Five sewing accessories for a baby
I started sewing when my daughter was two months old, motivated by the desire to make matching outfits for her and her brother. However, before getting to that point, I first learned by sewing her small, simple accessories. These quickly gave me confidence and showed me the economical and sustainable side of sewing. It's no secret that sewing for babies requires little fabric, which often makes them the most profitable customers to showcase our passion. Whether to inspire you to gain sewing experience or to give you ideas to complete your shower gifts, today I want to offer you five ideas for sewing baby accessories. It's the perfect opportunity to use your fabric scraps!
The little birth hats
The first accessory that comes to mind when starting to sew is the newborn hat. Even today, I often use the pattern from the company Annelaine who has been closed for some time. The Baby Bunny Sack remains available for purchase on Etsy. What I like about this pattern is that it comes with options to make a nightgown or a tied headband, two ideas that can be interesting in a baby’s wardrobe. I also recently discovered the Peek-a-boo pattern, the Baby hat pattern and mitten pattern which works just as well. The fact that it comes with the option to make small mittens to protect newborns from their tiny sharp nails makes this pattern even more appealing. Jersey is the perfect fabric for this project.
The bibs
The second essential accessory for babies is the bib. It is a piece of sewing that helps to further develop skills, especially due to the placement of snap buttons that it requires. A pattern is also available for free on the shop's website. Although the practical bavette designed for babies from 6 to 18 months, it can still be worn by newborns who experience a lot of reflux. Additionally, another smaller option, the drool bib bandana, is available on the Peek-a-boo website. This pattern can be free with a code from their group. For more absorption, I like to double the bibs with some ratine. Cotton, muslin, flannel, and even jersey can be used for the main side of the bib. With leftover fabrics, it is also possible to make small washcloths or linens to be placed on the shoulder during burps.
The little slippers
Another accessory that I really like to sew is little baby slippers. I recently fell in love with the pattern Baby Booties de Lowland which is rather simple to make if you select the tighter option at the ankle. I like to use my ribbing and sweatshirt cotton scraps to make it. The softness of this fiber is perfect for babies' little feet. The site Menta Sewing Pattern also offers a nice variety of small boot patterns. The more experience you gain, the more it makes you want to try different models.
The pacifier clip
For parents planning to give a pacifier to their infant, the idea of making pacifier clips is also a great way to make use of our fabric scraps while creating an accessory that coordinates well with the chosen clothes or themes. You can easily find tutorials to make this project on the Internet. Some clips can be made with snap buttons while others get with a piece of rope. In all cases, you will need a fastener. Cotton or poplin seems to be the best choice for this project, but jersey could work well too, especially if we interline our fabric.
The little blankets
One last very useful accessory, but which requires a larger amount of fabric, is the small blanket. You just need to cut a square of the size of your choice and secure the edges with an overlock stitch before hemming. For this kind of project, muslin is my favorite fabric. For an option that requires less fabric, I have often made tagged-blankets. This is actually one of the first projects I sewed (see the photo of my very first project, five years ago). You just need to cut a small square of the desired size and insert different ribbons into the seam to make a sensory toy for the child. You can even put inside a crinkly paper pour ajouter à l’expérience sensoriel. Je ne l’ai jamais testé, mais j’ai déjà entendu que certaines personnes avaient mis un sac de croustilles, préalablement lavé, à l’intérieur pour un résultat similaire. La flanelle ou le minky, doublé avec du coton, peuvent être de bons choix de tissus pour ce genre de doudou.
Hoping that these few projects inspire you to sew for babies. For my part, they were my gateway into the world of sewing, and five years later, even though my children are now too old, these creations still motivate me just as much when it comes time to give gifts to new parents. And that's perfect, because there is currently a baby boom in my circle! So stay tuned, because after the accessories come the little wardrobes of clothes. 😉
XOXO
Julie