No-Sew Wrap

This is one of the easiest things I've ever made! (Actually, Jaymz did most of the work and I helped him while taking photographs.) I got the idea from Hobo Mama's series on babywearing the heavy baby. I didn't buy a stretchy wrap (like a Moby or Sleepy Wrap) because I knew if I wanted one, I could just do this project, and get three wraps for less than the price of one! I used these guidelines for how to make your own no-sew wrap. Here are step-by-step instructions (with photos!) if you're feeling even marginally crafty (or frugal) and want to do it for yourself:

1. Buy at least 5 yards of knit cotton fabric that is at least 60 inches wide. (My mom helped me pick out the fabric I used when she was visiting—thanks, Mom!) If you want your wrap to be stretchy, make sure the fabric stretches! (Obvious, I know.) Most cotton jersey won't fray when cut. The edges should curl when stretched—that's how you will know it won't fray. You can also use fleece, but make sure it's medium-weight, or it might be too hot. (If you decide to use another kind of fabric that does fray when cut, you can always hem the edges...but then it won't be no-sew!)

2. Wash the fabric. Sometimes there can be a lot of shrinkage with cotton fabric, so pre-wash and dry so you know what you're actually working with.

3. Measure it to make sure it's still at least 60 inches wide. The wraps should be at least 20 inches wide, so make sure you can still make three wraps out of your one piece of fabric. (From here on, I'll assume you're making three wraps.)

4. Fold the fabric in half length-wise, and make sure the edges match up nicely. You will be cutting through these two layers at once (and only cutting once!) so it's important that there aren't any wrinkles or gaps at the edges.

5. Measure 20 inches (or 1/3 of the width of your washed fabric) from the free (unfolded) edge of the fabric. We used a ledge in the hallway as a straight-edge, measuring all along it to make sure it was hanging straight, and then cutting along a groove in the edge of it. Jaymz re-measured each time we got to the end of the length of the ledge before cutting the next section. If you don't have a set-up like this, measure along the length of the fabric in the same way, and place pins at the 20-inch mark at intervals along the length. Then cut along your pins.

6. Cut your fabric! Use good, really sharp scissors.

7. If you're not perfect (who is?) clean up the edges of the fabric that you cut so they are totally smooth.

8. Wear your baby in your new stretchy wrap...and give two away!

If you're lucky, your kid might do something cute like this when he's in there: