Has anyone made a sling?

[catholicapmom]

I'm new to sewing. I'm going to ATTEMPT to make cloth diapers. Everyone says it's easy, but I'm not crafty. :lol I would like to make a sling, too. I have a OTSBH, a Maya and a Snuggli, but I want to make one of those Asian (?) carriers that go over both shoulders and you can wear it either on your back or front. Has anyone made one before? How easy is it? I was thinking of making this: http://webpages.charter.net/dshiel0742/FrankenKozy.htm or this: http://www.mamaroobabysling.com/newsite/Sewing%20Directions.html What do you all think? Am I getting in over my head? :shrug

[tree_hugger]

The Frankenkozy is great, I have made my own and it is by far my most comfortable sling (to carry my 2 year old in, anyway). I didn't follow her instructions exactly as I found them a little hard to understand, especially toward the last few steps. You might like to try www.thebabywearer.com for advice. They have a DIY forum. I believe there is also a yahoo group for sling sewers that the creator of the frankencozy is a member of. :)

[Jan Andrea]

I have illustrated directions on my site for an Asian carrier: http://crafts.sleepingbaby.net/asian.html

The "Mamaroo" sling can be done a lot simpler than the way she describes it, too. Just take a piece of fabric that's 20" wide by about 5 yards long (it's okay to piece them together, if you use a flat-felled or French seam), fold it in half so you have a 20" by 2.5 yard doubled piece, and sew a seam about 6" from the fold. You can use the "ring wrap" directions from my site, but omit the rings. I have illustrations here: http://crafts.sleepingbaby.net/wrap.html

I will admit, I also found the Frankenkozy directions difficult to follow, especially towards the end. The one I made looks really messy where the straps are sewn in; I just couldn't get the topstitching to look nice and even. I much prefer turning the straps to topstitching them. And I've been sewing for about 12 years now.

[catholicapmom]

i have your website bookmarked already! :lol

[gabriola]

I made the Frankencozy about a month ago with my MIL help as I am new to sewing as well. We found her instructions a little confusing as well....but as my MIL is an experienced sewer we muddled through it and I love the sling. It is very comfortable and great for long walks or to the mall. It is a little more difficult to get in an out of than other slings I have used but with practice gets easier. My DS is 25 lbs and 10 months old and I would have had to stop slinging him had I not made this...It cost me a total of 10 dollars to make and was worth every penny. I would highly recommend one of these 2 shoulder slings...give it try.

[Leslie]

I have illustrated directions on my site for an Asian carrier: http://crafts.sleepingbaby.net/asian.html


I made this carrier from Jan's website (thanks, Jan!!) I don't really sew, but it was very easy, all straight stitching. Something even I was able to handle!

[mama2grace]

I'm teaching myself to sew as well. A pouch sling was the first thing I ever made, and I've made several since. They are really easy and simple. Some great directions are here: http://www.ida.net/users/stace/sling.html

I also made an asian carrier using Jan's directions(thanks, btw!), and I love it. The ABC took me longer to make, but it's worth the time and effort. :idea You can try mine out at the park tomorrow, if you like. :)

I've bought some materials to make cds, and covers, but haven't ventured there yet. Have lots of directions, though.

[Leslie]

A pouch sling was the first thing I ever made, and I've made several since. They are really easy and simple. Some great directions are here: http://www.ida.net/users/stace/sling.html


That's the first carrier I ever made (I made two!) It was quicker to make (done in 5 minutes rather than 20!) But the Asian one is more comfortable if I'm wearing the baby for very long.

[TheSweetLife]

Thanks for the links ladies! I have been thinking of making one of these. Right now we just have a ring sling that I made and dd is getting heavy so it gets a little hard on my back/shoulder to carry her for very long in the hip carry position.

[Garnet]

Amber~joy makes beautiful slings, you should ask her......