I was invited to a baby shower this weekend and I had a hard time figuring out what to give as a gift. I love giving handmade items, especially quilts. Sometimes it isn’t possible to make a quilt in time for a shower. I came across this free pattern for a “Baby Snuggler or Baby Swaddler” by Lotta Jansdotter and I thought I would give it a whirl. You can print the pattern HERE. I read a few reviews and they all mentioned it was hard to print the pattern. I agree. I tried a few different browsers and printed in each. Then I pieced them together the best I could. This was the hardest part of the project. I thought a picture of the pattern pieces all put together would be helpful:
The pattern calls for 1 yard of outer fabric and 1 yard of minky fabric. I choose this cute print from Riley Blake Designs Apple of my Eye. Instead of working with Minky (it’s a love-hate thing) I choose this sweet flannel check also from Riley Blake Designs. I pre-washed my fabrics. The pattern sewed up really quick. It consists of a main body and the pouch part and Velcro closures. I choose to top stitch my snuggler which I don’t think it said in the pattern.
One thing I found confusing was the placement of the Velcro. I had seen this pattern sewn up in person it would have made more sense. I made this little Velcro guide to make it clear which side of the Velcro to put where. The pattern has the placement for the Velcro.
There is enough fabric left over to sew 2 matching Burpers. They are still my favorite! You can download my “Old School Baby Burper” pattern HERE. Cut 2 from the flannel and 2 from the floral. All you need is some ric rac. Baste the ric rac to the yellow floral piece starting and stopping on a straight side. Then put right sides together, sew around, following the basting stitch, leaving a 3″ opening on the side. Turn, press, and top-stitch all the way around making sure to catch the opening.
I think it makes a darling set! I wish I had made these swaddlers when I had babies!!
While I was at the shower, I borrowed my friends baby and tried out the swaddler. It fits perfectly!
I am for sure going to make more of these!!!
Thank you so much! I would think a new mother would be thrilled to get these?
Thanks for the great tips and pics! I’m a visual learner so I’m sure it will help when I attempt these patterns 🙂
Thank you so much! The pictures really helped–the pattern is a bit of a bear to figure out.
Please could you tell me where can I get this pattern.
Regards Muriel
Pattern
http://cdn.makezine.com/uploads/2009/05/lotta_snuggler_pattern.pdf
I didn’t have a problem putting the pattern together, but the total sack ended up being 19 inches long. I’m sure it will be fine for a newborn for a week or two. I wish that the pattern had a one inch test square on the print out so that I could confirm that it printed at the correct size. I’m going to add an inch to the width and length centered between the flaps and make each flap half an inch longer and make another. We’ll see how it goes.
Thank you for this blog, I was struggling with the pattern and instructions especially piecing the pattern together after printing. I made two swaddlers and I am very pleased with the results!
I can’t figure out how you attach the foot pocket to the main part! Help!
Error message 404; can’t print
Hello, went to the site where pattern was supposed to be there was a 404 error symbol that said no such thing. Any help with this for pattern pieces would be appreciated! Thanks!
Just above your post is another post with the working link to the pattern
Why do the instructions say fold material right sides together but your picture shows the opposite
I made this pattern with flannel and a sweatshirt type of fabric ( for a cold weather born baby.). I found that the side that you fold over first was much harder to get it to lay nicely where the front and back meet. The side that folds over lastly was perfect. I guess I will have to experiment with other fabrics and see how they turn out. I also had a bit of a struggle with putting the pattern together before cutting.
Thank you very much for the advice and pictures. I may not have taped the pattern correctly as my foot bag is way smaller (by 2 ” on each side).As I have never seen one of these or used on, Would it work to gather the top piece to fit the foot bag? Or should I just cut it down to fit? The baby was 10.3# at birth, Is this even going to fit him?