has anyone ever made a sling? [Archive] - AmityMama.com

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Shalon
04-28-2003, 05:18 PM
If you have how hard are they to make? Are there instructions for them somewhere or should I just go and buy one?

owiebrain
04-28-2003, 05:32 PM
they're super simple to make. maya wrap has instructions on their site. there are a few other sites with instructions out there but i don't have the links handy right now. i'm sure someone here has them bookmarked. :)

Thmom
04-28-2003, 05:38 PM
super simple! I got instructions from maya's wrap site

LaVieBoheme
04-28-2003, 05:38 PM
I have directions for a fleece pouch that I got off of here...
The most comfy pouches are made from poly fleece. I love anti-pill
micro, but any good fleece will work -- or for that matter, any fleece
that you can buy at Joann's ;) Another option is 100% cotton material.
Not all knits will work, some are too stretchy. I used a cotton jersey
that worked beautifully.

Measuring:
To measure for your pouch get a tape measure. Starting at your waist on
one side measure up and over your shoulder and back down to meet the end
of the tape. The tape will fit you like a beauty contestant's sash --
this is how your pouch will lie on your body as well. Measure three
times to get an accurate number. (example: my measurement is about 45")
You'll want the tape to go between your breasts and fairly close to your
rib cage. If you're wearing a t-shirt it should go there naturally.

Cutting your fabric:
Add four or five inches to your measurement to get the length for
cutting your pouch. You must cut with the length of your fabric, not
with your width. The stretch will be all messed up if you do it
width-wise.
Now that you have the length, select your width. I would suggest 24-30
inches. 24 should be adequate and secure for most babies.
After cutting, fold you material in half, end to end. then fold it in
half side to side. Smooth out all the wrinkles and try to get it as even
as possible.

To cut your curve start at the outside edge (by this I mean the side
with the open edges, not the folds) Cut about 3-4 inches from the end
and curve up toward the end as you go. When you open your fabric you'll
have a length of fabric with curves cut at each end. When these curves
are sewn together they will form a seat for your child.

Sewing!! :)
If you have a serger it is perfect for this, just sew the two curves
together.

If you have a regular sewing machine, use the setting for knits and be
sure to use a poly thread. Do some backstitching at the start and sew
across the curve (with right sides of fabric together) leaving about 1/2
to 3/4" seam allowance. Backstitch at the end. I would do another row of
stitching about an 1/8 inch from the first for security.

If you'd like you can finish the edges along the length, easy with a
serger. If you are using a regular machine I suggest skipping this. Knit
fabrics will not unravel. If you find that your pouch is stretching
without the reinforment you can always add the hem later.
--

Shalon
04-28-2003, 05:47 PM
I went to the Maya wrap website and found it. Thank you!
Now I have a couple other questions. It says to get fabric that doesn't have a wrong size. Can I just get two fabrics I like and sew them together so it is reversible? Also where is a good place to get the rings? I want to make sure I have high quality ones so they don't break.
They Maya Wrap website even has videos on how to thread it and wear it. You wouldn't think that would be very good for business but oh well. :)

lisak
04-28-2003, 06:19 PM
If you use 2 pieces of fabric it will be heavier and warmer. We have one with 2 pices sewn together and it's perfect for winter. JoAnns has some 100% cotton Batiks not the shirting that are 4.99 /yd usina half off coupon your sling will be 6.00 for fabric. I get the largest metal rings from Elizabeth Lee. They are heavy and cost quiet a bit to ship but the are really nice. I think 2 inch rings are too hard to adjust. HTH

Lisa

snugbug
04-28-2003, 11:06 PM
I sell white or black nylon rings for $1.50/ set of 2

I use them for my slings and except for the one I made from denim they work fine....I have the same supplier as Elizabeth Lee

Sarah

littleturtle
04-29-2003, 07:56 AM
Cheryl's directionsf or the pouch are awesoem, I just wanted to add one tidbit. I always do a french seam at the bottom, it adds security in knowing that a seam isn't going to pop and plop your baby, LOL.

fw221
04-29-2003, 12:10 PM
I'll vouch for Sarah's rings. :D I made a sling for Lydia & her rings work great!!!