Let’s make baby goods by hand! Introducing popular handmade recipes
Many moms are probably thinking, “I want to prepare handmade items for my adorable baby!” The time you spend crafting while thinking of your precious child will surely remain as an irreplaceable and wonderful memory.
So this time, we’ll introduce how to make baby goods that are easy even for beginners.
We’ve gathered lots of heartwarming, cute items like bibs, swaddles, hats, and toys.
We’re also introducing items that can be used not only for newborns but also for 1- to 2-year-olds.
Please use this as a reference and try making them with lots of love.
Let's make handmade baby goods! Introducing popular DIY recipes (1–10)
Reversible baby bib made by hand sewing
There are probably many households that aren’t good with sewing machines—or don’t have one to begin with.
If you’re thinking, “I don’t even own a sewing machine, so making a baby bib by hand is out of the question…”—how about trying hand sewing instead? In this method, you create a pattern using A4 paper, sew together the outer fabric, lining, and an inner interfacing, and finish by hiding the seams with bias tape.
Stitching one little stitch at a time can feel endless, but if you’re expecting a baby and spending more time at home, why not give it a try?
Baby carrier drool cover
Many moms have probably experienced their baby chewing or licking the shoulder straps of a baby carrier, leaving drool on them.
Washing the entire carrier every time it gets dirty is a hassle, but you still want to keep things clean! This item is highly recommended for you.
It can be removed easily, so you can wash it without fuss, and since it’s handmade, you can use your favorite fabrics in colors and patterns that match your carrier or your outfit of the day.
It’s reversible, so you can enjoy a different look on each side—another nice perk.
By adjusting the size, you can also use it as a cover for a child car seat or a seat belt.
Give it a try with your favorite fabric!
elastic headband
How about making a rubber headband with a ribbon that even looks cute on babies? It’s easy to make! For the headband base, sew a long, narrow piece of fabric into a tube, turn it right side out, insert elastic, and sew the overlapped ends together to finish.
For the ribbon, do the same: make a fabric tube, fold in both ends, overlap them in the center, and sew while creating gathers.
Finally, place the ribbon over the seam of the base, align it at the ribbon’s center, then wrap another strip of fabric around both the ribbon center and the base and sew to secure.
You’re done! Try making it with your favorite fabrics.
swaddle (baby wrap)
When you think of a swaddle, you might picture gently wrapping a baby when holding or putting them to sleep, but there are actually many other ways to use it.
For example, you can quickly lay it down during diaper changes, use it as a lap blanket or sunshade in the stroller, or even as a nursing cover when you’re out and about—it’s incredibly versatile! It’s very handy to have a few on hand so you can swap them out for washing.
In this video, we show how to make a swaddle that even beginners can create easily, so choose the fabric type and size to suit your baby’s age and the season, and give it a try.
diaper pouch
We’re introducing how to make an adorable diaper pouch featuring a fluffy bear motif.
A diaper pouch is one of the absolute essentials for outings with a baby.
Since you’ll use it often when you’re out, you’ll want something not only functional but also cute and uplifting.
This design has three inner pockets, so you can neatly store items like baby wipes and plastic bags.
It’s generously sized, making it useful for packing a change of clothes as well.
Try making it with your favorite fabric and motif patches!
crinkle toy
Babies are really drawn to things that make a crinkly sound, aren’t they? Here’s how to make a lion-themed crinkle toy that’s perfect for that stage.
We’ll use soft double gauze fabric, so it’s safe even if your baby puts it in their mouth.
To prevent choking hazards, make the lion’s facial features with embroidery or by securely sewing on felt pieces.
In the video, we put a plastic bag inside to create the crinkly sound, but adding a bell can be fun too.
For the lion’s mane, you can use leftover fabric or ribbons, and it could also be interesting to incorporate cords or name tags.
Feel free to customize it however you like!
Reversible one-piece bib
This reversible dress-style bib features cute gathered frills that look just like a little one-piece dress.
Because it’s reversible, you can flip it over and use the other side if the front gets dirty, or switch sides to match your mood and enjoy a different look.
The gathered section may seem tricky at first glance, but it’s surprisingly easy: simply pull on the two threads from the straight machine stitches to create the gathers.
Choosing which lace or ribbon to add will make the crafting process even more exciting—it’s an irresistibly cute bib.
Give it a try and make one yourself!
sunny mat
How about handmaking a cute, super-fluffy sunny mat that’s incredibly comfy to lie on? Spread it in your baby’s room and it’ll instantly turn the space into a happy haven! The petal sections are made by repeatedly sewing the same shape, so it’s easy to try even without a sewing machine, and you can work on it little by little in your spare time.
When making the petals, fluff the stuffing as you insert it to achieve a soft, puffy finish.
Just choosing fabrics in your favorite patterns and materials can be exciting.
Picture your baby lying cozily on the mat—and give it a try!
Mokumoku Style
The fluffy, cloud-like shape of the “puffy bib” is very popular.
Here’s how to make this cute, trendy bib.
Use two layers of double gauze for the front and back, and place quilt batting in the middle to give it a softly padded finish.
It’s easy because you stack the two gauze pieces right sides together on top of the batting, trace the pattern all at once, and cut.
If you’re not confident in sewing or using a machine, the curved sections might be a bit tricky, but sewing slowly on the machine will be fine.
Use different fabrics for the front and back to make it reversible and fun.
knit cap
Here, I’d like to suggest making a knit hat that a one-year-old will love.
You can crochet or knit it with needles, but if sewing isn’t your strong suit, you can make your own knitting machine by getting divider boards at a 100-yen shop—this makes it easier to give it a try! If you choose a thicker yarn, you’ll enjoy a chunky, natural look.
Knitting involves repeating the same motions, so once you get the hang of it, even beginners can find themselves absorbed in the process.
Imagining your child’s delighted face as you handcraft the hat makes it a Christmas gift that will be remembered.
