Quick and easy baby gift

Spring is in the air and this lady is ready for some porch time. I love waking up, going outside, and enjoying my coffee on the back porch with the birds.
I'm a simple person. Ha! 

Babies and weddings usually go hand in hand with Spring. Don't you agree? I've been to a few baby showers lately and thought I'd share some easy handmade gift ideas for you to make and take to your next shower. 

As sewists, we always have extra fabric that we're dying to use up. This gives you an opportunity to use it up or go shopping for new fabric. Win-win! 

Let's get making, we've got a shower to attend!

To make this baby gift set, you'll need:

• 3-4 yards of soft flannel, cotton, minky, and/ or faux fur.
• Matching or contrasting threads/ matching bobbins
• Ribbon
• Pre-made burp diapers (optional)
• Bowl or plate
• All the sewing things
• Sewing machine

Blankets, burp cloths, and headbands make a perfect baby gift.

Now that you have your fabrics picked out, let's make some baby gifts. 

Use a chalk pen, or water soluble pen to mark the rounded edge.

Square up a yard of soft baby flannel. I like to cut the swaddle blankets 40"x40". 
Take a bowl or plate and trace the curved edge at each corner. Or, fold the blanket in half and half again so you have all corners on top of each other. Then trace and cut.

Your edges should all look like this. Rounded corners gives it that professional finish.

Serge the whole blanket. No turning under needed. If you don't have a serger, just do a wide zigzag on your machine.

Cut and make a few of these blankets using different patterns of flannel fabric. These are quick and they will be well loved. After you have all the swaddle blankets you want, set them aside. 

Grab your store bought burp diapers. Measure the width and multiply that number by 2. Cut a strip that length by 4 inches wide. Fold in half hot dog ways. I serged the raw edges, use the zigzag stitch on your machine if you don't have a serger. This is supposed to be quick and easy. Don't stress over edges that aren't perfect.

I didn't gather the strip for the ruffle before I attached it. I folded the strip in half and used clips to attach it at the mid point on the burp diaper. Then, just eyeballed the gathers.

---

You can see the raw serged edges here.

Sew 1/4" from the bottom edge of the burp diaper being sure to catch the ruffle. 

Use clips or pins to hold the ruffle in place and remove as you sew.

Top stitch the burp cloth

After you attach the ruffle, press the seam up toward the burp diaper. Topstitch the top 1/8-1/4" from the edge. This adds extra security to the ruffle and burp cloth seam.

Grab a cute headband set or some baby bath items to add to the gift set. Or not. Keep it super simple. 

I loved having thin blankets when I had my babies. They're great for diaper changes, sun shields in the car or stroller, swaddling newborns, wiping up spills, etc. Blankets make the best gifts because they're so versatile. 

If you're feeling adventurous, make a nice blanket with a layer of faux fur and flannel. I make these as well and embroider the baby name on the flannel side. The new mom might not use the fancier blanket for baby right away, but it will be special for the baby as they grow into a toddler.  

Sew the blanket with right sides together leaving a 3"-5" gap opening for turning. Slip stitch the opening closed or top stitch around the whole blanket. And you're done. 

Handmade gifts for baby are the sweetest. With a little fabric and some time, you can create things that baby and mama will both love for years and years. 

Three flannel swaddle blankets with serged raw edges.

Hope these blankets gave you some ideas of what you can make for your next baby shower. 
Other easy gift to make are

• Bibs
• Burp cloths
• Pacifier clips
• Doll or stuffed animal
• Embellished store bought bodysuits
• Baby carrier cover

More difficult gift ideas

• Diaper bag
• Quilt
• Baby outfits/ dresses
• Play mat
• 
  

Do you make gifts for baby showers or do purchase them instead? Comment below. 


Thanks for hanging out today and enjoying all the sweet baby things we made. 

Happy Sewing!
Annette