How to Make a Swaddling Blanket

Swaddling a newborn is easy. The small cotton receiving blankets that new mothers receive in packs of 4 or 5 are just perfect for wrapping a tiny infant into a cocooned little bundle. But finding an affordable blanket for your growing baby that is large enough to effectively swaddle him can be difficult. If you have a sewing machine, some fabric, and a little time, you can make your own swaddling blankets for your baby in just a few easy steps.

First, choose a fabric suitable for a swaddling blanket. For a winter blanket, you may want to choose a cotton fleece for extra warmth and softness. If your baby tends to get overly warm when swaddled, lightweight cotton muslin or other soft cotton will work. Some parents might also prefer to choose an organic cotton fabric, but organic cotton fabrics can be a little more expensive. Buy a yard and a quarter (45 inch fabric) to a yard and three quarters (60 inch fabric) for one square swaddling blanket. In addition, purchase a coordinating thread.

I chose to use a waffle weave knit for one swaddling blanket and a lightweight cotton fleece for another swaddling blanket. Keep in mind that you will want to wash your fabrics to preshrink them before you cut or sew them. If you use a waffle weave knit, you may have up to ten inches of shrinkage, so purchase additional fabric.

After preshrinking your fabric, determine what size and shape you would like to make your swaddling blanket. Since you are making the blanket yourself, you have some leeway. Use a yard and a quarter to make a perfect square from 45 inch fabric. Use a yard and three quarters if you are using a 60 inch fabric. Use more or less fabric if you prefer a rectangular swaddling blanket. Cut off all the selvages, since the fabric may tend to wash and wear unevenly if you do not.

Next, finish all of your raw edges with a zig-zag stitch.

If you have a serger, you may use a rolled hem stitch around all of the edges to finish the blanket.

If you are using a traditional sewing machine, turn the edges of the blanket under by a quarter of an inch all the way around and press with an iron. Turn the edges under again a quarter of an inch to enclose all of the raw edges. Machine top stitch the two opposite sides first. Then machine top stitch the last two opposing sides. This will give you a neat, finished hem with square corners on all four sides of your swaddling blanket.

These swaddling blankets are fast and easy to sew, and they make great baby-shower gifts. You can also make these blankets relatively inexpensively and donate them to women's shelters and hospitals for mothers who need extra help.