How to Make a Baby Cradle Sheet

The cradle is often a baby's first bed.

The cradle is often a child's first bed. Those early days and nights in life require a comfortable sleeping situation for your little bundle of joy. The tiny little sheets on your cradle can run into big money when purchased at retail outlets. Making your own can avoid this issue.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet fabric
• 3/4-inch elastic
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the mattress across the top and add 2 inches to your result. Measure the length of your mattress including the thickness and add 4 inches. This is the measurement for your material.

2. Measure completely around the inside edge of the mattress and subtract 3 inches. This is your measurement for your elastic.

3. Cut your material and elastic to fit your appropriate measurements.

4. Sew a 1-inch seam around the edge of your material. Leave a 1-inch opening in your seam.

5. Thread your elastic through the opening in your seam. Gather the material around the elastic as you go. Sew the ends of the elastic together where they meet at the opening.

6. Place the mattress inside the sheet and assure that it fits snugly but does not curl the shallow mattress. If the sheet is too loose, tighten the elastic by pulling it out of the opening and shortening it 1/4 inch at a time until the sheet fits properly.

7. Sew the seam opening closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Select soft material and elastic for your project. Your baby's skin is sensitive and rough or treated material may irritate their skin.

• Cut any loose threads from your sheet. Loose threads can be a choking hazard for your child.

Resources

• Pregnancy Etc: Nursery Bedding - Choose the Right Bedding for Your Baby