Infinite Nursing

That’s kinda what you get when an infinity scarf doubles as a nursing cover, right?  Or maybe I’m just confused with what nursing sometimes feels like.  And maybe those feelings are taking me back to nursing the twins at which time it did seem like I spent infinite amount of time nursing.  And maybe I’m just getting way off track here.  Focus. 

Right.

A few months ago I was strolling the clearance area of our local Hancock Fabrics when I spotted this striped jersey knit, marked at $3:
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It was about a yard of fabric, 60” wide, a deep olive and white (though it looks black in the pictures), and I scooped it up because I can’t say no to oh-so-soft stripes.  A couple of days later I turned it into a nursing cover/infinity scarf and this is the story of how I did it.

nursing scarf

First I squared off the fabric.  The long edges were cut a little quirky so all I had to do was cut along the stripes/sides to get a nice straight edge.  See the crooked edge before?
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A cut along the lines made everything much better.
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If you’re working with a non-striped pattern, using a cutting mat or a squared edge will help you get straight, 90 degree edges.

Now I had a big rectangle of fabric measuring 36” x 60”; the two shorter ends were the factory-cut edges (or selvage edges) and the longer edges were the store-cut ones/the ones I evened out.  Since the fabric was jersey and wouldn’t fray, I just left these outside, long edges alone after they were cut; no hemming.  To get the infinity scarf, I sewed the two short edges together.  However, this could easily be done minus the sewing with some no-sew tape.  Here’s how:

The No-Sew Version

Place a long piece of no-sew tape along the short edge of your scarf (I used some white ribbon just for a visual).
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Making sure your long piece of fabric isn’t twisted somewhere in the middle, bring your other short edge over and lay it on top of the sewing tape.  Your fabric should be laying flat and should be a large tube.  Make sense? IMG_5749

Last, using the steam option on your iron, iron down those two, overlapping ends.  The no-sew tape will do its magic and make those ends stick together and you’ll be good to go!
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The Sewn Version

If you decide to sew your edges together, simply overlap them a half inch or so and pin them together.
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No need to fold anything; the jersey won’t fray.
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Then sew a straight stitch right along your overlapping layers, making sure to backstitch at each end and that’s it!  IMG_5753  
I wear the seam at the back so it’s not noticeable at all.

No baby:
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I couldn’t decide which shoes to wear…
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Baby:
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And I was going to crop this one but then I just couldn’t because it’s kinda the story of my life – I sit down to nurse and somebody has to go.
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What’re you lookin’ at?
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Here’s the funny thing about this little project, I was so excited to share this with you guys a couple of months ago when I made it because I really thought this infinity scarf/nursing cover was a genius idea and I thought I was the first to discover it but alas, there are those who have been there, done that.  :)  So great though because, if you don’t feel like making your own, you can find them at these fine shops:

Hold Me Close

Nursing Time

Three 4 Design

.           .           .

Happy TGIalmostF

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14 comments

  1. Ahhhh, I love it! Also cracked up at the potty picture.

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  2. So cute! You're such a stylish AND crafty mom! And the pictures had me cracking up too :)

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    1. Thanks Mandolyn! I try my hand at lots of things...try being the key word. ;)

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  3. Aint that the truth! Nursing timing is the WORST. This project though - adorable! I'm raiding my fabric stash this afternoon!

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  4. This is great! Going to be trying this for sure! Of course the no sew option because I lack in sewing skills. Thanks!

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  5. Love It and well I can't pass up stripes either. LOL ask my kids.

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  6. I am going to share this post with my wife because she is also a breast feeding mother and we have to search for places when we are some where out to feed our boy but now you have shown an amazing thing that she can make it herself and she ca visit Chiropractor North Ryde easily with this because she has to go there weekly to get relief from her back ache.

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  7. Do you feel like the tape holds up to regular use daily or do you feel the need for stitching it? Lindseypandk113@gmail.com

    Thank you for your time,
    Lindsey

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    1. Hey Lindsey! I sewed mine but included the no-sew tape tutorial for an option for mamas who don't know how to sew. :) Based on the no-sew tape I used to hem my husbands pants once though, I'd say it would hold up to regular use pretty well! You might need to re-tape somewhere down the line depending on how much wear and tear your cover gets but it probably wouldn't be hard to replace and redo. :)

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  8. Can you use any kind of fabric or does it have to be stretchy

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