The baby sling is a great way to support your baby and keep him always close to you, while leaving your hands free for other actions. To save some money, try to make a headband with your own hands. This is a very simple operation: start from the first step!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Collect the Required Materials
Step 1. Choose a strong and slightly stretchy fabric
The best materials to make a baby sling are fabrics composed of muslin or cotton and a small percentage of spandex or elastane (5%), as they are resistant but at the same time they adapt comfortably to the shapes of your body and that of the baby. To make your headband, you will need a piece of fabric 4.5 meters long and about one meter wide.
Step 2. Take the scissors
You will need scissors to cut out the fabric. The sewing ones, in particular, are perfect for this type of operation as they generally have blades longer than 15 cm and are equipped with a handle with holes of different sizes where you can comfortably insert your fingers.
It would be better to use a piece of chalk to draw a line along which you will need to cut the fabric
Step 3. Prepare the thread and your sewing machine
These are the last tools you will need to make your headband. You can also sew everything by hand, but the sewing machine will save you time, draw stitches more precisely and avoid fraying.
Method 2 of 3: Make Your Band
Step 1. Get a precise idea of the sizes, fabrics and wearability of the bands on the market
Before making your own DIY headband, take a stroll around specialty baby shops and see how the headbands are made. In this way, you will be able to get a better idea of the size, length, width, fabric and wearability of this type of accessory.
Step 2. Spread the fabric on the floor or flat surface
Once you have purchased the right fabric in the color and material of your choice, spread it out on a large, flat surface.
Step 3. Cut the fabric on the longer side, into two equal parts
In order not to be mistaken, the best method is to fold the fabric in half and draw a line with a chalk along the crease that has been created.
- Unfold the fabric again and slowly cut along the line you drew, using the sewing scissors. To make this easier for you, ask someone to hold the fabric taut as you cut.
- You should then get two strips of fabric, 4.5 meters long and 50 cm wide. Both halves can be used to make your headband.
- Alternatively, you can ask the clerks at the fabric store to cut the fabric in half for you.
Step 4. Sew the hems of the band (optional step)
Once you have cut the fabric into two parts, you can already start using it. However, if you want to get a better result and prevent the edges of the band from fraying over time, you can sew the hems.
- Fold the edges of the fabric inward, creating hems of your preferred width. Iron the crease to make the next step easier.
- Place the thread in the sewing machine and sew a classic or zigzag stitch to secure the hems.
Step 5. Add a fabric patch to the center of the band (optional step)
Most brands produce headbands with a small patch in the center, which serves as a reference point when wrapping it around the chest.
- If you want, you can create this patch by sewing a small square of fabric (preferably of a different material / color to make it more easily recognizable) in the central part of the band, facing outwards.
- If you insert a patch of a different material than that of your band, you can immediately recognize it by touch.
Method 3 of 3: How to Wear the Headband
Step 1. Wrap the band around your body
Pick up the fabric and grab the two ends. Wrap the fabric around your body starting from the front of the torso, placing the patch in the center of your waist, just above the navel.
To enhance the look of your headband, you can also fold the fabric in half along the length, before wrapping it around your body. But make sure the fold is even
Step 2. Cross the two ends of the band behind your back, creating an X
The two ends should go over each of your shoulders (they will act as a shoulder strap), creating an X shape on your back. Try to keep the fabric taut for optimal comfort.
Step 3. Pull the two ends under the band
Bring the two ends forward, towards the chest, and pass them under the band (behind the central patch), from top to bottom. Arrange the fabric so it fits snugly against your body.
Step 4. Tie the two ends at the waist
Cross the ends a second time to create an X at the height of your stomach. Bring the two ends back towards your back and continue wrapping them around your body in the same way, before tying them around your waist.
Step 5. Place the baby inside the sling
Once you have secured the sling around your torso, you can place the baby inside. The most used position, especially in the first months of life, is the fetal one.
- Support the baby and lean it against your shoulder. Then gently insert the baby into the first piece of fabric (the one that rests on your shoulder) and place him in a sitting position. Unfold the fabric well to cover the baby's bottom, back and shoulders, while continuing to support him with your arms.
- Run the baby's legs through the second piece of fabric (the one that rests on the other shoulder). Then take the third piece of fabric (the one that goes around your waist) and pull it up to wrap around the baby's body.
