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I am finally getting round to thinking I could attempt to make my own pouch sling. I know someone posted a link somewhere sometime to a site that shows you how to make all your own kind of slings, but I cant find it anymore - nor when I google.
Basically I am thinking of making my own pouch sling. Very basic and considering making it from quilters cotton. Will this work? Not sure of suitable materials but I know its easy stuff to sew.
google ring slings, and you'll find some easy patterns. Quilters cotton works fine! I found some great rings from a marine/boating supply store, and customised mine with pockets so I can take kiddo out without needing a bag as well, since it's awkward to carry a bag and bubs in a sling. I can't sew to save myself, but I managed to make something functional and groovy-looking and now everyone comments on it. DS loves it too!
Do you want to make a pouch, or a ring sling?
If it is double layered, quilters cotton or calicos would be OK for a pouch but may not be supportive enough for a ring sling - especially if using as single layer. Most sling makers don't recommend using it, to be honest. Depending on the quality of the fabric, it may not be strong enough to withstand the stress put on a baby carrier, and because there is very little give in the weave, it is not as supportive as other fabrics. This link gives some good information on good fabrics for slings. If you do want to use a quilters cotton, a double layer sling is going to be more comfortable and stronger.
This link is one of the best for DIY carrier directions, it's where most of the US WAHM carrier makers show how to make their carriers. There are instructions for both pouches and ring slings here (and for a variety of mei tais as well)
You can use marine grade rings (these have a much greater weight bearing capacity than the ones which you can get from hardware stores), but they do tend to be heavier than the aluminium rings designed for baby carriers. If you google 'sling rings' you will find an Australian site which supplies sling rings, or a US site which is the manufacturer (and also sells online).
:yeahthat: sorry, meant to mention you'll need to double the layers if you're using quilters cotton, but you can interchange and make a reversible one that way...