I wouldn't have pegged crib sheets as being easy to sew necessarily, though I can't say I spent much time contemplating it. It wasn't until I saw this blog post that I even considered making crib sheets. But wow, it really is so easy. (I used this tutorial.) This might even be my new go-to baby gift.
The above sheet is Sketchbook in Pink from Anna Maria Horner's Hand Drawn Garden collection. I had initially planned to use it for a dress for Tarikua, but the scale was much, much larger than I had envisioned. I order almost all of my fabric online because we don't have any indie fabric stores locally, so sometimes I'm thrown by the scale when fabric arrives in the mail. But the scale was perfect for a crib sheet.
I made the second sheet in this cotton couture. The truth is, I have a thing for high thread count sheets. I love to find good deals on them here. I had washed some white cotton couture for a dress lining with the rest of my whites and when I pulled it out, I thought it was the most luxurious pillowcase I had ever felt. Then I realized it was my fabric. That's when I knew I needed to make a crib sheet in this material. :)
A few tips to make sewing this even easier. I found it helpful to use a 5/8" casing. On the first sheet, I made my casing closer to 3/8" and it was really hard to pull the elastic through. I'd also recommend rounding the pocket corners, like this, otherwise they come out a little bit pointy.
If I were making this as a gift, I'd prefer for the sheet to be a little wider, by maybe 6-8 inches. It definitely covers the mattress, but I'd like it better if it had a little more width. I wouldn't cut off the selvages - you'll need every bit of width - and then there are two fewer edges to finish, too.
All in all, this is a very simple project and one I'd definitely recommend.
I made sheets for the cot too, although not nearly such lovely fabrics as yours. My favourite bit is that I put press studs in the fitted and top sheets so they click together and the covers don't get kicked off. Saves on making the bed too!
ReplyDeleteJoe's bed (still crib sized) has homemade sheets I made in flannel but never blogged. I agree, a super simple sew! Note to my future self: Don't pull the elastic so tight next time, they are a bear to get on!
ReplyDeleteLightning, I am super impressed that (1) you put snaps on your sheets; (2) you even use top sheets; (3) what is this "making the bed" thing you speak of? (Gah! I am such a slob!)
I do occasionally sew things for around the house. I mostly don't do it because I find it kind of boring ... I know I can't be the only one who sews my kid's clothes but buys curtains, dishtowels, and pillows.
ha! Inder you are THE BEST! you're right, it definitely is boring, but easy and i love seeing handmade things around the house. so it's worth it, despite the bore factor.
Deleteoh, and we never make our beds either! ;)
yes!! aren't they so easy and satisfying? and such a nice way to display a beautiful fabric. i love that AMH print!
ReplyDeletethanks for the inspiration gail! i loved your versions.
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