swaddle blankets are soft, stretchy, lightweight blankets commonly used to swaddle newborns, and can also be used as burp cloths or nursing covers.All you need to make them is fabric, scissors, an iron, and a sewing machine.These beautiful blankets are bound to be useful for a long time, whether you make them for yourself or as a gift.
Step 1: Purchase 2.5 square yards of fabric.
2 swaddles that measure 44 by 44 inches will be produced by this length of fabric.You can browse at your local craft store.You can pick from hundreds of colors and patterns.The fabric used in a swaddle blanket is soft, stretchy, and lightweight, which makes it the perfect choice.Extra fabric is needed if you want to make larger swaddles.To make 2 swaddles that are 60 by 60 inches (150 by 150 cm), you will need about 3.5 square yards of material.
Step 2: Before cutting the fabric, put it through the washer and dryer.
It is a good idea to cut the fabric after it has been washed so it stays the size you want.Take a small load and run it with cold water.It isn't going to hurt anything to put pre-washed fabrics through the washing machine and dryer again.
Step 3: You can iron the fabric to smooth it out.
The steam function can be used to help with toughwrinkles if the iron is turned on to its highest heat setting.If the fabric still looks wrinkled after your first attempt, repeat the process.The appeal of swaddles is that they are soft and look good even when wrinkled.It is best to cut and sew your blanket with smooth fabric.
Step 4: Cut out 2 squares that measure 44 by 44 inches.
There is enough fabric to make 2 swaddles.You can decrease the size by a few inches if you want smaller ones.If you want larger swaddles, you can increase the size up to 60 inches (150 cm), but only if you purchase more fabric.Make sure to cut out a square rather than a rectangle if you increase or decrease the size.It is okay if the edges are not straight.Once you sew the hems in, they will look good.
Step 5: The edges of the fabric should be folded over 2 inch.
The material is so light that you don't need sewing pins to keep your folds in place.As you move along the blanket, fold the edges by hand and smooth them down.If the corners keep coming undone, put a heavy book or paperweight on top of them.
Step 6: The hem should be finished by folding the edges over another 2 inch.
Don't worry if the sides are not perfect, try to keep them as straight as possible.To create a crease in the fabric, smooth down each section.It will be easy to put it back in place if the fold is undone.
Step 7: The folded edges need to be iron down to stay in place.
As you iron, keep the hem straight so that it gets pressed down.Refold the hem and iron that section if you make a mistake.You could accidentally burn your fingers if you get too close to the iron.
Step 8: You're going to sew.
To finish the hem, take your swaddle blanket to your sewing machine and use a simple straight-stitch.If there is excess fabric sticking out, place the needle right along the edge of the hem.You could also hand sew the hem if you don't have a sewing machine.
Step 9: Wrap your baby up.
Place the swaddle in a triangle so the baby's shoulders are even with the fold.Take the left corner over the baby and put it under their body.Bring the bottom up over their feet.Wrap the baby under the right corner.Babies love being swaddled because it feels like being in the womb.
Step 10: Use your swaddle blanket as a burp cloth.
There is more toddle blankets than just being used as a blanket.They are lightweight and easy to carry in a diaper bag.They should be washed when they get dirty.If you want to use a nursing cover for your baby, you won't need to worry about overheating because the fabrics are so lightweight.
Step 11: Put a rain cover over your baby's car seat.
If you are going from the car to a store or taking a quick walk in the rain, drape a blanket over the top of the stroller or car seat.It will keep your baby dry until you can get inside.If you want to dry out a swaddle blanket, put it in the dryer for 10 minutes.
Step 12: Put the blanket on the ground so the baby can lay on top of it.
They can be used if you need to change a diaper.If you want to protect your baby from germs and dirt, lay the blanket down first.If the blanket is on the ground, wash it as soon as possible and don't use the same one as a burp cloth, traditional swaddle, or nursing cover.