(I am writing this post on Saturday morning and scheduling it for Monday. I wonder if the baby arrive before then…. nope, no baby yet.)
I’ve gotten more than a few raised eyebrows from friends and family when I said I was sewing a silk ring sling for the new baby. Why use such a fancy fabric? Won’t you worry about it getting spit-up or pooped on? Why not something more practical? Well… I have a couple “more practical” slings (which I love), but I’ve wanted a silk sling since I was pregnant with Matthias. If I have been daydreaming about something for 4 years and through 3 pregnancies, it’s about time to make it happen. right? Plus, the little guy is going to have enough hand-me-downs in his life. It’s nice to have something to give him that is new.
Project Details
Fabric: “Caribbean Lagoon” and “Gray Stone” 100% silk dupioni From NY Fashion Fabrics.
If you follow me on Facebook, you would know that my first online order (from another seller) was a total flop. They shorted me a half yard of silk and the quality between the two cuts were really inconsistent. I returned that order and ordered from NY Fashion Fabrics. I would order from them again.
Rings: Size Large “Silver” from SlingRings.com
DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT BUY “CRAFT RINGS” from a craft store for making your own baby sling. They are not strong enough. These rings from SlingRings.com are inexpensive and strength-tested.
Thread & Needles: A Shmetz 70/10 Microtex needle* worked well for hemming the silk, but I switched to a size 90/14 Topstitching needle* for sewing across the pleats. Use the best quality thread you have available to you. (I used Gutterman thread).
Tutorial: Reversible, Un-padded, Double Layer Sling tutorial from Jan Andrea at Home on the Web
I love Jan’s tutorials for baby carriers. Not only are they detailed, but she also has thought through all of the safety issues. Her solution for making this sling reversible and avoiding putting the weight of a baby on the joining seam is total genius.
One fun thing about making slings from 58/60″ fabric, is that you can get two sets of slings out of the same yardage. I mailed off a second sling to a relative who just had her first baby. I hope she enjoys it as much as I will enjoy mine!
Another “Heart Prep” project checked off. Each day it feels a little more real. The little guy is coming soon!
* denotes affiliate links
It’s beautiful! I love the colour combo..
I’ve been stalking your facebook for stock delievery 🙂
It’s Beautiful. The colours are amazing, the little guy is going to be so cute in it.
That is beautiful! I always wanted a silk sling, too and regret never making one. I’m glad you made yours!! I know you’ll both enjoy it.
It’s so lovely! It reminds me of making a diaper bag because I couldn’t afford the really nice ones and really hated the cheap ones. “It’s just a diaper bag!” some people said. But for months it’s the *only* bag, that you wear with every outfit.
Gorgeous! I went through 4 different baby carriers before finding one that my son liked and was easy to put on.
That is SO beautiful. Amen to the thought of brand-new things for not-first babies… And who knows when you might need to bring/wear the little one to a fancy occasion? This project made me smile (though I’m unlikely to have any more babies); thanks for sharing it.
Hi,
I’m just wondering how much material did you need for the two slings? I really want a silk ring sling for baby number two 🙂
Dear friend,
Have a good day.
Aliexpress Hot sale Baby sling ring Made in China.
We are baby sling ring manufacturer from China more than 25 years.
We have many long term cooperation partners in your countries.
We can supply top quality and competitive price of the baby sling ring.
Free sample is ok.
Sincerely wish we can cooperate and establish long-term cooperation with you
Best regards,
Demi Liu
Hi
I’m interested in purchasing , would you let me know about price etc,? Thanks x
I’m sorry. its not for sale.
Hi! I love this tutorial, and know it’s been a while, but was wondering if you know where to find 60″ wide Silk? I keep finding 45″ and 54″ but nowhere can I find 60″. Thank you!
I actually used 54″ wide silk. I still was able to cut it in half and make two slings. I have had no trouble with the width.
This is so gorgeous! Can I ask if you had any issues with the silk pilling after you used it? I just made on in black dupioni, but I didn’t order from the same source. I love silk slings so much and am wondering if this is a general issue with silk or if I just bought some bad fabric.
I can’t say that I have. Dupioni does have slubs by it’s nature, but that is different than pilling.
Ok, thank you so much. This is definitely pilling. I will try some from your source. Loved this post!,