Pouch sling--stretch fabric question

[sunnmama]

I am making a pouch sling for dh. I made one for myself, but used a non-stretchy fabric. Dh wants a more "manly" fabric, lol.....and has asked me to use this heavy knit camo he has. It stretches in one direction, but not the other.

I remember reading *somewhere* on the net that it works better if the stretch is in a certain direction......along the length, or across the sling. But I don't remember which direction : Anyone know?

Anything else I should know before attempting this project?

Thanks!

[mommy_e]

I think you want the stretch across the pouch. If it stretches along the length, it will be too long once the baby is in (or too small when the baby is out). I have a pouch made from stretch twill and a ring sling from a stretchy linen blend and both stretch across the width.

[crbyard]

DEFINITELY have the stretch go across NOT lenghtwise. I have made this mistake twice, now, in a rush to complete gift slings. Even fleece has this one-direction stretchiness. If you have it go lengthwise, the sling ends up at your knees when the baby is in it!

[sunnmama]

Thanks, that makes sense. And, when I looked at the fabric, it was only long enough in one direction--so there is no choice but for it to stretch across the pouch, lol!

[dvons]

I made a pouch with the stretch going both ways but to counteract the lengthwise stretch I lined it (thus making it reversable) with a fabric that only had stretch one direction.

Deb

[orangefoot]

I always do pouches for myself in stretch knit as it sort of curls around the babe nicer I think. I don't sew the edge seams just cut and sew the bottom curve.

For the curve seam I do a kind of french seam with a straight stitch first then when sewing on the right side I don't sew it flat I do a kind of overlocky type stitch _/_/_/_/ with the sling still folded which leaves the seam sticking up in a ridge when you wear it. This seam also seems to stretch better with the fabric and helps locate the seam easily when you put it on.

[sunnmama]

Originally Posted by orangefoot

I always do pouches for myself in stretch knit as it sort of curls around the babe nicer I think. I don't sew the edge seams just cut and sew the bottom curve.

Ah, good time saving tip! Thanks!