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In case you’ve been out of the baby loop for the last few years, stretchy wraps are all the rage lately. However, they cost about $40!
$40 for a long piece of fabric, that’s all you’re getting! No amazing sewing technique, no buckles, no rings, nothing; just a piece of stretchy fabric.
Guess what? You can make one for $10-$15 dollars! It’s incredibly easy to do! No sewing whatsoever!
Make Your Own Stretchy Wrap
What you need have:
Scissors
5-6 yards of jersey knit fabric (that’s the cotton t-shirt type fabric)
Tape measure (depending on the width of your fabric this can be totally optional)
What you need to do before cutting:
Wash fabric (you should always do this after you buy fabric)
Lay out your fabric (you’ll need lots of room)
Directions:
45″ Width Fabric
If you bought a 45” width fabric then you can fold it in half and you can cut along the fold. Thus making two strips that are 22.5” wide.
60″ Wide Fabric
If you bought a 60” width fabric then measure out a strip between 20-25 inches. Mark and then cut. Thus making (potentially) 3 strips at 20” or two slightly wider strips.
Since you bought jersey knit there is no need for sewing as it won’t fray.
Congratulations! You just made not one but TWO (or possibly three) stretchy wraps! Didn’t think it was that easy did you?
Now I will add that when I said you could make a stretchy wrap for only $10-$15 dollars that was for ONE wrap… so technically you spend double that amount but you do get TWO wraps. My advice is to either keep two for yourself or give one/sell one/buy one together with a friend. 🙂
For wrapping instructions check out this site.
Stretchy wraps are ONLY for front carries. They are never to be used to carry your baby on your back or hip, despite what some sites might say.
Stretchy wraps are also only good until your baby reaches about 18 pounds, after that they get to heavy for stretchy material. I’ve got a great post on how to safely use a stretchy wrap.
I've been wanting one of these for the baby on the way and can't wait to make my own and save some money! thanks!
what should I use? single jersey? double? interlock? … very confused…
Any is probably fine although double or interlock will hold up the best as it's a bit thicker then single jersey.
I bought Jersey material, 6 meters in length and 45" in width. However, I feel that the material is rather thin… Is it okay to cut two 22" inch wide strips, layer them (one of top of the other), stitch around all 4 sides (This would join the 2 strips) to make one thicker 22" wrap ? Is this a good idea ? What would be the pitfalls if I were to do that ?
Hmmm interesting question. I don't think there would be any harm in that. You'd want to make sure you used the right stitching so that the stitches still allowed the material to stretch a bit. It will also be thicker… so if you live somewhere hot you might get really warm.
Thanks … What kind of stitching would allow the material to stretch ?
Sadly I'm clueless on that. I'm sure google or pinterest would give you the answer though!
How long should we make them???
Your wrap will be 5-6 yards long depending on how much fabric you bought. For reference a Moby Wrap is 6 yards long. 6 yards will cover an adult of any size whereas a 5 yd wrap will work well for shorter adults.