Sew-a-Long: Modern Swaddle Blanket

Every so often it seems I am having to sew baby items for expecting mom’s in my life. So, I thought I would share my latest – the swaddle. For those of you non-mothers out there (including me) a swaddle is a square piece of fabric used to tightly wrap a baby. Think of a burrito!

Fabric

I like to use a 100% Cotton Flannelette material as it can be useful in all seasons. Also, its nice and cuddly for the baby.

Most fabric stores dont carry a modern variety of prints. You will find the typical cheese ball gender categorized prints, like unicorns and tractor trailers. The best place to purchase modern prints would be Fabricana.

Here is my selection of gender neutral prints in Flannelette. I hear a Chevron print is fairly popular in the baby world right now.

Average cost per meter for good quality Flannelette ranges from $9-15 per meter. But I have found Flannelette with less modern prints for under $5 per meter at Fabricland and Dressew.

Materials

All you need is a serger and a few basic sewing supplies to make a burrito…I mean swaddle. To make one swaddle you require approximately 1.10 M of material. This will allow for a 41 x 41 inch dimension.

Step 1

Measure and cut out a 41 x 41 inch square. You can decide how large you want your finished dimension, but these dimensions have been tested out on a real baby already.

Create curved corners by using a vase base as your stencil. You should have a shape like this.

Step 2

Serge all the way around where you have marked. For best results begin on a straight side (red line for start/end point) instead of a curved corner. This will give you a cleaner and more professional look. If you do not have a serger, you can zigzag the border.

Why not make your next baby shower gift? It is definitely useful and thoughtful.

Happy Sewing!
Designed, photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios