I knew I wanted a nursing cover for when Toasty comes but I couldn’t get over the fact that I’ve watched so many friends make beautiful nursing covers that get abandoned a few months in because their kiddos are intent on flashing their boobs to the world. They end up going out less, camping out in a private room, or heading to the bathroom while out.
But Daniel and I work from home all day so after we get over the sleep deprivation I don’t want that to be my fate. We need to still be able to go out. I know some people are cool going coverless but I’m just not comfortable with that for myself. I’m so excited to share my shawl style nursing cover tutorial. Not only is it really hard for babies to flash but it doesn’t scream to the world “Hey I’m pulling out my boob over here”.
This tutorial is SO easy. In fact you just have to sew ONE line. Yup that’s all. I based my tutorial off of this one but I actually prefer different measurements and found the instructions to be hard to follow and have confusing unnecessary steps.
- Start with a piece of knit (stretchy) fabric 30 inches by about 60 inches wide. If your fabric isn’t quite 60 inches it should still be fine as long as it’s longer than 50 inches.
- Fold the fabric in half so it’s 30 X 30.
- On one of the sides mark the half way point (15 inches) and pin from the open edges just so the fabric stays in place.
- Sew from the open edge towards the fold 15inches. I used a lightening/stretch stitch but if your machine doesn’t do that a straight stitch should work fine.
- Now you’re done. Slide your head into the opening and the “fold” goes down one arm and the stitched edge goes down the other. It will resemble a cowl neckline poncho when on!
Feed your stuffed Charlie Brown doll if you’re human baby isn’t here yet or real baby with confidence!
Shawl Style Knit Nursing Cover Tutorial
Instructions
- Start with a piece of knit (stretchy) fabric 30 inches by about 60 inches wide. If your fabric isn’t quite 60 inches it should still be fine as long as it’s longer than 50 inches.
- Fold the fabric in half so it’s 30 X 30.
- On one of the sides mark the half way point (15 inches) and pin from the open edges just so the fabric stays in place.
- Sew from the open edge towards the fold 15inches. I used a lightening/stretch stitch but if your machine doesn’t do that a straight stitch should work fine.
- Now you’re done. Slide your head into the opening and the “fold” goes down one arm and the stitched edge goes down the other. It will resemble a cowl neckline poncho when on!
Let’s connect! You can also find me hanging out here.
Vanessa Barker says
This is so cute and totally smart!!
Coralie says
What a great idea. I always found that the pre-made ones were to short or not wide enough. This is really cute! Thanks for sharing :)
marissa says
Thanks Coralie. I just know new momness is going to be hard already I’m hoping this helps a bit :)
Staci says
you ARE brilliant!!! I don’t need this or will ever need this but if I hear of someone that does I will send them your way.
Debra says
This is fantastic! I love how long it is!
Kami says
This looks great! I love how much coverage it gives!
Summer says
This is such a smart idea! When I was nursing I used a light blanket and the baby would always kick it off – it was a pain! I am just loving this shawl idea!
Anne says
This is a great nursing cover!! Lightweight, drapey, and covers you up!! I’ve linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-one-seam-shawl-style-nursing-cover/2014/02/05/
–Anne
jellibeanjournals says
This is great, Marissa. I use blankets tucked into my bra straps to nurse. It works, but certainly isn’t ideal, even with a nursing top (which I highly recommend btw…Bravado has the most support.) The only thing I can think of with this nursing cover is that depending on how big the neck hole is, it might be hard to see baby’s face down there. I know that both my kids wound up coughing or gagging while nursing at some point, and I wanted to be able to see what was going on. I do love this though, it is much more inconspicuous than other covers.
Holly says
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I too started at the page you referenced and was so lost. I kept thinking what is wrong with me why can’t I figure this simple project out. I even wasted a yard of fabric that I miss cut and two days pondering over it. I searched for another tutorial and found yours and seriously with in ten minutes I had my shawl done and my confidence back. Thank you for the drawings.
marissa says
I’m so glad you found it helpful Holly! I’ve been LOVING my cover now that my baby is here. I hope you’re getting tons of use out of yours too.
Manisa says
THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! OMG, the site where you got your idea from is where I was at and couldn’t figure it out. It seemed so complicated. Your drawing made me go, ” DUH!” lol* I just started to sew and wanted to make one for a dear friend and several for the nursing mom’s in my care.
marissa says
Oh I’m so glad that helped. I remember thinking for so long trying to figure out what she meant!
Tina says
Why do you use a stretch fabric?
marissa says
because it won’t unravel and so it doesn’t require finish the seam or hemming the edges. Also it’s easier to stretch it in place if need be over a wigglier kid. But a woven would probably work fine as long as you finish the seams and all the edges
Bri says
I really like the ease and look of this poncho, but wouldn’t one side (the part that covers the arms) be longer than the other since the head hole runs down one side of the fabric?
marissa says
I think part of your question is missing. I’m not sure what your asking
Ilka says
I’m making this as a gift, and the stretch fabric has a printed side and the back is white. The raw edges roll toward the front side, thus showing the white back of the fabric. I tried ironing, but nothing keeps the edges flat. Therefore I’m turning them under for a more finished look. Tedious! Do you have a way to keep the edges from rolling?
marissa says
I don’t but I feel like I might have read something last year over at my friends blog Simple Simon and Co about rolling knit edges
Stephanie says
The best tutorial on this, by far! Thanks :)
Jenny says
This was perfect, exactly what I was looking for!