Free Pattern to Sew Your Own Nursing Cover
June 12, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding, how to, nursing in public, products
Nursing covers are not for everyone, but if a cover helps you feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public, you might be glad to find these instructions to sew your own “Bebe au Lait”-style nursing cover. Heather at Sleek Mama created these detailed pattern instructions and sewed two stylish covers for just $8!
Materials:
• 1 yard of fabric.
• D rings. They are the rings that you can adjust your strap with. They are in the shape of a D, hence the name, and come in silver or gold. I got the 1 1/4 inch size, but you could go a little bigger.
• Corset Boning. It comes in white or black and it comes in different strengths (or stiffness). I chose the stiffest one they had and bought 1/2 yard. It is ~1/4 inches wide.
• Of course you need thread. The whole project cost me $8.00 to make two, the fabric was on sale and I had the thread.
1. First, I cut the fabric 26×38 inches. The finished product is 24×36 inches (that is the size of the original Hooter Hiders) so cut it a bit bigger so you can sew the hem around. This size is perfect because the longer side wraps around your sides under your arms and covers anything that might be sticking out.
2. I cut the strips for the neck straps. The longer one I cut 31 inches long (this seems just a little long to me as I have a lot of excess when I make it the right length for breastfeeding) by ~3 inches wide. The shorter strip which will hold the D rings I cut 10 inches long by 3 inches wide. Here are pictures of the straps below:
Long strap
Short strap
3. To sew these, I just sewed down the middle turning the fabric under (you can see on the long strap my stitch down the middle). I sewed the long strap to a point by just folding the corners down and stitching over. I sewed the short strap the same way and just put the D rings on the end and sewed the fabric over. The raw ends of both straps will be sewn into the hem so you don’t have to worry about finishing them.
4. Now set the straps aside and sew a hem around 3 sides of the large piece of fabric (leaving the top, or one long side, unsewn). I just folded the edge under and sewed around, no pinning needed because I just held it as I went.
5. Next I sewed in about 10 inches on one side of the top where I will put the straps and boning. I then put one strap with the raw end folded under the hem and sewed over it.
6. Next you want to put your boning in between where your straps will be. All you need to do is place the boning under the hem and stitch the hem just like the other side. Make sure you put the boning in so the curve is going to face the right way (It will have a definite bend/curve to it). The distance between my straps is about 13-14 inches.
7. Next, sew your other strap on and then finish stitching until the end. I did make another stitch on my straps above the original stitch (see in picture of short strap above) to give is reinforcement.
View from back
View from front
Boning in neck
8. Now you can add a little pocket to the bottom corner on the backside. I didn’t do that yet on this one, but what works really well is to take a baby washcloth (I bought some on clearance) and sew it on three sides. That way, you could put breast pads in there and use it to wipe your little one’s mouth or your breasts if you need to.
The finished product
Heather insists she is not an expert seamstress, and this project took her just 30-45 minutes! Thank you so much Heather for sharing this project!
For other do-it-yourself breastfeeding and baby gift projects, see:
~ Knitted Nursing Tank Top
~ Pullover Crew Neck Baby Bib
~ Baby Bib with Neck Ties
~ Ring Sling
~ Nursing Necklace
~ Nursing Pads
~ Baby Booties
~ Cloth Diapers
~ Nursing Pillow, Nursing Shirt, Nursing Bra and Pumping Bra, Cloth Diapers, and More
We just had a granddaugther and my DIL is breasting feed .. this well come in handle for her.. thanks a million
I purchased a nursing cover after my son was born. Six months later, I use it all the time and my friends are all so impressed. I can’t afford to buy them for all my friends, but had planned to try to make them and these directions will be great! I will get started today – thanks!!!
Thanks for this great pattern. I was amazed at how easy it was. I posted my pictures on my website as well as a link to your pattern.
Thanks so so much for sharing this pattern. I can’t wait to make one for me and my nursing girlfriend tomorrow. PS I love the fabric you choose for yours. Super chic.
Thanks alot! I was able to follow your instructions and I got it. I got the cover done for my baby 1st. football game. Keep up the good work
Thank you SO much! I just finished nursing and had a Bebe au Lait cover that I ♥. I was looking to make one for a sister that just had a baby. Thanks for the clear instructions & pictures!!!
What a great PRO nursing shower gift.
Thank you!
Where did you get the boning? I tried our local craft store and it didn’t seem strong enough.
Jessica, did you try Joann fabric and craft stores (www.joann.com if you don’t have a store near you — search for “boning”)?
How do you get 2 covers out of 1 yard? I am workign on this now, and when I cut the fabric for the cover piece (26×38) that leaves enough fabric for the other cover piece, but not enough for the 2 strap pieces at 3×31. I feel liek i should have bough 1 1/2 yards. Now I will have a little less than half a yard left and not enough to do a 2nd cover! Any suggestions on what to do next time? I want to be able to get 2 covers out of 1 yard, but maybe 1 1/4 would do it better.
Thanks for the great pattern though!
Carrie — I’m sorry! I haven’t sewn this project myself, and perhaps it was misleading. Maybe Heather meant it needs 1 yard per cover, but she sewed two at a time? You could use the other 1/2 yard to sew a pocket on the cover (to keep nursing pads, spit up cloths etc.)
Awesome idea, never thought of that! I so could have used a pocket on mine….
Oh it is okay! I just am such a novice seamstress that I thought maybe i wasn’t being smart in my cutting. the cover turned out great for my first one and I will make some mroe for expecting friends.
Also to anyone else who makes it… the boning can seem like a long piece. Once I finished the cover,I was almost certain the “curve” or gape was too big. But ater trying it on with a baby and talking to other moms who use a cover like this, they said it was the right size and that it all falls into place and works quite well. You just have to shift it over to sit above the side you are nursing on. The measurements on here are great. I did make my shorter strap (that holds the D rings)even shorter, so they were almost just off the cover.
I used grosgrain ribbon for the straps. Mainly so I wouldn’t have to sew the fabric into them. I think I used 1″ and 3/4″ d-rings. I also made mine a lot bigger. I think it’s almost a yard square and it somes down to mid-thigh. I did get the boning from Joann’s it was so flimsy looking the first time I went that I didn’t get it until someone confirmed that it was the right stuff. I used the 1/4″ Rigilene that someone responded with by email after my last comment. Total it was less than $10. It was Winnie the Pooh.
I have been looking for patterns for these fabulous nursing covers. These instructions are perfect!! Thank you SO much for being so generous and incredibly helpful!
Blessings to you and yours!
thanks so much for posting this “pattern”. i was just going to wing it, but the dimensions you listed were a helpful starting point. for anyone with boning that doesn’t seem sturdy enough, you could try just using two pieces (laid right on top of each other, to give more support).
I tried making this and although my boning stays arched out, it simply falls down flat against my chest…leaving me with a scoopneck nursing cover. Any suggestions?
For Tina, I think the problem may be that your fabric is too soft–the ones I have seen online for sale are lined with flannel–the extra weight of another layer of fabric should support the boning a little better.
I made this up and it’s really great. I’ll use it to pump at work. Thanks for the pattern!
I totally found what I was looking for. Thanks for having such a great site!
i just made one of these and it is wonderful! I used 2 different patterns for each side, one is teal and brown polka dots and the other side is teal and brown paisley, it turned out really cute! i also folded the top part an inch and a half down and sewed it like that then sewed on 2 embrordered flowers where the straps are. i made mine larger bc i am a little on the plus size and it is perfect. Ill send pics later.
Where do you find the boning???
All required materials can be purchased at your local cloth store. (Jo-Anne’s) The larger stores almost always have everything you can imagine to make they carry. Good luck and God Bless you and your family.
http://plentytopraise.blogspot.com/2009/01/project-roundup.html
Made two, one for me and one for my sil…they were so easy, thanks
oh, Saundra, Joann has boning…just ask at the cutting desk where to find it, ours had it near the elastic.
What type of boing did you use? I went to Joanne’s and found a couple different kinds. They had the rigiline boning and covered bonding.
I just made my first nursing cover for my little sister’s first baby. It turned out really well. I am definitely a beginner seamstress and I am very proud. Thanks for the instructions!
Since I am making one for myself, I just made the neckstrap one fixed piece – no D-rings needed.
Hi i was researching alot of nursing wraps and this one really caught my eye I’ve use one similar to this….My cousin is having her first baby and i wanted to give her a gift from the heart…and this pattern was PERFECT!!! thanks a bunch….for sharing!! ALOHA!!
Thanks for the wonderful directions on this pattern I made one last night and it turned out great and did not take me long at all.
I LOVE these instructions! I did make a few adjustments, made the longer strap only 20 inches, and added a few inches to the length of the cover since I am extremely modest. I also lined it since the fabric was thin and I thought it gave it a nicer look. The awesome thing about this pattern is you can play with it. I’ve made some using a patterned fabric w/ a solid, added ribbons, pockets, you name it. And evertime it comes out great. Depending on how much I spend on the fabric & ribbon, it usually costs me between $6 – $9 to make. Super great deal!
Thank you so much for this posting. I’ve made two so far and plan on making more. They make great presents! I love how simple it as I am a beginner in the sewing world. God bless!
Thanks a lot. The pattren was easy and the cover is great. Got many compliments
I’M MAKING SEVERAL COVERS(SETS),FOR TRIPLETS. I’M MAKING THEM, LONGER AND WIDER.(FOR MULTIPLES) ALSO REMEMBER THE SIZE OF THE BABY/BABIES UNDER THE COVER, IF PREEMIE WOULD BE SMALLER. IF YOU PLAN ON NURSING A LONG TIME, MAKE IT BIGGER.AND MAKE SURE IT COVERS YOUR BELLY. THESE HAVE TWO POCKETS, ONE,FOR NURSING PADS AND ONE FOR A PACIFIER AND BURP CLOTH.SO WHEN MEASURING, WIDTH AND LENGTH, MAYBE STICK A BABY/ OR TWO OR A PILLOW UNDER YOUR FABRIC TO GET AN IDEA, FOR THE LENGTH AND WIDTH. I’M ALSO MAKING MATCHING NURSING PADS, AND SMALL BURP CLOTHS (3)COORDINATING) & BIBS (3), SO ITS A SET, AND ALL MATCHES. YOU COULD ALSO USE THE LARGE RECEIVING BLANKETS FOR THESE PROJECTS, (ONE BABY)A COVER AND(ONE BLANKET CAN MAKE 10 NURSING PADS,(USE A CD FOR MEASUREMENT)MAKE THE BURPERS OUT OF BLANKETS WITH A HAND TOWEL BACKING SUPER ABSORBANT(OLDER NURSING BABIES)( GOOD SIDES TOGETHER & SEW) OR MEASURE( SIZE) TO FLANNEL RECEIVING BLANKETS, CUT THE SIZE YOU LIKE)SEW ALL SIDES (LEAVE AN OPENING TO TURN THEM RIGHT SIDE OUT,TUCK IN THE AREA THAT WASN’T SEWN,AND TOP STITCH ENTIRE ITEM, YOUR POCKETS FOR THE COVER, CAN BE MADE OUT OF WASH CLOTHES TOO,MINE CLOSE WITH VELCRO. ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR COVER( ONE ON EACH SIDE)AT THE BOTTOM, INSTEAD OF BUYING FABRIC.I’M ALSO GOING TO USE PLASTIC D CLIPS,FOR SAFETY PURPOSES,AN OLDER BABIES,IF AN OLDER BABY PULLS HARD ENOUGH THE METAL COULD COME LOOSE AND HURT SOMEONE.
AS FOR MEASUREMENTS I WOULD MEASURE BETWEEN YOUR SHOULDER BONES,AND MAKE THE BONING AREA WIDER,( JOANN’S HAS SEVERAL THICKNESSES OF BONING)SO YOU HAVE A BETTER VIEW OF THE BABY OR BABIES, IF YOUR NURSING TWINS AT THE SAME TIME.
I also offer a free tutorial for my brand of covers “Sweet Wee Bairn” you can view the free tutorial at:
http://freenursingcoverpattern.blogspot.com. Happy sewing.
All the best,
Amy
I am making this for a long distance friend. Is this a cover for mom or a sling for baby?
This is a cover for mom. If you are looking for a sling for the baby, try these instructions for a ring sling: http://www.blisstree.com/breastfeeding123/how-to-sew-your-own-baby-sling/ Good luck!
This might be a stupid question…. but what is a “D” ring and where do you buy them?
Hi Tana, the “D” rings are the small D-shaped metal rings used to bind and adjust the straps. In the pictures you can see them hanging from the end of the short strap. You can buy them at any sewing supply store. Here is a picture of some on Amazon, although they might not be large enough:
Dritz Metal ”D” Rings 3/4” 4/Pkg-Gilt
Another commenter mentioned that she sewed hers without D rings and just tied the straps instead.
This pattern was very easy to follow and the pictures were helpful as well. I just finished it and it turned out nicely! I would agree and say the neck strap of 31 inches is defanitley more than enough. If I make another one, I’ll shorten just that strap. Thanks again!
I love this pattern and have made two nursing covers so far. One for myself and one for my sister. Thanks for sharing! I blogged about it and linked to your site.
Thanks for the tutorial! I made my own based on your instructions and it came out great. I put a light complimentary fabric on the inside as well becasue I hate seeing the opposite of fabric. I even think if I made another one I would make the inside with “baby print” so that when the baby gets older they can see objects and shapes that they would like…
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this pattern! Those covers are pretty expensive and it’s fantastic that now I can make one at 1/4 of the cost. And with my favorite fabric. You’re awesome!
Use promo code cute4 at udder covers website to get 100% off on your nursing cover purchase. Not sure how long this is going to last!
What did you use as your liner on the back side of the fabric? what were the measurements! Other than that-I’m ready to make a dozen of them! Thanks!
I found your blog today and made one of these tonight for a nursing friend! It was so easy and came out so cute. Thanks for the tutorial!!!
How do you fold this nursing cover to keep the shape of the curve at top, so it doesn’t get bent out of shape? Thanks.
Thanks for this! I just took a sewing class and this is the first project I’ve made since the class. Thanks for making it so easy to understand! I know I will use it a ton since I’ve been using a blanket about the same size and poor baby (11 months) gets super sweaty.
Since I was in a time crunch and don’t know sewing very well, I actually found it easier to put the boning in after hemming the 13-14 inches instead of sewing it into the hem.
Thank you so much for the great pattern for the nursing cover. My daugther, who is having a little girl next month, sent me your website. The only thing I changed, was the metal D-rings for the staps, because they are so noisy in the dryer and will damage it too.I used some plastic ones.
Thank you again,
Ursula
Where do you find the D plastic rings? I’ve hunted and just can’t find what I need. Thanks