Homemade Baby Slings

One of the best ways to ensure your baby is close to you and that you have your hands free to go about your business is to wear your baby in a sling. Your baby is happy in a sling because he is close to you and can see the world from your point of view. Babies who are in slings most of the day cry less, are more content and tend to have better sleep patterns, according to Mykarmababy.com.
With basic sewing skills you can make your baby his very own baby sling.

Things You'll Need

• 2.25 - 2.5 yards fabric
• Two 3 inch sturdy metal or nylon rings
• (Metal rings should be 4 gauge wire or thicker)

Instructions

1. Hem one of the cut edges of the fabric. This will then be the tail of your sling.

2. Hem the selvage edges, which are the outside edges of the fabric. This area of the fabric does not include a pattern, it is usually white and may have manufacturer information on it. The selvage edges normally do not fray due to the manufacturer's finish. If the selvage edges are to your satisfaction, you may not have to finish them.

3. Fold the remaining unhemmed edge of fabric in a fan shape. Make the folds four inches or six inches wide. You do not need to make folds the entire length of the fabric. Going 10 to 12 inches from the top is enough.

4. Use a zigzag stitch through the folded fabric. A zigzag stitch goes one way and then the other and provides a sturdy finish to a seam to prevent raveling.
   The fabric thickness should be considered during this step. If you have a sewing machine that stitches the seam, encases the seam with thread while cutting off excess fabric, known as a serger, make sure your serger can handle the thickness of the fabric.

5. Put the folded end through the rings and pull it 3 to 4 inches. Take the fabric and fold it over the rings and back onto itself; then pin it in place.

6. Fold the first panel out of the way and stitch through all thicknesses. 1/4-1/2 inches from the cut edge is a good distance. Don't sew through panel 1. Make sure this seam is strong; backstitch on both ends. This is the seam that takes a lot of stress when worn. Consider using upholstery thread and a heavy duty needle at this point.

Tips & Warnings

• Panel 1 can be unfolded over your shoulder to create a shoulder cap which helps keep the sling in place and spreads your child's weight evenly across your back.

• If the rings you chose are too thin one may pop through the other while your sling is in use, thus causing the sling to give way and possibly injuring your child.

References

• My Karma Baby: Top Reasons to Babywear
• Maya Wrap: Baby Sling Sewing Instructions
• The Sewing Dictionary: Sewing Dictionary and Glossary