DIY Newborn Swaddle Blanket Tutorial Made from Organic Muslin

Right now, this newborn swaddle blanket made from organic muslin cotton is my favorite baby shower gift to give my friends who are expecting. It is a somewhat simple and inexpensive gift that is very practical, useful, and personal.

What is muslin?

Typically when something is referred to as organic muslin it means that it’s made from 100% cotton and it’s made in a very loose weave. This helps keep baby warm but not too warm. The fabric is very breathable, which allows the swaddle to be used all year round and in most climates. Most muslin fabrics are very breathable, durable, and super soft!

Why use organic muslin?

A baby’s skin much more sensitive then the average adult. It’s also more porous and it can absorb chemicals more easily. An organic muslin fabric will be safe on baby’s skin and free of any harmful chemicals.

What type of fabric did I use?

The key to this blanket is the fabric that you use. I’ve see other tutorials that make the mistake of using a gauze like fabric. That type of fabric isn’t going to give you as high quality and durable of a blanket. The organic muslin that I used for this project is to die for! It’s super soft and breathable. It’s also not treated with any crazy chemicals so it’s safe to use with baby. If you want the exact fabric that I purchased you can find it here.

Here is what you will need to get started on your DIY Newborn Swaddle Blanket:

• Sewing machine – preferably one with embroidery functionality. In this tutorial I’m using the Brother SE-400. You don’t have to have this exact machine, but that is that I’ll be using to explain how it’s made.
• Organic Muslin Fabric – cut one piece 45×45 inches. If you prefer a smaller blanket you can use a different size. See my notes above on which type of fabric works best on this project.
• Thread in your choice of color(s)
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Water soluble embroidery stabilizer
• Embroidery hoop

Here is how you make this newborn swaddle blanket:

1. This step is optional. If you do not have an embroidery machine you can skip it. Start by using your embroider hoop, water soluble embroidery stabler, and embroidery machine to embroider your chosen phrase on the bottom right corner of the blanket. You will want the edge of the phrase to be about 4-5 inches from each side. You should be able to leave your bobbin color white while you use colored thread of your choice for your top machine color. When you choose an embroidery font you will want to choose something that is meant to be small – something that has a lower stitch count. This will help with bunching since the fabric is a very loose weave. You can make the phrase on the blanket whatever you like. However, I like to use “Baby + Baby’s Last Name”. I think this gives the blanket a nice personal touch.
   
2. Next, it’s time to give the edges a nice clean hem. Start by trimming all the edges of your fabric so everything has a fresh, straight, and even cut. Once cut, the fabric should measure about 45 inches by 45 inches.
3. Now it’s time to start pinning. To sew the edge of this blanket you are going to first fold edge in about one inch. Like this:
   
4. Then you are going to want to fold that fold in half. It should then be 4 pieces of fabric thick. Then you will put a pin though it to keep everything together. Here is what it will look like:
   
5. Once you get a whole edge pinned you can then sew it. You will want to sew with the pinned side facing down. So you will be sewing the front of the blanket. You will want your stitch to be as close to the inside edge of the fabric as possible. When I did the stitching I used a decorative stitch that comes on my sewing machine. The exact stitch I used was the number 40 stitch on my Brother SE-400. If your sewing machine doesn’t have fancy stitches like this one you can use a simple wide zigzag stitch.
   
6. Once you finish stitching the 1st side you just repeat steps 3-5 for each additional side. When you get to a corner you need to first trim the corner a tad on an angle and then fold it over just like the previous sides. When you sew the corners you will be sewing through 8 layers of fabric deep so be gentile on your machine. Here is what that looks like:
   
7. Once you sew up all your sides- your project is complete! You should probably give the blanket a quick wash before gifting it to the new baby!

I hope you enjoyed this DIY Newborn Swaddle Blanket Tutorial! Leave your comments and questions below. I can’t wait to hear how your blanket turns out.

About the author: Kristeen

Most people say she is a busy girl. If you look at her to-do list you might agree. However if you ask her, she is just a recovering workaholic trying to enjoy life. She has a get-it-done attitude that carries her though life.