Swaddling your baby is one of the easiest ways to calm them down and help them fall asleep. You can do it with a receiving blanket, a muslin, or even a receiving blanket with a wrap added on. However you do it, the end result is the same: Your baby is cozy, cozy in their own little cocoon. Once they’re a little older, you can also start using a jersey swaddle as a way to help them transition to their sleeping environment. This guide will walk you through the process of making a jersey swaddle blanket, from the materials you need to the tools you’ll need and the steps you’ll take.
What You’ll Need
For this project, you’ll need:
- a fleece or flannel fabric for the outside of the swaddle
- an acrylic fabric for the inside of the swaddle
- thread to match your fabrics
- a sewing machine or serger
How to Make a Jersey Swaddle
Step 1: Make your swaddle! Start by cutting out two rectangles of fabric the same size (or by a multiple of 4). Place one piece of fabric right side up. Place another piece of fabric right side down on top of it. Using a ruler and a straight edge, draw a line down the center of each rectangle. This will be your swaddle’s “hinge,” where you’ll attach the Velcro closure.
Step 2: Draw another line a few inches in from the first hinge. Place Velcro across this line. Now, using a pencil or disappearing marker, mark the spots on either side of the Velcro where you’ll sew it on.
Step 3: Open up your sewing machine, and insert your serger. Set it to a straight stitch, and place the jersey fabric you’ll be using in the swaddle inside the machine’s throat. Stitch along your marks, backstitching at the end to secure the Velcro.
Don’t Have the Right Materials?
If you don’t have the materials you need to make a jersey swaddle, don’t worry! There are so many ways you can use a jersey swaddle as a baby’s blanket or even a toddler’s blanket.
Just use your jersey swaddle as a blankie! Wrap your baby in their blanket and hold them close.
Use it as a blanket bunting. Get a few different fabrics and bunt them all together. Then, use it as a cover for the stroller or car seat.
Wrap your baby in it as a nursing cover. If you’re nursing your baby, sometimes you need to cover up while you’re doing it. This is a great way to use up your swaddle!
Jersey Swaddle Blanket Tools
Your swaddle blanket should have wide, adjustable straps so it can fit any baby. You can make your own, or you can buy some pre-made.
Your blanket should be lightweight and easy to carry. You can use a lightweight cotton fabric for this.
A pocket is a handy place to keep your baby’s pacifier.
A pen or pencil is handy for marking the date on the calendar when your baby was born or when they were first born.
A baby-safe mirror is ideal so you can see your baby while they’re swaddled up.
Steps to Make a Jersey Swaddle
Step 1: Prep Your Fabric
Before you start sewing, iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles or creases. Then, prepare your fabric by washing and drying it thoroughly. Next, remove any tags or labels from your fabric. This will make it easier to cut out the pieces for your swaddle.
Step 2: Assemble the Hinge
Identify the two points on either side of your swaddle’s “hinge.” Using a pencil or disappearing marker, mark both points on the fabric.
Step 3: Stitch the Hinge
Fold the hemmed edge of one rectangle of fabric over the marked line. Make sure the fold is even, then pin it in place. Stitch along the fold, backstitching at the end to secure it.
Repeat on the other side of your swaddle.
Step 4: Assemble the Swaddle
Open your swaddle, and place one of the fabrics right side up on your ironing board. Place the other fabric right side down on top of it.
Step 5: Pin the Flaps
With the right side of the fabric facing up, place the flap with the Velcro side facing down on the ironing board. Match up the Velcro on the two pieces of fabric, and pin them together.
Step 6: Sew the Flap
Place the velcro side of one flap inside the machine’s throat. Stitch along your stitching line, backstitching at the end to secure the Velcro.
Step 7: Refold the Hems
Fold the raw edges of the fabric you just sewed, forming a triangle. Bring the sides in toward the center and press down. Use a chopstick or other thin stick to push the creases out.
Step 8: Pin the Flaps
With the right side of the fabric facing up, place the flap with the Velcro side facing down on the ironing board. Match up the Velcro on the two pieces of fabric, and pin them together.
Step 9: Stitch the Flap
Place the velcro side of one flap inside the machine’s throat. Stitch along your stitching line, backstitching at the end to secure the Velcro.
Wrap your baby: The best time to start!
Ideally, your baby is between 6 and 10 months old before you start using a swaddle as a sleep sack. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting to wean your baby off of the security blanket at around this age.
Swaddling a baby too young can cause all sorts of problems. It can be dangerous for them to be swaddled too soon and too tight. A swaddle should be loose enough that your baby can move around in it, but still be able to breathe.
Starting swaddling your baby too early can cause them to be too clingy. They might not want to let you go or become fussy when you try to put them down for a nap.
Wrapping your baby: All done!
Depending on your needs and your baby’s age, you can either unswaddle your baby or proceed directly to the next step.
If your swaddle was for comfort and security, congratulations! Your baby is ready for a crib.
However, if you’d like to wean your baby a bit more slowly, you can continue using your swaddle as a sleep sack for up to two more months.
At the end of that time, you can either pass your baby off to the next sleep phase or follow our steps again to make a new sleep sack.
Conclusion
Swaddling your baby is one of the easiest ways to calm them down and help them fall asleep. You can do it with a receiving blanket, a muslin, or even a receiving blanket with a wrap added on.
Make a jersey swaddle blanket with this easy tutorial. It’s the perfect way to keep your baby cozy and warm on cold nights.
Swaddling your baby is one of the easiest ways to calm them down and help them fall asleep. You can do it with a receiving blanket, a muslin, or even a receiving blanket with a wrap added on.
Make a jersey swaddle blanket with this easy tutorial. It’s the perfect way to keep your baby cozy and warm on cold nights.
