Children love to pretend, and do just like their parents. Seeing mommy and daddy with a baby on the back is something usual for my children, and soon enough my daughter requested for a ring sling so she can carry around Victoria, her waldorf companion doll. This spring, I’ve checked on my longtime to-do list one item I really wanted, a mei tai. Both children wanted one, their size. I made two of those while they were naping at the same time…It doesn’t happen often, but today they did so I’ve jumped on the occasion and thought you might like to see how I did them.
First find 2, 3, 4 fabric you like, your child like and that goes well together.
Cut two rectangle that would be around the size of your child’s front. The bigger the easier to carry a big 18″ doll, the smaller the easier to wear for a child. This one is smaller 9×12″, I suggest to go bigger. I have an easy trick for the top strap angles later.
Cut the straps. The longer the better. I first went with 20″. This is okay for the bottom ones, but I’ve added 16″ after trying it on my boy. They are about 4″ large, so I cut them 8″ and folded them. Right side facing, sew/serge on top and the side, and flip them right side up.
Take your rectangle and place one strap in a corner. Cut. Fold vertically (on the longer) and cut the excess corner.
Take one rectangle, facing right side up. Roll your straps, it’s so much easier. Pin your longer ones at the angles.
And pin the short ones at the bottom. Leave an inch or so at the bottom.
Place the other rectangle (right side must face!) and pin around. Sew/serge the sides and top, but leave the bottom open.
Flip everything right and unpin straps. Enter the excess fabric at the bottom in and over stitch it.
If you realize, like me, that the top straps are too short, here’s how I manage to add on without unsewing anything; make straps like you first did, and tuck in a half inch inside the strap.
Inside end of strap in and overstich.
There you go! A beautiful, playful doll carrier for your little person to take his/her doll everywhere!
My son’s been carrying Albus ever since I tried it on him. He only took it out to get in the car twice and promptly asked it back both times. He also took it out to sleep, but I’m pretty sure he’ll ask for it tomorrow.
Hoping I made some of you try to make some! It’s very easy and takes no time. It’s a really good way for your child to carry around his/her doll everywhere while optimizing the chance for it to stay clean!
Please come back and share if you make one, we’d love to see it!