If you’re a nursing mom, you know how important it is to have a good nursing cover. A nursing cover can help you feel more comfortable and confident when breastfeeding in public. It can also help keep your baby warm and protected from the sun or wind.
Making your own nursing cover is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:
First, choose a fabric that is light and breathable but will also provide some coverage.
A cotton blend is usually best. Cut a piece of fabric that is large enough to drape over your shoulders and chest, with plenty of extra material to tuck under your arms.
- Gather your materials
- You will need a large rectangular piece of fabric, two smaller rectangles of contrasting fabric for the straps, and a length of elastic
- Cut the large rectangle of fabric in half so that you have two pieces that are mirror images of each other
- Sew the two halves together along the long side, using a 1/4″ seam allowance
- Press the seam open
- Fold down one short end of the nursing cover by 1/4″, press, and then sew in place with a 1/8″ seam allowance
- This creates a casing for the elastic
- repeat on the opposite short end
- 5a) If you are using woven fabric: Cut a piece of elastic that is about 2″ shorter than the circumference of your nursing cover (measure around the entire edge)
- Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed it through both casings until it comes out the other side
- Overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1″, sew in place with a zigzag stitch, trim excess threads, and voila! Your nursing cover is complete! 5b) If you are using stretch knit fabric: Cut two strips of hook & loop tape that are each about 2″ long
- Sew one strip to each casing, aligning it with the raw edge of the casing (do not sew it allthe way aroundthe entire circumferenceofthe casing)
- Then cut your Elastic to size and attachit tooneofthehook&loopstripsinsideofthecasing(again,donotsewitallthewayaround- justtooneofthestrips)
- Sewthesideseamshutandyou’redone!
How Do I Make My Own Nursing Cover?
Assuming you would like a step-by-step guide on how to make your own nursing cover:
You will need the following materials:
-1yd of cotton fabric (choose a pattern or color that you love!)
-Scissors
-Thread
-Sewing machine
-(2) 28″ long pieces of elastic OR (2) 24″ long pieces of bias tape
-Safety pin or paperclip
Instructions:
1. Start by cutting your fabric. You will want to cut a large rectangle. The finished product will be approximately 27″x31″.
2. Fold the top edge down 1/4″, then again 1/4″. Press with an iron. Sew along the folded edge with a straight stitch, about 1/8″ from the edge of the fabric.
Repeat for bottom edge.
3. Fold each side in 1/4″, then again 1/4″. Press with an iron and sew along the folded edge with a straight stitch, about 1/8″ from the edge of the fabric.
4a. If using elastic, thread one safety pin through one end of each piece of elastic. Pin at top corners of nursing cover, making sure that elastic is not twisted inside itself. Sew around entire perimeter of nursing cover, making sure to catch both ends of each piece of elastic in your stitching so that they are secure. Trim any excess thread and remove safety pins or paperclips before moving on to next step.
4b If using bias tape, open up one side of each length and pin at top corners of nursing cover, being careful not to twist tape inside itself as you work. Sew around entire perimeter fo nursing cover, making sure to catch both raw edges o fthe bias tape in your stitching so it is secure when flipped right side out again.. Trim any excess thread before moving on to next step..
5 Flip yourcover right side out through one o fthe openings created by folding in th sides earlierSteps 4a and 4b). Iron flat if desired adn voila!
How Do You Wrap a Nursing Cover?
Assuming you are referring to a nursing cover for breastfeeding, most come with instructions. Generally, you put the nursing cover on like a poncho, making sure the opening is in front. Some have an adjustable neckline that you can tighten or loosen as needed.
There are also clips that help keep the fabric close to your body so baby has less chance of pulling it off (and onto the floor).
To position baby, hold the top edge of the cover near your shoulder and pull down so it forms a “V” in front of you. Slip baby’s head under the “V” and adjust the fabric so only your breast is exposed.
You may need to hold baby’s head with one hand while adjusting the nursing cover with your other hand.
How Do You Make a Nurse Shawl?
Giving and receiving a nurse shawl is a cherished tradition among nurses. The act of creating a nurse shawl is also special, as it is a way to show your appreciation for the nursing profession. If you are looking to make a nurse shawl, here are some tips to help you get started.
First, you will need to gather some supplies. You will need two skeins of worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors, a size 9 circular knitting needle, and a tapestry needle. You can find all of these items at your local craft store or online.
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start knitting! The stitch pattern for the nurse shawl is very simple – just knit and purl stitches alternating between the two colors of yarn. To change colors, simply drop the yarn you are not using and pick up the new color from underneath.
This creates a nice stripe effect in the finished shawl.
To make your nurse shawl extra special, add fringe! Cut pieces of yarn about 12 inches long and attach them to the edges of the shawl using your tapestry needle.
Trim the fringe so that it is all even and your nurse shawl is ready to wear!
How Do You Make a Udder Cover?
Assuming you would like a tutorial on how to make an udder cover:
What You’ll Need:
-1/4 yard of cotton or polyester fabric (quilting-weight works well)
-1/4 yard of lightweight fusible interfacing
-Scissors
-Thread
-A sewing machine
-A disappearing ink pen, chalk, or tailor’s pencil
-Pins
Instructions:
1. Start by cutting two rectangles out of your fabric and interfacing. The finished size of each rectangle should be about 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall.
If you are using patterned fabric, cut the rectangles so that the design is positioned as desired.
2. Place the interfacing on the wrong side of one piece of fabric and fuse it in place according to manufacturer’s instructions. This will be the exterior piece of your udder cover.
Set aside the other piece of fabric; this will be the lining.
3. With right sides together, fold down each long side 1/4 inch and press in place with an iron. Then fold each short side 1/4 inch and press again.
This creates a clean finish for your seams and helps keep the raw edges from fraying too much over time.
4a. To create optional pockets for teat cups, measure 4 inches down from the top folded edge on both side seams and mark with a pen, chalk, or tailor’s pencil (see illustration below). Then measure 3 inches in from each side seam and mark again at these 4-inch intervals; you should have four marks total per pocket opening (two on each side seam). Using a ruler, connect these marks with curved lines to create gentle arcs; this is where you will sew later to create the pockets (see illustration below). Cut along these lines with scissors to create openings for teat cup pockets; set aside scraps for later use.. Or, if you prefer not to add pockets skip ahead to step 5 below..
Nursing Cover Scarf
A nursing cover scarf is a must-have item for any breastfeeding mom. Not only does it provide privacy while you are nursing, but it also helps to keep your baby warm. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect nursing cover scarf:
1. Look for a scarf that is made from breathable fabric. You want something that will keep you cool while you are nursing in warm weather.
2. Choose a scarf that is easy to put on and take off.
You don’t want to be fumbling with a complicated knot when you have a hungry baby on your hands!
3. Make sure the scarf covers your entire front so that you are completely covered while nursing.
4. Opt for a neutral color or pattern so that you can wear it with anything.
5. If possible, find a nursing cover scarf with built-in pockets. These are handy for storing breast pads, burp cloths, or even your phone!
Conclusion
A nursing cover is a great way to keep your baby protected while you are feeding them. It is also a great way to keep your baby warm and comfortable. Here are some tips on how to make a nursing cover:
1. Choose a fabric that is breathable and soft. You want something that will be gentle on your baby’s skin.
2. Make sure the nursing cover is large enough to fit over your entire body.
You don’t want it to be too tight or too loose.
3. Choose a pattern that you like. There are many different patterns available online or in stores.
4. Sew the nursing cover together following the instructions for your chosen pattern.
5. Use Velcro or snaps to close the nursing cover so that it stays in place while you are wearing it.