Sewing Instructions for a Ring-Sling
Babywearing has been around since the beginning of times, when it was a necessity for mothers to wear their infants and toddlers while working. In modern times, mothers and fathers have found babywearing to have multiple benefits. In addition to soothing your baby, babywearing creates a sense of security for your baby and allows you to do chores, play with other children in the household or simply be close to your baby. Sewing a ring-sling will allow you the benefit of babywearing without buying one at a store.
Things You'll Need
- 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 yards of 45-inch-wide fabric
- Two 3-inch sturdy, metal rings
- 1 spool of coordinating thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
Instructions
-
-
1
Hem one of the cut ends of your fabric by folding inside and sewing a single straight stitch. You will not need to hem the selvage edges of your fabric unless you choose to do so.
-
2
Fold the unhemmed edge of fabric like a fan, 4 to 6 inches wide and about 10 inches down the fabric. You will not need to fold it down the entire 2 1/4 yards of fabric. Sew through all the layers of the fabric, about 1/2 inch from the edge.
-
-
3
Put the folded ends through the two rings and pull the rings down about 3 inches. Fold the fabric back onto itself and pin into place. The top layer of fabric (where the sewn edge is not showing) should not be pinned with the rest of the fabric.
-
4
Pulling the top layer to the side, sew through the remaining layers of fabric, securing the rings in the fold. Sew several straight stitches and use one line of zig-zag stitches as well, as this seam will take a lot of pressure when wearing baby. Do not sew through the top layer, as it will be used when putting the sling on to distribute the baby's weight.
-
5
Thread the hemmed end through the rings by pulling it through both rings, then back through only one, allowing room to put it over your head and to put baby in prior to adjusting the fit.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Choose a cotton or cotton/polyester blend for your fabric that your machine will be able to sew through multiple layers of.
Choose a fabric that does not have a "wrong" side pattern, as both sides will show when your sling is complete.
If your fabric is wider than 45 inches, you will need to hem the fabric to 45 inches wide.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
