I wanted to finally take the time to share a really quick, easy, and extremely useful Do-It-Yourself project for all my breastfeeding mommas out there. Whats more useful to a mother when she's out in public trying to feed her baby than a blanket or a scarf to cover up with? Well, the scarf I am about to show you how to make doesn't only work as a breastfeeding cover up but it can also be worn as part of your outfit in numerous ways! Before I get into all the instructions on how to make it, let me tell you some of the background story on it.
This beautiful scarf was gifted to me by my husband's cousin (aka auntie Wilma) when my daughter was just 2 months old. I remember she had brought it with her to our family Christmas dinner. She was showing it off to all of us ladies during coffee. Full of excitement she was telling us that she found it at a shop inside of the Florida airport when she was on her way to visit us and that it only cost her ten bucks! I immediately noticed that the scarf actually had a small seam at the center with a hole where you can put your head through. Being the mom that I am, I was super excited about how perfect of a cover-up that would be for breastfeeding. Not only was it ideal because it was lengthy and could fully wrap around my body and my baby but, it was beautiful all at the same time. The fabric was a soft pashmina with a black and creme paisley print. Not to mention how much more comfortable it would be to not have to worry about the cover-up slipping off in the middle of me feeding my baby. Without any hesitation, my husband's aunt handed the scarf to me and told me to have it. I tried to give it back to her but there was no convincing her, I had no choice but to keep it.
However, I am forever and eternally grateful to her for being so generous and self-less by gifting me this scarf. It has made such a huge difference in my breastfeeding journey. I carry it in my diaper bag everywhere my daughter and I go. After being introduced to this beautiful scarf, I wanted to try and purchase a couple to give to other mom friends who were also new to breastfeeding. After searching and searching, I was never able to find it. I even visited the Florida airport store where she purchased it from but, none of the scarves had the seam. I decided I could share how to make one at home instead.
MATERIALS:
-1 Pashmina Scarf (in desired color or print)
-Sewing thread to match scarf color
-Hand sewing needle or sewing machine if you have one
-Scissors
-Measuring tape or ruler
-Chalk or Pencil
DIRECTIONS:
1) Fold your scarf in half the long way (vertically so that the fringe is on the bottom not on the sides).
2) Measure 12" down from the fold and mark it with your chalk or pencil.
3) Measure down 11" from the previous mark made and make another mark at that point.
4) *If sewing by hand using a hand sewing needle, thread the needle and sew the two layers of fabric together using a basic straight stitch in between the two markings leaving a small 1/8"-1/4" seam allowance. Be sure to double stitch and knot at the beginning and end of the stitch to secure it.
*If using a sewing machine, sew the two layers of fabric together in between the two markings leaving a seam allowance of 1/8" or 1/4". Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and at the end of the stitch to secure it.
5) Flip it over and your scarf/cover-up is complete!
This DIY is not only useful but, easy and fun for all my fellow SUPERMOMMAS out there! Enjoy! Remember if you have any questions or just would like to share your thoughts and ideas please leave a comment!