Artemis68
05-21-2007, 01:37 PM
I would like to try making some Mei Tais. What is the best material for this?
Can flannel be used? How about sheets?
Thanks,
Linnea
Can flannel be used? How about sheets?
Thanks,
Linnea
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lilmama2dsndd
05-21-2007, 01:42 PM
http://www.wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx?tabid=118
instructions for a no-sew MTC, they also talk about the different materials to use on the site :goodvibes:
instructions for a no-sew MTC, they also talk about the different materials to use on the site :goodvibes:
Artemis68
05-21-2007, 01:49 PM
Hmm.. all that site said for materials was heavy fleece.
lunamoth
05-21-2007, 01:56 PM
I have 3 mei tais and they are all made from a heavy cotton fabric...canvas-like. It gets softer and softer with washing.
gfam
05-21-2007, 03:28 PM
There are a gagillion links to DIY carriers here (http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=76)
But strictly just flannel would not be supportive/strong enough. You need a layer or two of canvas,twill or denim. :)
But strictly just flannel would not be supportive/strong enough. You need a layer or two of canvas,twill or denim. :)
Laurithree
05-21-2007, 04:07 PM
I've seen them made from fleece, and even duct tape and a pillow case. But most of the ones I have use heavy fabric for the straps and inner layer with anything you can think of for the outer "pretty" layer.
lilmama2dsndd
05-21-2007, 08:01 PM
from the same site I linked before:
Do I need a special kind of cloth to carry my baby?
No, although some fabrics work better than others. In general, cotton will breathe better and slip less than blends and synthetics. Knit fabrics (t-shirts. for example, are a knit) stretch in all directions and work best for small babies. Woven fabrics (sheets and tablecloths, for example) usually stretch only on the diagonal and offer more support for heavy babies. There can be huge differences in the amount of give from one fabric to another and you'll need to find the right balance of support and comfort for you. Most people have good results with cotton gauze. Stretch twills can be easier to find in the winter and also work well.
But you can start babywearing without a trip to the fabric store. Look in your linen closest: an old sheet or tablecloth may work for you. If the cloth you've chosen is too wide (much wider than 45" at the most) it may be difficult to manage, especially making a knot. If you are willing to part with the sheet or tablecloth, you might want to tear it lengthwise (a width of 22-30" works well). You might also have a solution in your closet. Sarongs used as bathingsuit coverups work well for one shoulder carries or shoulderless (African style) back carries, but may need frequent adjustments if the fabric is a little slippery.
There are, of course, specialty wraps available, and they can be a worthwhile investment. For a fairly low price (about $30) you can buy a beautiful, comfortable wrap from a WAHM. The most expensive commercial wraps are specially woven to provide a great combination of strength and give. But, there's no reason to put off wearing your baby until you can afford a $100 wrap. There's nothing you can do with the specialty fabrics that you can't improvise with a long enough piece of cotton gauze. With even basic sewing skills, you can make the only wrap you'll ever need. (I said "need," not "want.") With no sewing skills you can still make a serviceable sling, as the hemmed edges have no function other than asthetics.
Do I need a special kind of cloth to carry my baby?
No, although some fabrics work better than others. In general, cotton will breathe better and slip less than blends and synthetics. Knit fabrics (t-shirts. for example, are a knit) stretch in all directions and work best for small babies. Woven fabrics (sheets and tablecloths, for example) usually stretch only on the diagonal and offer more support for heavy babies. There can be huge differences in the amount of give from one fabric to another and you'll need to find the right balance of support and comfort for you. Most people have good results with cotton gauze. Stretch twills can be easier to find in the winter and also work well.
But you can start babywearing without a trip to the fabric store. Look in your linen closest: an old sheet or tablecloth may work for you. If the cloth you've chosen is too wide (much wider than 45" at the most) it may be difficult to manage, especially making a knot. If you are willing to part with the sheet or tablecloth, you might want to tear it lengthwise (a width of 22-30" works well). You might also have a solution in your closet. Sarongs used as bathingsuit coverups work well for one shoulder carries or shoulderless (African style) back carries, but may need frequent adjustments if the fabric is a little slippery.
There are, of course, specialty wraps available, and they can be a worthwhile investment. For a fairly low price (about $30) you can buy a beautiful, comfortable wrap from a WAHM. The most expensive commercial wraps are specially woven to provide a great combination of strength and give. But, there's no reason to put off wearing your baby until you can afford a $100 wrap. There's nothing you can do with the specialty fabrics that you can't improvise with a long enough piece of cotton gauze. With even basic sewing skills, you can make the only wrap you'll ever need. (I said "need," not "want.") With no sewing skills you can still make a serviceable sling, as the hemmed edges have no function other than asthetics.
aprice522
05-23-2007, 10:25 PM
I use cotton twill for the straps and for the body I use different things...
One is two layers of solarveil body, one is 1 layer cotton twill and 1 layer pretty knit.
A rule of thumb would be, 2 layers of sturdy fabric for your body, if you use silk as your pretty outer, use three layers....I always use twill for the straps and most makers out there use it.... I am in a sling sewing group and most recomend the twill. I am making 2 or 3 right now!
hth
good luck mama~
One is two layers of solarveil body, one is 1 layer cotton twill and 1 layer pretty knit.
A rule of thumb would be, 2 layers of sturdy fabric for your body, if you use silk as your pretty outer, use three layers....I always use twill for the straps and most makers out there use it.... I am in a sling sewing group and most recomend the twill. I am making 2 or 3 right now!
hth
good luck mama~
Indianamom*2
05-24-2007, 04:58 PM
I've seen them made from fleece, and even duct tape and a pillow case. But most of the ones I have use heavy fabric for the straps and inner layer with anything you can think of for the outer "pretty" layer.
:spit:
That is so funny. I thin that if I actually saw one like that my jaw would drop ! Then I would have to laugh !
My MT is framed in 2 layers of canvas then the center is 1 layer canvas and on either side of the panel is regular cotton material, one side has a pocket.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/seargents_wife/BebeSakPocket.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/seargents_wife/BebeSakReverseside.jpg
:spit:
That is so funny. I thin that if I actually saw one like that my jaw would drop ! Then I would have to laugh !
My MT is framed in 2 layers of canvas then the center is 1 layer canvas and on either side of the panel is regular cotton material, one side has a pocket.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/seargents_wife/BebeSakPocket.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/seargents_wife/BebeSakReverseside.jpg
madasmama
05-24-2007, 09:51 PM
I've seen them made from fleece, and even duct tape and a pillow case. But most of the ones I have use heavy fabric for the straps and inner layer with anything you can think of for the outer "pretty" layer.
OMG, I would love to see one made with duct tape! DP would love it! :laugh:
OMG, I would love to see one made with duct tape! DP would love it! :laugh:
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