Do you want to make a special fabric book for your baby? This is a great project for new moms or anyone who wants to create a personalized gift.
In this blog post, we will show you how to make a fabric book for a baby using simple materials and techniques. Let’s get started.
Ways on How To Make A Fabric Book For Baby
To make a fabric book for your baby, you will need:
The fabric of your choice (enough for the pages, front and back cover). It is best to use fabric that is baby safe, so organic fabrics and 100% cotton would be a good idea. If you are using fleece or felt then it won’t fray which means you can use less fabric per page and adjust the measurements accordingly.
Sewing machine and thread (or needle and strong cotton if hand sewing)
Scissors
Ruler or tape measure
Pins
Marker/pencil
Filling for the pages – this could be stuffing or you could use cardboard pieces that are small enough to fit within the page.
The purpose is to make each page stiff so that it doesn’t fold in half when the baby twists and turns it. If you want to add extra sensory elements then consider adding a crinkle strip (crushed plastic bottles, bubble wrap) or something for them to feel like a stuffed toy or teddy bear’s face.
You may also wish to place some high contrast fabric on top of the front cover before sewing on if desired but we will get onto that later.
Steps On How To Make A Fabric Book For Baby
Measure your chosen fabric into squares of equal size + one square for the front cover. You will need at least three pieces of fabric that are approximately 18 x 15cm or smaller if you are using felt or fleece as this won’t fray and it is best to use less as stuffing can get lumpy. If you want a bigger book then just double the measurements (36 x 30cm).
Cut out each square along your marked lines with scissors and pin them together in order so that they match up when held by the baby. Make sure that there aren’t any sharp bits sticking out of each piece of material.
Sew each page together on three sides using a standard stitch, back-stitch or zigzag (whatever you are most comfortable with). Leave one side open and turn the fabric right side out. This is how your sewn pages will look:
Now we want to measure and cut out our front and back covers. The easiest way to do this is by folding your chosen fabric in half lengthways and then cutting out a rectangular piece that will be big enough to cover the entire book when folded shut. Again, add an extra square for good measure.
Cut out your front and back cover pieces and then pin them together, right sides facing each other. Sew around three of the four edges using a standard stitch, back-stitch, or zigzag (again, whatever you are most comfortable with). Leave one side open and turn the fabric right side out – this is now how your covers should look:
Fold in the raw edge of the opening on each cover so that it meets up with the sewn edge and then sew closed using a standard stitch, back-stitch, or zigzag. You can topstitch if you like but it’s not essential.
Now we want to attach our front cover to our pages. To do this, place the book on top of your cover and then pin it in place. Make sure that you leave a gap at each side so that we can create a flap for the baby to hold onto.
Sew around three edges of the cover using a standard stitch, back-stitch or zigzag again, leaving one side open (and remember not to sew over those flaps!). You now want to turn the material right side out, which should look like this:
Now comes my favorite part – stuffing/filling our pages. If you are using felt or fleece then all you need is some stuffing. You want to fill each page until it is nice and plump but not so full that it looks like a big lump – you don’t want the baby to choke on anything.
If you are using fabric then this is where the crinkle strip or other sensory elements can come in. Cut a thin piece of plastic (bottle, wrap) into small strips and then pin them in place between the two pages before sewing everything closed.
Make sure that they are evenly spaced out otherwise it will just be a noisy book! You could also use ribbon, lace, or other trimming instead if you prefer.
Now we need to attach our back cover. Place the book on top of your chosen material and then cut around it, leaving an extra square or so.
Pin in place and then sew around three edges using a standard stitch, back-stitch or zigzag, making sure not to sew over the flaps on the cover. Turn right side out and you’re done.
So there you have it – your very own handmade baby book! This can be made in any color or style depending on your preference and can be adapted to include any type of fabric, crinkle strip, or sensory element.
What Should A Baby Book Include?
A baby book should include important milestones, such as the first time the baby smiles or sits up. It should also include photos of the baby and notes from family and friends.
Additionally, a baby book can be a place to track medical information, such as when the baby’s first doctor appointment is or what vaccinations they have received.
A baby book is a great way to keep track of your child’s life from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to put in your baby book, here are some things to consider:
– Baby’s birth announcement
– First lock of hair
– hospital band/bracelet
– footprints and handprints
– ultrasound photo
– baby’s social security card
– photos with family members and friends
– journal entries from important milestones in the child’s life (e.g., first tooth, first steps)
– family recipes (e.g., grandma’s chicken noodle soup recipe)
– baby’s favorite things, such as toys and snacks.