Christian UC: Baby-Wearing

Sew Your Own Unpadded Sling

You will need:
2.25 - 2.5 yards fabric
2 3" sturdy metal or nylon rings.
Metal rings should be 4 guage wire or thicker.
CAUTION: If the rings are too thin, it is possible for one to pop through the other while you are using your sling. If this happens, your child will fall out and could be injured.

Fabric considerations

Width: If you choose fabric that is 36 - 45" wide you will not need to hem the sides unless you choose to do so. If the fabric is wider than 45" you will have too much. (The Maya Wrap Sling is 35" wide.)

Pattern: Both sides of the fabric will show when you use your sling so you may want to choose a fabric that does not have a "wrong" side.

Type: Cotton or cotton/polyester blends are recommended. The rings may not be able to hold a slick fabric in place. You will sew a seam through many layers of fabric so choose a fabric your machine can handle or plan to sew this seam by hand.

Length: You will need 2 and 1/4 yards to make a size medium sling. If you are tall or large 2 and 1/2 yards is a good idea.

Directions

1. Hem one end of the fabric. If you are not sure about the final length of your sling postpone this step until you have finished the others. You can carry your baby for a while to know how much fabric you need and then you can hem your sling.

2. Fold the other end of the sling like a fan as shown in Figure 1. Make the folds 4" wide. They should extend about 8" down the length of the fabric. If you would like the finished product to look very neat initially, make these folds extend for the entire length of the sling. This is quite a bit more work and these folds will only last until you start using your sling.

3. Put the nonhemmed end of the fabric (that you have just folded) through the rings and pull it through 3 - 4 inches (fig. 2)

4. Fold Panel 1 out of the way so the stitches won't show when you use your sling. Sew in place. This seam will take a lot of stress so it is important that it is a strong seam and that it is backstitched on both ends.

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