You’ve probably got a list of things you want and need for your new baby, or maybe you want to gift something extraordinary – but you can’t find exactly the version, size or design you’re after. Depending on what it is, though, rather than scouring every corner of the globe and potentially getting stuck in a loop of frustration, all is not lost! There are a few things you can try making yourself to suit just the vibe you want. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the things you can try making if you’re feeling crafty – either for your own baby or as a gift to someone else!
Baby Towels
You know those extremely cute little hooded towels for babies? They’re surprisingly easy to make – all you need is a nice soft towel, a hand towel or soft fabric similar in size and shape (matching or contrasting as you prefer), some pretty trim if that’s your thing, and the tools to cut and sew it all together. There are numerous patterns and tutorials around, so have a hunt for one that has the right style for you – some prefer simple, while others might want to add things like ears to the hood or patches to the body to really up the cute factor. While there are a number of methods to get the hood attached to the towel, a basic way involves folding the hand towel in half lengthways and then stitching one of the short ends together to form the hood. Sew the open end to the middle of the main towel, and you’ve got a basic hooded towel! The advantage to this is you can customise your towel to be exactly how you and your little ones like it, with as many or as few extras as you like – colour, patterns, trims – you name it, they can all be modified by you. They also make for a beautiful gift if there are other new arrivals or birthdays around the corner.
Towelling Swimming Bags
In keeping with the towel theme, a swimming bag is equally easy for even those with only beginner-level sewing skills. It’s not unusual for parents to start swimming lessons early – some little ones are absolute water babies and love splashing around. Getting all that wet gear home, though, can be less fun, which is where the towel swimming bag comes in handy. Take a relatively large towel – how big will be suitable depends entirely on your needs (think about how much space you’ll need for togs, change of clothes, another towel) – and trim off the ends; around ten centimetres should do. Form a hem on the raw edges of the rest of the towel. Fold and stitch your trimmed-off ends lengthways to form handles and attach them to your newly hemmed ends. Fold the towel in the middle, matching the hemmed ends and sew the two remaining sides. Turn it right-side out, and you’ve got a quick, easy, and incredibly practical swimming bag. Depending on the size of the towel to start with, you might even be able to trim off a little extra to make an inside pocket – perfect for stashing swim caps and goggles once they reach that stage! The extra bonus? Older kids who are responsible for packing their own bags often end up forgetting their towels – in which case, the bag can be used to dry them off!
Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are probably among the easier things to make, even if you only have limited experience. There are a few different fabrics you can choose from, but ideally, you’ll want something light, soft, and easy to clean – that is, able to be thrown in with the rest of the laundry. Cotton fabrics are perfect, and muslin specifically is a very popular choice due to its being so lightweight and soft. Luckily, it’s often relatively cheap and available in a vast range of colours or prints, making it a great go-to. A burp cloth can be square or rectangular – what’s important is making sure it’s big enough to cover your shoulder, as a baby’s milk spill (or spit up) after a good burp can go almost anyway. Cut a couple of layers and put some batting between if you want extra absorbency – you could even try decorating a few of Haakaa’s larger Cotton Cloth Wipes if you want a premade version you can decorate with a covering fabric yourself. Hem the edges – or, if you can, overlock them (also known as serging), and voila! You’ll have a stash of burp cloths in no time.
Books
We know what you’re thinking – publishing a book isn’t exactly easy, so how can you make your own? When we’re talking about very young babies, books don’t actually need to have words or even be made of paper. Instead, think of high-contrast pictures drawn onto thick card then folded together into a book shape. Black and white is perfect at first; as baby grows, you can add different colours and more detail. Not only is it a great way to help with baby’s sensory development, but it’s also a fun way to work some art into your day! Just make sure to use baby-safe materials, including the paint and glue (if using). If you choose to make a book with a few pages and want to stitch bind it (i.e., sewing the pages together along the fold), ensure the stitches are tightly bound with no excess left hanging down – not that there’s any need to stitch bind a baby book at all!
There are, of course, many more things you can make yourself to either save money or to personalise a gift, from clothing to toys. As with all baby-related things, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. Make sure all materials are non-toxic, without any small parts that can lead to choking. Other than that, let your imagination soar! Tutorials and patterns for almost everything can be found with a bit of a hunt, and you’ll be able to find instructions for your skill level, from beginner to advanced.