You won’t see any slings when you watch mothers with their children on a walk. Indeed, this type of carrying is very convenient and many mothers have already appreciated it! It is ideal for both short and long walks, and for those who live on a high floor without an elevator, this is a lifesaver! In addition to the fact that such a carrier allows you to move calmly with children in your arms, it also ensures the safety and comfort of the baby!
Making a sling scarf with your own hands
Would you like to make such a miracle with your own hands? This is not difficult to do and as a result you will get an exclusive option, the color, shape and fabric of which you personally chose!
Before we start handicrafts, let's find out what types of slings exist? Which ones can we make at home, and which ones shouldn’t be attempted?
There are 4 main types:
Ring sling. Its prototype is an ordinary shawl or scarf.This method of carrying a child has long been practiced in many countries, for example, Africa, India, Thailand, Cambodia, and it still remains very popular. The design is very simple: a piece of fabric approximately 2 meters long and 60–70 cm wide, and rings are sewn on one end. The length is adjusted using the free edge of the fabric. This model has many obvious advantages: maneuverability, mobility, you can quickly get the child in and out, suitable for almost any age of the baby.
Standard sling scarf. This is a long canvas, most often from 3 to 5 meters in length and 45–70 in width. The length is selected individually, depending on your build, height and how you will carry the child.
On a note!
The universal size of the sling is 4.2–4.7, short – 2.7-3.7 m.
I would like to note that this type is the most popular and universal. It can also be worn from birth. There are also a lot of ways to wear it: there are options for wearing it on one shoulder, and there are options for wearing it on two. With the second option, there is a comfortable distribution of weight, and, therefore, the load on the mother’s spine is much less.
May-sling. This species is native to China. There is a wide variety of them, but in terms of content it is a rectangle with 4 straps, modified in one way or another. It is quite easy to learn how to use such carriers, but you need to keep in mind that the material is not as flexible as fabric and sometimes it does not adapt well to the child’s structure.
Sling backpack. This is also a rectangle, like the May Sling, the only difference is that it has a rigid belt that transfers the entire load from the back to the hips. This brings physical discomfort to many girls, which is why this type is not so popular.
The first two options are fabric, and these are the ones you can make at home.NLet's start with the simplest.
DIY scarf sling without sewing
This is the easiest way and does not require any effort.
Perhaps you have a matching stole, scarf or shawl at home - and you just never thought that it could be used in this way. If not, then you can find a fabric that is suitable in size and structure, then you do not need to sew, just overcast the edges. The only caveat is that the fabric should be quite long and of suitable quality.
Then you just need to tie the scarf around yourself in such a way that it is comfortable to carry the child.
How to sew a sling scarf: selecting materials and tools
Which material is best for a sling?
The choice of fabric must be taken seriously. It is important that it is 100% natural material, elastic, and definitely durable.
For the warm season, it is better to choose something made of cotton, viscose or linen. Silk and satin are not the best choice, as the fabric will constantly slide. For winter, it is better to use warmer materials: fleece or wool (check that it is not itchy).
Important! Remember, a sling is the same as clothing, do not let the baby overheat.
The width of elastic fabric is usually 50-55 cm, for heavier fabric - 70-75 cm (fold 3 cm).
Then choose a shape: rectangle, diamond or oval.
We recommend!
It is advisable if the material is solid so that the seams do not interfere with the child
The edges can be overlocked or folded and stitched.
How to make a sling with scarf rings
Now let's start making a more complex version.
- Prepare fabric 80 by 220 cm.
- Finish all sides with an overlocker or hem.
- Next, take 2 rings. Optimal diameter 60–70 mm, a little less and the fabric will not pass well, and rings that are too large will not provide proper grip.
- We pass one edge of the fabric through them and secure it with several lines.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to check how reliable and strong your seams are.
DIY sling scarf for a newborn
For newborns, you can use even more flexible fabric, because the baby’s weight is very small, and the fabric will not sag.
Recommendation!
Stretch is a good choice as the basis of a sling for newborns.
Everything is simple here. We need: a rectangular piece of fabric 60–75 cm wide, 400 to 600 cm long. We give a finished look along the edges using an overlocker or a folded seam. And our product is ready!
Note to mothers: how best to wear a sling scarf
Remember that using this item requires some skill and it is better to consult with specialists in advance.
Be sure to follow the basic rules:
- when the baby is correctly positioned in the sling, his head should be higher than his butt;
- with a vertical position, the child’s legs should be positioned symmetrically, and the knees should be higher than the butt;
- Don’t forget to check how the tiny passenger is feeling.
Now you can easily use such a convenient thing as a sling scarf, and, moreover, make it with your own hands.
0
