Homemade Baby GiftsAre you a good sewer and would like to give homemade baby gifts? There are so many things you could quite easily sew for babies. You'll first have to decide whether you'd like to make a toy or clothing, a car seat cover or a sleeping bag! There are plenty of directions on the net so this page is more to give you ideas, and let you know of some easy things you won't need a pattern for. Homemade ToysAs most baby toys go into the baby's mouth it's a good idea to prewash all materials so the baby isn't swallowing any excess dye. I've given instructions for only one toy because it doesn't take long to write. For all others check out the patterns already on the web or in your local sewing store.If you're short on time or money or would just like to add a quick, easy gift to your other homemade baby gifts, a tag toy is a great idea. They are basically two squares of cloth (or a fun shape if you're feeling adventurous.. stars?!) which are sewn together with "tags", which are loops of ribbon sticking out every inch or so. They were originally created (yes, you can buy them....) because so many babies love sucking on the tag of their other toys. If you haven't sewn much before this is the easiest thing to try. Choose some brightly colored material (patchwork squares are great for this purpose) and ribbons and prewash. Cut out two squares, around 3 inches square will do, and several bits of ribbon that are about 2 inches long. Place the squares right side together. Fold the ribbon pieces in half and place them between the two layers of fabric, with the looped end inside. Pin everything in place, sew around the edges leaving an inch unsewn so you can turn the fabric right side out. once turned out, topstitch the inch you left. Easy hey! If you want to be even more exciting with this easy toy you can put a layer of cellophane against one of the squares (on the wrong side so it ends up inside the toy and doesn't get sucked on) to make the toy noisy when it's held. If you're a good sewer a teddy bear is one of the more beautiful homemade baby gifts to give. You can personalize the bear with the baby's name embroidered onto the foot or chest.
Homemade Clothes and BeddingBaby clothing is quite fiddly to sew as everything is so small (though not as bad as making Barbie clothes). It takes a good skill level to make a onesie. If you do decide to make baby clothes, check out the Trendy Baby Clothing page for some ideas of which types of clothes are appropriate for different age groups so you can make something which will be useful for as long as possible. It also contains the World Health Organisation average sizes for ages so you can check to see if your pattern is likely to fit the child.An easy bedding idea to try is a sleeping bag. These come with zips, buttons, or are just a sack with a longer piece for the head to rest on, so there is something for all skill levels. A nursing cover for the mom is also a gift that can be modified to suit your skill level. Other practical homemade baby gifts to sew are cloth diapers. Just check that the parents would actually be interested in using cloth diapers before going to the effort of creating them. They are easy to moderate to sew in skill level. Do you have a great idea or a question about homemade baby gifts?Have you already made something wonderful for a baby and want to share your tips and techniques? You can upload photos and instructions of your homemade baby gifts or ask a question! Back to Best Baby Gift Ideas from Homemade Baby Gifts |