Can I use a smooth or silky material to make a wrap?

[Sasharna]

Like the title says. Would this be dangerous?

I've only used a ring sling and soft structured carriers before. Thanks for the help!

[MamaKickyPants]

I don't know that it would be dangerous, as long as you could get the knot to hold. But I do think it would be VERY difficult to deal with when wrapping. Good woven wraps are 'grippy' - they kind of stick to themselves when you are using them (if that makes sense!) Like, when I use my Didy waves wrap (a type of weave), I only need to tie a single knot b/c the fabric hols so well, and I don't need to readjust the fabric over my LO ever, cause it just stays where I put it.

[almadianna]

I wouldnt for the same reason as the PP said, the knot would slip out and undo itself... it couldnt be very secure IMO.

[Sasharna]

Thanks to both of you! Now I know more about what I need .

[Quirky]

There's a great DIY forum at www.thebabywearer.com where you could get more info on good materials for DIY wraps. www.mamatoto.org has info, too.

Not only is there the concern about the grippiness of the knot, but also you want a fabric that a) will be supportive enough and b) will hold up to washing. I was just reading a thread at the Babywearer about single-layer silk ring slings starting to tear after repeated use/washing, because the fabric just had too much wear and tear. So knowing how the fabric will respond to usage and to washing is v. important.

[moonglowmama]

I use silk dupioni to make slings for friends and that fabric is great. You'd want to hem it, then wash it. It is soft with washing, but keeps that grippiness.

Its always a good idea to keep an eye on your carrier's fabric for wear, but I can't think of a reason it wouldn't work with dupioni silk.