I was introduced to babywearing when my daughter was born and my mom gave me a ring sling she found at a consignment sale. It didn’t last very long because the sling wasn’t a good one, I didn’t know where to get a better one, and I didn’t know anyone who could teach me. It was a relationship doomed to fail.
Four years later, when my son was born, I was determined to try again. This time, I had friends who could loan me a carrier or two and could show me how to use them. And the relationship blossomed. I started with a borrowed Moby wrap, then a borrowed ring sling, then my own ring sling, then a Boba (one brand of buckle carrier), and an inexpensive Kozy mei tai I found on Craig’s List.
As I learned more about the options for babywearing, I developed an interest in trying different kinds of carriers, and as I researched them online, I discovered the world of DIY babywearing. There are dozens of tutorials online for making your own carrier, and most can be accomplished with only moderate sewing skills. Below are the ones I have used with some measure of success, as well as a few I would like to try:
The Tablecloth Wrap
I have two woven wraps made from 60-inch wide tablecloths. One I found at Roundabout Consignments in Northeast Columbia for $6.00 (which came with some placemats and kitchen towels that I turned into an awesome wrap storage bag – best. deal. ever.). The one pictured on the right was 102 inches long, which was long enough for a “shortie” wrap (size 2). I found it on sale at Kohls. For both, the directions were very mind-boggling simple:
- Cut the tablecloth in two lengthwise.
- Hem the raw edge.
More detailed directions about finding and using tablecloths can be found here.
The Placemat Mei Tai
The design of a mei tai is pretty straightforward: a sturdy block of fabric with four long strips of fabric coming off the corners. I made this one from a Pampered Chef placemat I found (again) at Roundabouts and some sturdy fabric from JoAnn’s Fabrics. I got my idea from Textile Transfigurations blogspot (no real directions here, though) and learned more about how to reinforce straps at Make Baby Stuff.com.
I also have another Roundabout tablecloth I want to make into a mei tai (hopefully before my son outgrows being carried!).
The Tablecloth Podaegi
Recognize this fabric? It is from the other half of my tablecloth wrap! I wanted to try a podaegi out, but all the ones I found, even used, were too expensive. Then I found a tutorial and it worked great. I learned that I love this design when I want to have less around my waist. It is supportive without being as tight, and the wrap straps are what make me want to make the tablecloth converted mei tai that I linked to above.
The Tablecloth Ring Sling
The ring sling pictured to the left was also made from a tablecloth (again from Roundabouts!). One 60-inch tablecloth cut in two lengthwise made two, in fact – one for me and one for a friend. I bought the rings from Slingrings.com (the only place I would recommend as their rings are tested specifically for babywearing – DO NOT USE CRAFT RINGS!). I followed a tutorial from SleepingBaby.net to do the shoulder. I also made a no-sew water ring sling from a length of mesh fabric, two sling rings, and no sewing.
Making my own baby carriers seemed intimidating at first, but there are such great tutorials and support groups online that you can have a lot of fun with it and also spend much less than you would on even a used carrier. Have fun!
* Disclaimer: These ideas are suggestions from another mom, not a professional. Be sure to research proper materials to use when making your own carrier. Always practice safe babywearing for your protection and the protection of your child.
These are pretty genius! If I had a little baby, I’d so twist me up a tablecloth wrap!