Quick and easy baby gift
Embroidered blanket, burp cloths, swaddling blankets, and headbands.
Spring is in the air and this lady is ready for some porch time. I love waking up, going outside, and enjoying my coffee on the back porch with the birds.
I'm a simple person. Ha!
Babies and weddings usually go hand in hand with Spring. Don't you agree? I've been to a few baby showers lately and thought I'd share some easy handmade gift ideas for you to make and take to your next shower.
As sewists, we always have extra fabric that we're dying to use up. This gives you an opportunity to use it up or go shopping for new fabric. Win-win!
Let's get sewing, we've got a shower to attend!
Here’s what you'll need:
3-4 yards of soft flannel, cotton, minky, and/ or faux fur.
Matching or contrasting threads/ matching bobbins
Ribbon
Store-bought cloth diapers. I use the extra thick ones (optional)
Bowl or plate
All the sewing things
Sewing machine
Serger
After you have your fabrics picked out, it’s time to make some baby gifts.
Swaddling Blanket
Grab a chalk pen, or water-soluble pen to mark the rounded edge.
Square up a yard of soft baby flannel. I like to cut the swaddle blankets 40"x 40".
Take a bowl or plate and trace the curved edge at each corner. Or, fold the blanket in half and half again so you have all corners on top of each other. Then trace and cut.
Cut and make a few of these blankets using different patterns of flannel fabric. These are quick and they will be well-loved.
Serge around the entire blanket edge making sure to go slowly around the corners. If you don’t have a serger, zigzag over the edge. (You can fold over and under, then topstitch, but don’t round your corners if you do that.)
After you have all the swaddle blankets you want, set them aside.
I made 3 different swaddle blankets. They are great to keep in the diaper bag, car, and nursery.
Burp Diapers
Every new parent needs burp rags. Buy a pack of store-bought cloth diapers, I prefer the thicker style ones. Measure the width and multiply that number by 2. Cut a strip the length by 4 inches wide. Fold in half like a hot dog. Serge the raw edges together or use the zigzag stitch if you don't have a serger. This is supposed to be quick and easy. Don't stress over edges that aren't perfect.
I didn't gather the strip for the ruffle before I attached it. I folded the strip in half and used clips to attach it at the midpoint and each end of the burp diaper. Then, just eyeballed the gathers.
You can see the raw serged edges above.
Sew 1/4" from the bottom edge of the burp diaper making sure to catch the ruffle.
Use clips or pins to hold the ruffle in place and remove as you sew.
Topstitch the ruffle.
After you attach the ruffle, press the seam up toward the burp diaper. Topstitch the top 1/8-1/4" from the edge. This adds extra security to the ruffle and burp cloth seam. Go slowly, the burp cloth fabric may want to shift.
Grab a cute headband set or some baby bath items to add to the gift set. Or not. Keep it super simple.
I loved having thin blankets when I had my babies. They're great for diaper changes, sun shields in the car or stroller, swaddling newborns, wiping up spills, etc. Blankets make the best gifts because they're so versatile.
If you're feeling adventurous, make a nice blanket with a layer of faux fur and flannel. I make these as well and embroider the baby's name on the flannel side. The new mom might not use the fancier blanket for the baby right away, but it will be special for the baby as he/she grows into a toddler.
Sew the blanket with right sides together leaving a 3"-5" gap opening for turning. Slip stitch the opening closed or top stitch around the whole blanket. And you're done.
Handmade gifts for babies are the sweetest. With a little fabric and some time, you can create things that baby and mama will both love for years and years.
Other easy ideas to make:
Burp cloths. Sew 2 or 3 layers of flannel together in a rectangle.
Pacifier clips
Doll or stuffed animal
Embellished store-bought baby bodysuits. Add ruffles or applique
Baby carrier cover
Diaper bag
Quilt
Baby outfits/ dress
Playmat
Cart cover for shopping
Sun hat
Do you make gifts for baby showers or do you purchase them instead? I do a little of both.
Thanks for hanging out today and enjoying all the sweet baby things we made.
Happy Sewing!
Annette