Why Make Your Own Crib Mattress Cover?
- Perfect fit: A homemade cover ensures a snug and secure fit on your specific crib mattress.
- Fabric choice: Choose fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin, like soft cotton or flannel. You can have fun with patterns and colors to personalize it!
- Cost-effective: It’s often cheaper than buying a pre-made cover.
- Protection: Adds an extra layer of protection against spills and accidents for your crib mattress.
Materials:
- Fabric: Choose a soft, breathable, washable fabric like cotton or flannel. You’ll need enough for the top, sides, and a bit of overlap.
- Elastic: 1/4-inch wide elastic, enough to go around the entire edge of the mattress
- Sewing supplies: Scissors, measuring tape, pins, sewing machine, thread.
Simple Steps:
- Measure: Measure the length, width, and depth of your crib mattress. Add a few inches to each measurement to allow for seam allowances.
- Cut: Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric for the top and bottom of your cover, using your measurements. Cut a long strip of fabric for the sides, the same length as the perimeter of the mattress plus overlap, and the same height as the depth of the mattress plus seam allowance.
- Assemble: With the right sides facing, sew the side piece to the top piece along the long edges. Repeat for the bottom piece.
- Elastic casing: Fold a 1-inch hem along the bottom edge of the side fabric. Sew, leaving a small gap to insert elastic.
- Elastic: Thread the elastic through the casing and sew the ends together securely. Close the gap in the casing.
- Finish: Sew the top, bottom, and sides together, leaving a small opening to insert the mattress. Turn the cover right-side out and slip it onto your mattress!
Tips:
- Pre-wash fabrics: This prevents shrinking after you’ve made the cover.
- Choose durable fabric: Select a fabric that withstands frequent washing.
- Use French seams: This gives a clean, professional finish and hides raw edges.
- Consider a zipper: For a more polished look, add a zipper on one side for easy removal.
Get creative! Have fun with fabrics, patterns, and embellishments. Remember, the most important thing is using safe and comfortable materials for your baby.
