I loved carrying our babies in a sling, so when I saw this idea for a doll/stuffed animal sling, I was all in. I’m sure you can make this into a more elaborate project if you’d like, but I’ve found this method to be super simple and it works well for our kiddos and their dolls.
How?
Because of the way the fabric will rest, I highly suggest a fabric that looks nice on both sides or sewing two fabrics together to create this look.
The size of your fabric may depend on your kids’ height and how big a doll they may be carrying. For me, it’s also depended on what fabric sizes I have available in my stash. The average sling I’ve seen online is about 18 by 44 for this doll sling. But I’ve made ones any number of sizes, so a 25 X60 or so on, wouldn’t be out of line.
–Cut your fabric to the size you’d like, leaving an extra bit for the seam.
–Sew a small seam around the edges. Some people like to get very precise with this and use irons and so on; I just fold and sew as I go. A little less perfect, but I think it works just fine here.
–My favorite part of this is using the open and close binder-type rings, because it makes it so easy to take off the rings and wash the fabric when needed. So, locate 2” or 3” binder rings. Some people have these lying around. I’ve also seen these at yard sales or sold individually at teacher shops, so keep your eyes open once you know you’d like to try this project. I’m sure you could also use some other sort of ring, but you will then have to make sure these are in place before sewing down the fabric in the next step.
–Do an accordion fold at the top of the long end of the fabric, fold over, and stitch down into place. I like to slip the rings in before sewing this down to make sure it all works, and then you’re done.
(The one shown as my example below, I sewed a little wide.)
I attached another example as well…
If you’ve never used a ring sling, just take the bottom end and thread it through the rings. Pull the fabric through the bottom ring until you get the length and fit you’d like for your child.
More detailed instructions can be found if you search online—there’s a link to one example here.
(This is a fun beginner’s sewing project, but I’m always surprised at how people are able to adapt things into no-sew projects as well, so use your imagination.)
Gifts
This is such a fun gift for kids! I love giving it to young kiddos who have just welcomed a baby sibling, but it could be great for anytime. When I’m making one of these, I try to make a couple extra if I have the fabric, because these are great to have on hand for a quick, but very thoughtful, gift if you need it.
(I hope I emphasized this enough, but just one more time, remember this project and the construction for this are only meant for a doll sling. Please, please do not use any part of this idea for an actual baby sling.)
Thanks for being here! I hope you enjoyed this idea for a simple gift.
