Learn how to make muslin swaddle blankets, a must have newborn baby essential.
It wasn’t until my third or fourth child that I discovered the wonders of the muslin swaddle blanket. For my children before that, I struggled to wrap their tiny bodies tightly in undersized flannel receiving blankets. I probably opened in excess of 20 of these types of blankets at my baby shower, but they didn’t work well for two reasons. A. Flannel isn’t stretchy and B. They were two small to get them underneath the baby, around their back and to the front, which is necessary for a good swaddle.
Read, and watch my video on my Minimalist Baby Essentials- Baby Checklist.
I read about muslin swaddle blankets and decided to give them a try. When I saw the high price tag on the name brand store versions, I ended up in the same place I always do in a situation like that…with an Amazon package of fabric yardage and a trip upstairs to my sewing room. DIY or die, baby!
Now, upon a little research I discovered, muslin swaddle blankets aren’t actually made out of muslin at all. They are made from a super lightweight, and mildly stretchy, cotton gauze. The fabric feels a little scratchy when you first get it out of the package, but after a few washings its buttery smooth.
Cotton Gauze Fabric
Two and a half yards of 52″ wide cotton gauze fabric will get you two swaddle blankets.
Now, get ready for it, this tutorial is soooo simple!
How to make muslin swaddle blankets
- Cut out a 43″ by 50″ piece of cotton gauze fabric.
- Press the edges over 1/2″ and then another 1/2″ to hide the raw edges inside.
- Sew the hem in place.
Take special care on the corners to back and forward stitch all the way to the edges, so they are fully sewn down.
How to Make Muslin Swaddle Blankets Video Tutorial
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How to Make Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- Two and a half yards of 52″ wide cotton gauze fabric, will get you two swaddle blankets.
Instructions
- Cut out a 43″ by 50″ piece of cotton gauze fabric.
- Press the edges over 1/2″ and then another 1/2″ to hidTe the raw edges inside.
- Sew the hem in place. Take special care on the corners to back and forward stitch all the way to the edges, so they are fully sewn down.
Notes
- This is my favorite type of baby blanket due to the stretch! Flannel is too hard to wrap, especially if you are new to swaddling.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post is truly a nice one it helps new internet users, who are wishing for blogging.
Thanks!
At what age do you stop swaddling your babies? Just curious! Thanks!
Do you want these before or after cutting and hemming them? Also, I was about to purchase the lavender color you listed but read someone’s review on that site saying it’s not soft enough for a baby’s skin even after a few washes so just wanted to double check that that’s the exact one you use and think it’s soft enough for a baby? thank you soooo much!
They are plenty soft after washing and drying a few times. Cut to size before hemming. 🙂
Hi Lisa! Do you wash the fabric first before making these or do you wash it after? I’m wondering because I’m thinking that the fabric is going to shrink when washed and then the blankets won’t be the right size. Is this the case or are they fine when washed? Thanks so much!
I caught your blog accidentally while looking for ideas to dye and use canvas drop clothes (I fell in love with them when I made curtains to cover the front of my Costco metal storage racks) i love all the stuff you do. I just subscribed to your site so im looking forward to seeing more.
Thank you so much Elaine! Welcome!
Was a sincere question and I think your answer was beneath you. I am a grandmother xx these wraps are way after my time and I don’t know how they work.
I am so sorry, Judith! 🙁 I guess I didn’t understand the question. I was confused at first, and thinking this was a comment on my ‘how to wrap a baby wrap’ post. I would love to better answer the question, I just don’t exactly know what you’re asking. The way I wrap the baby in a muslin swaddle blanket, is 1. I fold down one corner, and lay the baby’s head there. 2. I put the opposite corner over the baby’s feet. 3. I put the baby’s right arm down tight against his body and then wrap one side corner very tightly. 4. I wrap the other side corner tightly and put it underneath the baby.
Hope that helps!
I may be wrong, but I think Judith was asking how you wrap the baby “next to your body.” Maybe asking about the way you are “wearing” your baby in your videos?? A different question than how to swaddle the baby in the blanket! 🙂
Oooh ok I see! Sorry I was confused. 🙂
wont let me ask how you wrap baby next to your body. says duplicate question. Hasn’t been asked by me, I just found out my great granddaughter was expecting. Going to make her some swaddling blankets. Thanks
How do you wrap the baby next to your body as in this video?
I just tie it really tight. 🙂
Is there a reason you make them the size you do instead of just making hem square? About to make a few of these and wasn’t just wondering if there’s a specific reason for your sizing ?
Not really. I was just copying some that I already had and they seemed to be rectangular. It also uses more of the fabric that way, without any waste. Square does make a lot of sense though! 🙂
The bigger the better in some respects. People use these for swaddling as the baby prefers to be swaddled, and the bigger baby gets and the more he/she squirms or kicks, the bigger the blanket needs to be. These are also often used as a stroller blanket and/or a nursing cover while in public and also to drape over the carseat to add shade & keep out sun while still being breathable. Even toddlers love a soft blanket, so I always make mine on the bigger side. When I’ve given them as gifts, the recipient is always thrilled w/the larger size too.
Where did you get the mint green cotton gauze? I only saw the links for navy blue, blush pink, and white. Thanks!
The exact one I used is no longer available, but I did find one very similar. Just added it to the list above! 🙂