of crib's four sides for a total of four main panels (two long panels and two short panels). Cut contrasting panels for box pleats along a 2-to-1 ratio (4 inches of panel will result in a 2-two inch box pleat).

2. Hem all fabric to desired length.

3. Decide on placement of box pleats. Make vertical cuts in main panels where you want box pleats.

4. Place box pleat fabric face up on flat surface. Bring one edge of material halfway in. Fold the material back on itself -- the wrong sides will be together while right side of the fabric will show. Pin. Repeat with the other side. Place the box pleats into one of slits cut in a main panel. Pin the top of the box pleat to the top of the main panel. Repeat until all box pleats are completed.

5. Iron the crib skirt while it is still pinned. Pin the four pieces of the crib skirt together at the corners.

6. Sew along top of panels a little above the pins. Remove pins.

7. Attach one side of no-sew hook-and-loop fasteners to crib skirt. Attach the other part on crib where you the skirt to attach.

References

• Curly Q Design; Pleated Crib Skirt Tutorial; April 2011
• Better Homes and Gardens; Tailored Crib Skirt; 2002
• Pregnant...With Power Tools; Nursery Bedding: Crib Skirt with Inverted Box Pleats; April 2010