At ParentingNerd, we strive to help you make parenting decisions with confidence. To do this, some of the products featured here are from our partners. However, this doesn’t influence our evaluations. Our opinions are always our own.

How to Make a Baby Sling? A Step by Step Sewing Guide

Baby sling

There are many baby sling models which you can buy or make by yourself and trust us that you are going to need one for your baby. Every single model has some benefits, but in this article, we will put an accent on the ring sling as a very practical one and easy to wash.

We will show you how to DIY a ring sling from scratch, and we will also teach you how to do natural dyeing, which will help achieve the perfect blush hue. The drape and the texture of the linen alongside the lovely blush hue, which you will get from the dye method, will get you the feeling of wearing a lovely scarf rather than a piece of baby equipment.

If you own a sewing machine and you know how to use it, then definitely make your ring sling. This way it will cost a lot less than buying one from the store. Using a ring sling must be done properly, so do your research first. The ring sling can be used when your baby is a newborn and through his toddlerhood.

The Supplies You Will Need:

  • 2-2.5 yards of white 100% linen fabric. 2 yards are enough for size S, and 2.5 yards for size L. You can add an extra 18 inches for each size up. That little excess will be needed as your baby grows day by day. It is important to get 100% linen/cotton material because otherwise, it won’t dye.
  • 1 pair of big aluminum rings.
  • a sewing machine
  • heavy duty needle for the machine
  • color coordinating threads
  • iron with ironing board
  • pair of scissors
  • straight pins or binder clips

Supplies for dyeing:

  • 8-10 avocado pits
  • 10-quart stainless steel pot, which after this will not be safe for food. Choose aluminum pot
  • wooden dowel or tongs to stir your pot and dip the linen
  • a knife to cut the avocados
  • pH neutral detergent

Dyeing the Linen

Avocados are a plant that has a natural mordant, and the dye will be able to bond with the fabric. First, you need to wash the linen in hot water with the pH neutral detergent. This will remove the oils and chemicals on the linen, thus making it more absorbent to the dye. Washing the linen over and over again will make it softer and softer. You can also pre-soak the linen after you have washed it, and leave it overnight in a large bowl and dye it the next day. When the fabric is thoroughly saturated, the fibers will be ready to absorb the dye more evenly.

Your pot should be filled halfway with filtered water, this way, the linen can freely move, and the heat on your stove should be set at medium-high. Then, add your clean, whole avocado pits. Let the pit get to the simmering point, but don’t let it boil because that will dull the color. The longer you keep the linen in the pot at a simmering point, the deeper color you will reach.

You can dip a piece of linen in the pot to get an idea of the color that you will get. When you are happy with the shade, you can the damp and pre-soaked fabric in the dye pot. You can always add more water if necessary, but that will dilute the color to some point. The fabric should stay in the dye pot for at least 30 minutes, and you need to stir it from time to time. If you want to achieve a darker color, then leave the fabric overnight in the dye pot or even a few days. After you are finish dyeing, take the fabric and wash it with pH-neutral detergent and dry it well. Then, iron the fabric and prepare it for sewing. 

Sewing the Sling: A Step by Step Guide

1.Step – First, you need to fold one of the long sides of the fabric in ¼” and iron it. You fold the fabric over as you iron it, or you can use binding clips and pins, it is up to you. Then, the same edge needs to be folded over again in ½” and again iron the whole length. Here you better use pins and binder clips on the double-folded hem so that you can keep things in place until you start sewing. The same process should be repeated on the opposite long edge.

2.Step – Second, you will need to start at the end of one of the double-folded edges, then back-stitch and stitch down the whole length on the inside fold. Don’t forget to remove the clips as you sew. Again, back-stitch when you get to the other end. The process should be repeated on the other edge as well.

3.Step – Thirdly, the double-fold hem process should be repeated on one of the shorter ends of the linen. The other shorter end, for now, needs to be left as is.

4.Step – Next, fold the fabric in half length-wise. The two long-edged hams are resting next to each other but not on top of each other. This way, it won’t get so thick that the needle won’t be able to penetrate it. Depending on if you are right-handed or left-handed, the hems should meet either on the right side or the left side. Put a binder clip in the center, and add another one about 1” in from both sides.

5.Step – The next step is to imagine all things in thirds. The left side should be folded in so that it covers the center third and fold it back halfway. Then the right side needs to be folded in a way that it will cover the center third and fold it back halfway.

When folded correctly, it will ensure strong shoulder support without getting lost in the fabric.

The center binder clip needs to be removed, and you can iron the folds to create creases.

6.Step – You should add two binder clips about 6” down from the top on each side, which will keep the folds in place and also can be a reference point for later.

7.Step – You should start and finish with a back-stitch. Therefore stitch across the short edge of the folds about 1/8” from the edge.

8.Step – Add the two rings to the fabric and fold it down to the place where the binder clips were and reclip all again.

9.Step – Then, stitch 3 rows of stitching near the edge of the fold to secure the rings. To make sure that the rings will stay in place and thus keep your baby safe, you will need to back-stitch at the start and the end of each row.

10.Step – Trim the loose threads and try out your sling. The sling should be placed over the dominant shoulder just at the top of the chest. Continue to thread the other end up through both of the rings and separate them, and thread the ends back through the ring on the bottom.

Conclusion

Slings are a great way to keep your baby next to you, especially when it is fussy, while you have your hands free to do other stuff as well. Still, it is important to learn to wear the sling properly and keep your baby safe at all times.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on email
Email

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. ParentingNerd may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write ParentingNerd content.