If want to use the DIY instructions with fabric other than what I received in the kit, what do I need to keep in mind?
*I recommend doing some basic research on-line. This site offers this information that might help you:
Fabrics used by STBS.
Shopping for fabric for your sling.
And, Rev. Jan sleepingbaby.net has a most excellent fabric discussion.
What about thread & needles?
*Many serious home-sewers prefer to use higher quality thread such as Guttermans's. In some areas of the country (such as where I live) this type of thread is not available unless you order on-line. Many people use Coats & Clark Dual Duty Plus with great success. It can be found at Wal-Mart or Jo Ann Fabrics.
Needles: Schmetz are best, but Singer will work. For sewing with super pouch fabrics, I highly recommend using a needle made for jeans or heavyweight wovens.
What about sewing machines?
The curved seam of the pouch is very thick to sew through. Some lower-end, newer home sewing machines just plain might not make it happen without serious effort.....manually raise and lower the needle if you have to.
If you know someone who owns a vintage machine (one that is mostly made of metal) you can try that. I routinely use a 1950's era Morse machine that chugs though the pouch seam sewing very reliably....they have stronger motors than many modern machines and just plain more "umph."
Can I use the instructions to sew a pouch that has traditional straight edges (not contoured)?
*Yes. In fact, they're easier to sew than contoured pouches. When you cut out your fabric, omitt the contour and cut a straight line, parallel to the long edges, from the seat curve.
Can I sew the pouch with a single layer of fabric?
*Yes and no. If you are using a strong fabric with a diagonal weave (like most twills, denims and linens) or a polyester fleece, then you can use one layer of fabric. Do not expect the pouch to be as comfortable as it would if it had two layers.
A pouch made of a single layer of any of quilting cotton, broadcloth, muslin, batik, or weavers cloth, in my opinion, is not safe.
I took my measurement, but I want to double-check it against your STBS pouch sizing chart.
Here is what you need to look at: measurement in inches as it relates to women's shirt sizes.
What fabric combinations can I use from your pouch fabric stash (or from my own stash of fabric) and what shouldn't I use?
*The fabric you choose depends partly on what you need out of your pouch.
Durability
Our most durable fabrics are those used for the outer layer the super pouches. This group includes twill, denim, chambray and softened linen. Combine these fabrics with a lightweight or flannel.
Small Dimensions & Minimal Bulk
Pouches made of two lightweight materials fold up incredibly small and weigh very little. A linen blend with a lightweight fabric also makes a more demure sling. Flannel is a bit bulkier than calico, so adding it to a pouch will make the pouch thicker. The heaviest/bulkiest pouch you can make from our fabric selection is a twill combined with a flannel. Some people prefer a more substantial pouch for carrying toddlers because the sling is quite supportive.
Cool for the summer
First off, don't choose black!
A pouch made from two lightweight fabrics is quite comfortable for summer wear. So is a pouch made from softened linen.
Warm for the winter
A single layer fleece pouch.
A twill or linen blend pouch combined with flannel.
What you don't want to do is:
Combine two flannels. Structurally it just doesn't work out.
Combine two super fabrics. The pouch will be very bulky and hot.
Double up fleece.....you'd feel smothered.
Sew before pre-washing and drying your fabric (not an issue with fabric supplied in DIY kits....they're already prepared for you.)
Copyright 2006: Sweet Things Baby Slings, LLC.
DIY Pouch Kits: Shop by Fabric Color
What information is included with each kit?
*Each kit includes detailed, illustrated sewing instructions to make a contoured, padded, potentially reversible pouch sling. Instructions on how to measure for the right pouch size and an introduction to pouch babywearing positions are also included. The instructions can be easily altered to make a straight-edge pouch or one without padding.
How much fabric comes with each kit?
*Fabric is prewashed, dried and ironed. Most kits (unless specifically noted) include two strips of fabric, ~22.5" wide by 1 3/4 - 2 yards long. This should be enough fabric to make a pouch for persons wearing ladies shirt sizes XS-XL, as well as some XXL (depending on your measurement,) or for a pouch for a person measuring 30" or less. If your measurement is greater than 29", I recommend that you email me first and have me measure the fabric you are interested in just to make sure you'll have enough.
How long does it take for a person to sew a DIY pouch sling & how hard is it to make one?
*It really depends on how experienced your are with sewing. An experienced person with a good home sewing machine can make a pouch, from cutting the fabric to trimming threads when finished, in 45 minutes or so. If your sewing experience amounts to what you learned in Home Ec in high school, it'll take you more time, but it is still easy.
*Each kit includes detailed, illustrated sewing instructions to make a contoured, padded, potentially reversible pouch sling. Instructions on how to measure for the right pouch size and an introduction to pouch babywearing positions are also included. The instructions can be easily altered to make a straight-edge pouch or one without padding.
How much fabric comes with each kit?
*Fabric is prewashed, dried and ironed. Most kits (unless specifically noted) include two strips of fabric, ~22.5" wide by 1 3/4 - 2 yards long. This should be enough fabric to make a pouch for persons wearing ladies shirt sizes XS-XL, as well as some XXL (depending on your measurement,) or for a pouch for a person measuring 30" or less. If your measurement is greater than 29", I recommend that you email me first and have me measure the fabric you are interested in just to make sure you'll have enough.
How long does it take for a person to sew a DIY pouch sling & how hard is it to make one?
*It really depends on how experienced your are with sewing. An experienced person with a good home sewing machine can make a pouch, from cutting the fabric to trimming threads when finished, in 45 minutes or so. If your sewing experience amounts to what you learned in Home Ec in high school, it'll take you more time, but it is still easy.
DIY Pouch Kit FAQ's
By purchasing the DIY Pouch kit or using the free instructions on-line, you agree to not hold Sweet Things Baby Slings, LLC. or Leah Walthery liable for any accidents or damage you, your family or your property may experience with relation to your pouch sling.
You also agree not to sell or distribute these instuctions for profit.
You also agree not to sell or distribute these instuctions for profit.