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What you need
Stretch poplin or another suitable strong fabric
Sewing machine
Strong matching thread
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Pins or sewing clips
Iron and ironing board
Printed baby sling pattern
Measuring tape
Sewing needle suitable for your fabric
If you are sewing baby items regularly, a good rotary cutter, self-healing cutting mat, quality sewing clips, and strong thread make a big difference. You can usually find baby-safe sewing supplies, cotton fabrics, cutting tools, and sewing notions through Amazon, Fat Quarter Shop, or your favourite fabric supplier.
Instructions
A baby sling pouch is one of those practical sewing projects that looks beautifully simple at first glance, but it is also one of those makes where the details really matter. This is not the place for “near enough is good enough” stitching, mystery fabric from the bottom of the cupboard, or that bobbin thread you’ve been trying to use up since 2009.
This baby sling pouch sewing project uses a simple curved pattern shape to create a fabric pouch that can be worn across the body. It is designed to help keep baby close while giving the wearer more freedom with their hands. Handmade baby items are always lovely, but anything that carries a baby needs extra care, strong stitching, and sensible use.
Before making or using any baby sling, please read current babywearing safety advice. A sling should hold baby securely and upright, with baby’s face visible at all times. Baby should be close enough to kiss, with their chin kept off their chest and their back supported. Never allow fabric to cover baby’s nose or mouth, and never use a sling if baby appears curled into a tight C-shape. Check baby often, as a baby in distress may not make noise or movement.
This project is best suited to confident sewists who understand seam strength, fabric behaviour, and safe finishing. If you are making this as a gift, include clear safety information with it and encourage the parent or caregiver to check current babywearing guidelines before use.
To make the baby sling pouch, begin by downloading and printing the free baby sling pattern from the project page. Use the pattern as a guide to create a fabric piece measuring approximately 58 inches / 148 cm long and 21 inches / 53.5 cm wide.
Choose a strong, good-quality fabric with suitable weight and stability. The original project uses stretch poplin, but your fabric choice matters. Avoid thin, slippery, loosely woven, damaged, or overly stretchy fabrics that may sag too much or lose shape. If you are unsure whether a fabric is suitable, choose a commercially tested baby carrier instead.
Cut your sling piece carefully, making sure the fabric is smooth and the edges are accurate. Fold along the dotted line shown on the pattern, then fold the piece in half as directed.
Sew along the curved edge. This is the main weight-bearing seam, so stitch it carefully and reinforce it with a second row of stitching. Use strong thread, a suitable needle, and a secure stitch length. Check the seam closely after sewing to make sure there are no skipped stitches, loose threads, weak spots, or puckered areas.
To help the sling stay folded at the shoulder, sew a 6 inch / 15 cm line across the shoulder section as shown in the pattern. This section usually sits on the wearer’s shoulder and helps the pouch sit more neatly when worn.
Hem the bottom edge neatly. Press the hem first if needed, then stitch securely. Trim loose threads and check the entire sling for weak seams, holes, fabric flaws, or twisting before use.
If you need a longer sling, measure from your shoulder to your hip and double that measurement to help determine the original length. Always test the fit carefully without baby first, then with a doll or weighted object before placing baby inside.
When using the sling, always follow babywearing safety guidance. Baby’s face should remain uncovered and visible. Baby should be held high on the chest, close enough to kiss. Their chin should be off their chest so their airway stays open. Their back should be supported, and the fabric should be snug without squashing or folding baby into an unsafe position.
Do not use a sling while cooking, drinking hot drinks, driving, exercising, sleeping, or doing any activity where baby could be injured. Check baby regularly, especially newborns and young babies, as they cannot reposition themselves easily.
Inspect the sling before every use. Look for loose stitching, stretched fabric, seam strain, holes, tears, or any damage. If anything looks worn or questionable, do not use it. Babies are precious, and no handmade project is worth taking a risk over.
For gifting, wrap the sling with a printed safety checklist and washing instructions. It can make a thoughtful handmade baby gift, but it should never be given without clear safe-use information.
A baby sling wrap is a type of baby carrier that allows a parent or caregiver to carry a baby close to their body while keeping their hands free. It consists of a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the wearer’s body in a specific way to create a secure pouch or seat for the baby.
These wraps are designed to distribute the weight of the baby evenly across the wearer’s body, providing comfortable support for both the baby and the caregiver.
There are different types of baby sling wraps available, including stretchy wraps, woven wraps, and hybrid wraps. Stretchy wraps are made of a soft, stretchy fabric that provides a snug fit for newborns and young infants.
Woven wraps are made of a non-stretchy fabric that can be adjusted to fit babies of different sizes and ages. Hybrid wraps are a combination of stretchy and woven fabrics, providing the benefits of both types of wraps.
Baby sling wraps are popular among parents who want to keep their babies close and comfortable while performing daily tasks or going for walks. They are also a great option for parents who want to practice attachment parenting, which emphasizes the importance of creating a strong bond between parent and child through close physical contact.
With our pattern and wrap you can be sure that your baby will feel snug and comfortable, and it won’t burden your back either!
How to make
Step 1: Download this free baby sling pattern.
Follow the general shape of the pattern to create a piece 58″ inch (148 cm) long and 21″ inch (53 1/2 cm) wide.
Step 2: Fold along the dotted line then fold in half.
Step 3: Sew along the curved edge and use a double stitch for strength as this section will take the main weight of the baby.
Step 4: So that the sling remains folded sew a 6″or 15 cm line. This section usually sits on your shoulder.
Step 5: Make a hem around one bottom.
Optional: Want a longer sling? Simply measure from your shoulder to your hip and double it to get the original length measurement.
I would like to know if you can make this in another cotton fabric besides poplin. I think this is a great idea. Sometimes it’s hard to handle baby and comfort him or her at the same time. This is a great way to do that. I am a grandma and want to make this for for a new baby.
Thank you! I’ve been searching high and low for a decent explanation of this project and the other patterns just didnt make sense. Your diagrams were very helpful.
Just how far will this device sling a baby? Suppose it depends on weight of the projectile??
I carried BOTH of my daughters in a sling like this. One is 24 and a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, the other a Jr @ MSU on a FULL scholarship. Frankly, I found it to be the most comfortable carrying method for me AND the baby. I carried one past 2 1/2 yrs because the sling is so adaptable. In 1986 these were REALLY expensive. Thanks for posting a DIY for other moms.
“Wearing your baby” is not a new, trendy thing. It’s been around since the beginning of time and is a perfectly safe way to keep your little one close. The main thing is to not have anything covering the face and to not have the baby in the un-natural “C-position”. If the baby is curved into the “C-position”, then it may not be able to breathe. For more info, go to TheBabyWearer.com
This sling, if made properly, is completely safe to use and to gift. I would have LOVED to receive one of these as a gift.
For what it’s worth, I sewed both of the carriers that I use on a daily basis… never a problem. I trust my own sewing more than that of a mass production.
Why does there always have to be someone with a negative comment, i agree you have to use commonsense.
Great ideas…..
I think common sense comes into play here. If your infants face is pressed up against something then move it. If they are so doubled up that their airway is likely to be squashed closed then move them. “Wearing your baby” is very popular right now and helps with bonding and security comfort.
I am curious to know if this is any safer than the baby slings that were recalled due to infant deaths, I don’t think this is a safe form of carrying an infant who can’t hold his head up… this puts pressure on his esophagus and can and will suffocate the baby, pls… don’t make these or give these!
With the attention lately on baby slings and design issues causing potential fatalities I would be hesitant to sew my own.