How to Make a Cloth Baby Carrier

Cloth baby carriers are such a convenience to have, especially when taking baby to crowded places. There are so many styles of cloth baby carriers to choose from that you need to select a style first. If this is your first baby carrier and you want a strong one, your best bet is to purchase a pattern from a reputable pattern company.

1. Make a simple one from one piece of cloth that is long and wide enough, about 5 yards of strong fabric, to wrap around you and baby, finish the edges with a zigzag stitch and tie a double knot in the ends at your shoulder. Hold the baby while someone else fits the two of you with the fabric and have them tie it where it should be. If you prefer to sew a cloth baby sling, read on.


2. Choose a pattern for the style of cloth baby carrier you prefer. McCalls' M5678 (not for infants under 4 months) is a convertible pattern that offers two styles of cloth baby carriers for you to choose from, or you can make both.


3. Check the back of the pattern package for a list of items you need to sew the cloth baby carrier, including the fabric, thread and VELCRO.


4. Choose your fabric. They suggest stretchy cotton or corduroy. The fun part here is that you can make you cloth baby carrier totally unique!


5. Remove and read the sewing instructions before tackling anything else for the project. Make sure you understand how to cut out the pieces and assemble them in order.  


6. Lay out your material, cut out and lay your patterns on it as described in the instructions, cut out the pieces, thread your machine and make a bobbin before you start anything else.


7. Assemble your pieces as instructed. Don't forget to check for fit of the shoulder straps before sewing them in for finishing.


8. Reinforce your stitching. This is important to be sure the carrier is strong enough. McCall assumes no responsibility for injury.