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Crafty Crafts
DYI Modern Nursing Shawl (SEW ONE LINE!)
On 08, May 2012 | 44 Comments | In Crafty Crafts, Kid Stuff, Uncategorized | By Heather
I posted this and it got pinned before I could change the DYI title to DIY! Click HERE for the correct post! Thank you!
I hated nursing in public. It was awkward, and I was always worried I was going to give a peep show to everyone around me. I was going to be traveling on an airplane alone with two small children though, and I had to figure out a solution. The nursing cover I had was your typical piece of fabric to cover your front, with a loop for the neck. It worked okay, but the main problem was that now I was showing everyone behind me how lovely my back fat and love handles were. With some inspiration from my friend Sarah, (thanks Sarah! xoxo) I came up with a solution to all of our nursing on-the-go needs. The Modern Nursing Shawl.
Here are the reasons why I like it:
- It doesn’t scream “THIS IS A NURSING COVER”
-It’s super soft and has nice weight to it
-It’s stretchy so your baby’s arms have room to wiggle without giving everyone a show
-You can use whichever fabric you want, but I choose black because it’s DARK for the baby. If you’re trying to have your baby fall asleep, it’s pitch black and not distracting
-It COVERS YOUR BACK
-It’s super easy to throw on and off
-It has a cute boat neck (I love boat necks!) that you can pull out and look down to check on your baby
Sewing honestly doesn’t get easier than this project, I promise! You literally cut one straight line, and sew one straight line, and you’re done.
*these make great baby shower gifts, and are really inexpensive! I made this shawl for just about $7.
*disclaimer: I’m not a seamstress. I enjoy sewing, but I’m not an expert by ANY means! I can sort of “figure things out”, but don’t even think about having me figure out a pattern! So all you crazy seamstresses, don’t judge me for my lack of sewing knowledge, vocabulary, and improper form. I’m breaking it down slowly for all the dummies like me out there!
Here’s how to make your own Modern Nursing Shawl:
1 yard knit fabric
thread to match
scissors
pins
measuring tape
The length of my fabric ended up being 30″ (folded), which was perfect, so I didn’t need to cut that side. Cut the width to be 25″. Make sure to match up the edges and corners really well (RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER) and pin the fabric together before cutting!
Turn right side out and try it on! The seam should go along your shoulder.
*you don’t even need to finish the edges because it’s knit and won’t fray or unravel!
Enjoy your new, hip nursing shawl!
Let me know when you make one! I’d love to hear about it!
A special thanks to Jenna Robert for being the hottest model ever!
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Just finished mine! Easiest thing I’ve ever made! Thanks!
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I made one, I didn’t really understand your directions. I don’t sew much
But I folded a yard of knit fabric in half and cut it, pinned it and sewed it on the edge that I had cut, leaving 13 inches in the center for the neck. It looks pretty similar and it’s for a plus size woman, so I think it needed to be bigger. Thanks for sharing, love it! I wish I had one when I was nursing my babies -
I might be a little bit of a newbie to sewing, but I can’t wait to make one of these for myself….but by knit fabric do you just mean the jersey knit, or is there something else I should be scouting out?
Thank you! This is the best looking cover-up BY FAR!
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The best nursing cover I’ve seen. Going to have sew me up one! Makes perfect baby shower gifts too! Thank you!
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I am new to sewing so I really need a dumb-ed down version. I am confused at which side the neck hole is sewn on. Is it the 25″ side (which I did and it didn’t quite come out right) or the 30″ side? Its so darn cute though!! So I really want to make on for myself and my little girl.
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same here I know nothing about sewing. I didn’t get the instructions to complicated. I want to make one for my friend
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Ana, I did post this already but here is an easy NO-SEW version of these nursing shawls.
I think the easiest way to explain this is by using an example of what we all did as kids. Remember folding paper to cut out a perfect circle, heart or snowflake? Well that is how you are going to cut this fabric – two folds & one cut. All done. Here goes:
- Hit up your local fabric store & pick out some JERSEY KNIT or if it’s winter you can use FLEECE for added warmth for the baby. When you buy your fabric it will already have the first fold done for you (picture your 8×11 piece of paper folded top to bottom – it will now be 4×11 – this is how your fabric will be when you buy it).
- Buy 1 or more yards depending on how far down your arms you would like the fabric to hang.
* Both fabrics will cut easily – you may leave the edges raw as there will be No problems with fraying.
- To prepare for cutting the neckhole you need to make the second fold. You will take the left open side & fold it over to the right open side leaving the closed edge at the top (your paper would now be 4″x5.5″).
- To cut a BOATneck start at the lefthanded top side of the fabric. Go down the left side about 2″ & begin cutting towards the righthanded open side. You will cut for about 3 1/2″ angling up towards the closed top edge of the fabric as you cut ( this will look like an elongated triangle).
- To make a CREWneck start at the lefthanded top side of the fabric. Go down the left side about 3″ & begin cutting towards the righthanded open side of fabric. Stay consistent cutting at about a 3″ depth for 2″ and then start to curve your cut up towards the closed top of your fabric for the last inch of cutting ( this will look like a 1/4 circle).
Viola! Open up the fabric & you are now done.
-If you would like to have your edges look more finished just tug sections of the fabric between your hands and the edges will curl giving it a more intentional, expensive look.
- You can use fabric paints, iron-ons, ribbons or jewels if you would like to Fancy it up a bit.
I hope this helps & is a bit easier to understand.
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To check – cloth size is 60 inch x25inch. Fold it into half and it becomes 30 inch x 25 inch.
Then pin left side straight down. Pin right side 13 inch from the top. Sew both sides that has pins. Is that correct?
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I did this, or something similar, with a decorative scarf I had, just draped it over one shoulder and pinned the other side so I knew where neck opening was, then sewed one seam and was done- works great and looks just like a scarf/ shawl.
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Heather! I have been searching online for a tutorial like this, then go figure I find it on your blog!! Thanks, I’m going to order some fabric now ( :
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I just got my fabric and can’t wait to make mine! A little confusion (due to my own ignorance!) – I understand sewing the 30″ side, but what about the 25″ sides? One of them is your folded edge…did you cut that open? Or does the other one get sewn up?
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Just a little offering…I made one for a gift and one for myself out of different material…for a shawl…not a nursing cover…LOVE.
So…when you are cutting., pinning., sewing…think of this…the fold will be on one shoulder when worn, the sewn seam will be on the other. SO. The neck opening will start at the corner of the fold and end at your stitched seam. Hope that helps and doesn’t confuse!
About to make the third for another sweet Mama having baby number 6! Ahhh! -
I made one! Thanks so much for sharing these instructions – I really appreciate it. I am new to sewing but was able to pull this off. The pictures were crucial to me figuring it out so thanks for being so detailed with them. The shawl is so much more practical and looks better than the nursing covers sold in stores.
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I really love how this looks and am very excited to make one for myself. I think I keep confusing myself by reading other people’s comments or maybe it’s late… So you sew the 30 inch side all the way and on the other 30 inch side you only sew to the 13 inch mark, right? Then you leave the 25 inch sides alone? Both the folded edge and the open one? Is that right, I’m just having a hard time! So when you put it on, the 25 inch side is at your waist and the part you left open at the 30 inch side is the neck hole? When you sew the neck hole do you measure 13 inches from the folded edge or from the open side of the 25 inch edge? So is the neck hole itself 13 inches or you only sew 13 inches? Bah… see how lost I am!
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So, am I right in figuring that one shoulder is longer than the other? So you probably want the longer side over the side you’re nursing, yes? And when worn, this come to a point in front and back at the bottom, sort if like a poncho-shawl-thing.
I totally want to make one, but am debating on rounding out the bottom hemline a little, like those circle shirts -
i just did it!! it turn out great, thanks for the tutorial!!!
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I’m confused. I made one, but misunderstood the directions and it turned out awful. Reading over it again, I understand it differently but don’t want to start cutting and sewing until I’m sure I’ve got it right. So you leave 13″ for the neckhole on the side next to the folded edge, and then when you are finished and put it on, the seam goes on the shoulder. But then why does it look even on her when technically one shoulder is 17″ and the other is 25″? Please explain?
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Hi, guys, this is great idea & I have being making quite a few versions of this for several years & to be honest if you are using Jersey Knit you can do this with NO sewing all. Buy your fabric and fold it in half ( pretend it is like the letter “T” the top of the “T” is the folded edge and the bottom line of the “T” is the rest if your material) – cut it to whatever width you are comfortable with – fold the fabric in half side to side (You can now envision this ad the letter “L” The bottom line of the “L” is now the original folded side & the upper line of the “L” is the rest of your fabric) – this will center the fabric for you so that you can cut the neckhole – cut the neckhole from the centered fold outwords ( this cut when envisioning the “L” would be cutting from the left right angled side of the “L” going towards the right side of the bottom line of the “L”) – when you unfold the fabric you will have the perfectt “Shawl” to use for Nursing, going out or anything else you would like. This is the starter cut for making cocoon jackets, kimono style jackets and many different ponchos styles. Jersey knit will not fray – however, if you want to give the edges a bit more style just tug on the fabric and the edges will roll giving the appearance it was intentional & make it look a bit more expensive as opposed to “Crafty”. I have always gotten complimented on mine & they sell out at every show I have. Good Luck & enjoy – I learned a long time ago that there truly is no “Right” or “Wrong” when crafting – even when there has been a pattern I’ve adjusted it to my taste. This will also work with Fleece & several other materials just ask someone at the fabric for something that won’t fray because you are leaving raw edges. Enjoy & design away – it’s easier than you think
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I’m interested in making this no-sew shawl you are talking about. Though I kinda got lost when trying to visualize a “T” and then an “L”. I’m a visual person, any chance you have a tutorial on this with pics?
Thanks!
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Suzy, I am so sorry – I just saw your email. If you have not been able to get this done I will gladly do all I can to help you. Just let me know what you need & I will keep my eyes open for your email. I am so sorry…Assunta
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It’s ok Assunta, I got it done.
And it looks great! Thanks again.-
Suzy, That’s great. The truth is as long as you got help from someone/anyone or just fiddled around, added your own twist to it & got it together all on your own all that matters is you made something you are happy with to keep you & your little one comfy cozy. If there is ever something else you would like to try your hand at making just let me know. I try to do all I can either no sew or with the most minimal hand sewing possible. Baby/Adult clothes & accessories. God bless your tiny Angel…
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Just made four of these, for myself and some momma to be friends and family. Love the idea! Wish I’d had one with my first kiddo! Thanks
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I LOVE this idea!! I did modify it a little for my use, I like being completely covered & secure that there is no way I’m showing skin, I just added one more seam on the side opposite of the fold. I left an opening for my arm & finished sewing down that side, so it pretty much creates a loose top that kind of resembles a poncho with a more stylish neck (asymetrical boat neck). Thank you for the inspiration, I really needed a more budget friendly nursing cover, I made mine for $6!!
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I tried out this poncho for my sister, and it’s awesome. Pictures on my blog: http://ow.ly/iE2jE.
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I just bought my fabric to make 2 nursing ponchos- one to use when i go out with baby & one for when i pump at work. i cant wait to make it!!!
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Can you do this with cotton material? Or will it sit funny? Its pretty windy here and I also wanted to make one for a friend, and its windy there too, so I thought knitted material would just fly away with all the wind. So just curious as to if the cotton would be to “stiff”??? Anyone use cotton?
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Hi,Sarah, as for the cotton – it’s just like the thread count in sheets – higher thread count, softer cotton – in the end it may be just as flyaway/lightweight as the Jersey knit. You can always try fleece, flannel or a medium weight microfiber. Be creative once you are around all the fabrics I’m sure you will find the perfect one. Also bring a picture of the shawl with you when you shop this way if you are uncertain about a particular fabric you can show what it is you would like to make to a clerk at the store & they will be able to find you exactly what will work for both the project & your Windy weather conditions.
Have Fun…
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I figure with baby #4 it might be nice to have something besides a blanket
My Walmart had knit for $1/yr. Perhaps not the perfect colors I’d choose, but might be helpful to practice on. -
I totally made this today and I LOVE IT!!! My measurements weren’t even exact (I seriously hate measuring and cutting- especially jersey knit bc it rolls and moves no matter how much I pin). Mine was like a big grey square (around 30×30). I wanted it longer anyway because I have a longer than average torso. It still looks great!!! Thank you for giving me direction with this!! I can wait until August when I can use this (my baby will be here). It will be SOO light and comfy. Shoot. I’d make a black one next just to wear over a tank in the fall!!! It looks really cute!!!
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I made one of these today and it was so easy and great. I have to admit I am tall and plus size so it is a little short but it is so much nice and cheaper than other options. It only cost me $8 to make! I was a bit confused by the directions and had to read them a few times to figure out were to pin and cut. Maybe if you labeled the fold in each picture it would be easier. I love this, thanks!
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I got a 50% off one reg. priced item at Joann’s, and I am going to make a second one–for $5! I love how inexpensive they can be to make!
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so you really need more than 1 yard of fabric then? 60 inches by 25 inches? or fabric that’s 60 inches wide?
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