Nursing Cover Tutorial

Shortly after Liam was born, I bought a nursing cover. I loved it. Of course, after giving it a closer inspection, I thought, "Hey! I can make these." So I did. I started sewing them up, with a few improvements as gifts for friends. I had about a year lull or so and now more friends are having babies. As they are so easy to whip up, I thought I'd post a tutorial. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. This is my first time writing up a sewing pattern, so suggestions, comments, etc. are welcome. Happy sewing!

Notions

You will need a total of 1 yd of cotton fabric 44"/45", either one color print or 3/4 yd cotton fabric 44"/45" width and 1/4 yd cotton fabric 44"/45" width in accent color to make pockets & strap

Coordinating thread

12" length of boning 1/2" width

Metal "D" Ring

1/4 yd of terrycloth, fleece or a gently used towel, cloth diaper

Instructions

1. Cut out pattern pieces.

A) Cut a 1 yd. x 3/4 yd. (36 in. x 27 in.) rectangle. This will be the main piece of the nursing cover "A".

2. With remaining fabric or accent fabric cut:

B) Two rectangles 6 in. x 7 in. These will be the pockets "B".

C) One rectangle 3 in. x 27 in. This will be the main, longer strap "C".

D) One rectangle 3 in. x 10 in. The strap that is attached to the D ring is piece "D".

3. Using terrycloth, cut out one 8 in. square. Then cut it in half to make two triangles "E".

4. On the main piece A, fold bottom edge (one of the long edges) and sides over 1/2", then iron. Repeat this once and pin in place. Fold the top edge over 1/2", then iron. Then fold the top edge over 1", then iron.

5. On the pocket pieces B, fold bottom edge and sides over 1/2", then iron. Fold the top edge over 1/2", then iron. Repeat this once, then iron and pin into place. Sew the top edge only with a 1/4" seam allowance. 6. On the strap pieces C and D, fold in half lengthwise with right sides touching. Iron & pin into place.

7. Take boning and place under top edge of main piece A. It should be centered in the hem, 12" from either side edge. Pin into place. 8. Take strap pieces C and D, sew up the length of each, using the edge of the presser foot as your guide. Iron seams, turn both pieces right side out using a dowel or other tool and iron again so that the seam is the back center of the strap (as opposed to the side).

9. With strap piece C, tuck in a 1/2" one end of the strap. Iron & pin into place. Starting at the bottom, top-stitch around the strap, using 1/4 of the presser foot as your guide. 10. With strap piece D, top-stitch both sides, using 1/4 of the presser foot as your guide. Loop strap through "D" ring, fold the strap in half and pin in place. Sew the strap together as close to the "D" ring as possible.

11. Fold unfinished ends of strap pieces C and D under top edge of main piece A. Pin in place. Pin remaining top edge in place. 12. Pin one triangle E under the seam of one of the bottom corners of main piece A. 13. Starting at the top edge of main piece A, sew along the edge of seam about 1" in. Continue around main piece A with a 1/2" seam allowance. 14. Top-stitch the top edge of main piece A, using 1/4 of the presser foot from the top edge as your guide. This is to secure the boning in place.

15. Place pockets on the front equal distance from the bottom & sides of cover. You can measure if you'd like, but at this point...I was tired! :) So I just eyeballed it. Sew around the sides & bottom of pocket to secure it with a 1/4" seam allowance.

16. Be sure to trim all loose threads & remove all remaining pins if you have not done so yet.

17. Enjoy your handiwork!