How to Make a Lined Baby Sling for Newborns
Every mother has to choose which staples she will need during her baby's first months. A layette and crib are a priority, but these items are used when your baby sleeps. After the first few weeks of life your baby will sleep less and you'll want a way to move about. A baby sling affords you a safe, hands-free option for carrying your child while you resume normal activities. A lined baby sling can be made of a heavy-weight, outer fabric and a comfortable fabric lining.
Instructions
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Measure from your right shoulder to your left hip bone and write down that measurement. Add 3 inches to the first total and record it as a second measurement on paper. You will need these values later to customize the lined infant sling.
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2
Cut both baby sling fabrics to a measurement of 22 inches wide by 72 inches long. Use a heavyweight material for the outer fabric like flannel or gingham and a minky baby fabric for a soft lining.
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3
Line up the inner and outer fabric with the right sides facing each other. Grasp the lengthwise edges in front of you and fold them up so that they create a long rectangle 11 inches by 72 inches.
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4
Grab all four layers of the fabric on the left hand side. Fold the layers from left to right meeting the edges. Your result is a rectangle that measures 11 inches by 36 inches.
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Measure your sling from left to right starting in the upper left-hand corner. Place a pin where the tape measure indicates the value of your first measurement. Measure the sling again on the bottom from left to right and place a pin as a marker for your second measurement.
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Draw a gentle curve along the fabric to connect the pins. Chalk marks will wash off. Insert pins on the inside of the mark to hold the fabric together. Cut along the drawn line. Unpin and unfold the fabric carefully, leaving it perfectly aligned.
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Sew a double straight stitch using a 1/2-inch seam allowance along both straight lengthwise edges of the fabric. Turn the sling right-side out. Iron the seams.
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Line up the curved edge of the fabric so that your outer fabric is facing out. Insert pins along the curve. Sew a straight stitch along this edge using a 3/8-inch seam allowance. Iron the seam down so that it faces one direction. Flip the sling so that you see the lining fabric. Sew along the curved edge again, pinching the first seam in this second one. This technique creates a reinforced French felled seam.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a heavy-weight fabric that will accommodate your infant's weight gain.
Add decorative embellishments like bows or appliqué to your lined baby sling.
Don't use a fabric with lengthwise stretch.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
