Peek-a-Boo Nursing Cover
These go by many names, but
are a basic nursing cover that stays in place by tying around
Mom's neck, and allow Mom to peek in on baby because of the
stiffened neckline that can be propped open for latching and
positioning or pressed flat (closed), as desired for
modesty.
Supplies:
1
Yard breathable fabric (not heavy or stiff)
15" of 1/2" wide, very stiff corset boning
Ribbon Belt Fasteners (see below)
*Optional: Coordinating ribbon for tie (or you
can use your fabric)
*Optional: Decorative trim
**Here are
your options on the ribbon belt fasteners:
Either two small
rings, like this:
OR a ring (this one is square) with a divider in it, like
this:
Directions:
Cut the main fabric
piece for your nursing cover. I like the size of 28" x
42", though many people only go as wide as 36-48". I
just found the extra width to be nice so I could put the
cover more to one side or the other, and allow for an
occasional baby arm or leg flailing about without being
exposed. (The nursing cover I received was 25" x 36" and
I just found that I wished it to be a bit larger.) You
can cut the size to suit your preference. (I bought a
whole yard, and used the spare 8" to make a
wet sack.)
Cut the strap piece the
entire length of your scrap fabric, to a width to suit
the size of your rings. The ring package should tell you
what size they're suited for. Double that number and add
an inch for seam allowance.
Cut the long strap into
two pieces- one 20" and the other 6 1/2" long.
Serge the edge of your
straps, letting the serger trim as you go so the total
width of the strap is the recommended size. If you don't
have a serger, then sew the long edges together,
right-sides together, then turn the strap right sides
out. Last, serge or hem the short edges shut. (You can
skip this step and the previous step if you're using
ribbon, and simply cut your ribbon to 42 1/2" long!)
Serge or hem around all
sides of your nursing cover.
Create a top channel
that you can put the boning inside... To do this, fold
the top edge of your fabric (which has already been
hemmed or serged, so it is no longer raw) over about 1"
and press in place. Then hem the edge down, leaving a
pocket or channel large enough for your boning to fit
inside.
Poke the boning inside
your channel, and get it centered. Then stitch the
channel closed on each side of the boning, holding it in
its place in the center of the cover. Don't make it too
tight- allow for a little wiggle room.
Turn the short strap
through your ring(s) and sew it in place so it's holding
your ring(s) inside it.
Last, attach the straps
to the top of the cover, at each end of the boning.
**Optional
variations: You can sew on a little pocket for paci,
breast shield or cream, or a terry cloth insert to wipe
baby's mouth with. (My baby needed a full on burp rag so
I didn't mess with the little cloth, but less spitty
babies may be fine with a little wipe.)
**Optional:
Pair this with a Baby Ring Sling for a modest,
hands-free nursing combo on the go!
Last, if you decided to
do this project yourself, please send me a photo of it
with your name and what state you're from! I've recently
decided to start featuring my readers' finished results.
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