X-Posted: Fabric for Slings

[truelife]

I have just learned how to sew, and everything is new to me. Sorry if the answers to these questions are totally obvious.

I have found incredible directions on how to make a pouch sling and would love to give it a whirl. I have read in many places to not use quilting fabrics, but then I see a lot of beautiful slings listed on Etsy that use Amy Butler fabric. Isn't this quilting fabric? Do I just need to make sure I double it up? Will it last through washings?

If I don't use quilting fabric what fabric should I look for? Where is a good place to purchase the fabric from at a decent price?

[KariM]

I have two Wise Woman slings (WAHM made) that were sewn with flannel.

My OTSBH padded sling is constructed of a lightweight woven cotton.

All have held up well through many years of use. They're ring slings, though, not pouches.

I would think doubling just about any fabric (other than chiffons, organza, etc) would work!

[Elijahs Momma]

I agree, doubling the fabric should do the trick. And I think it will be fine when you wash it, maybe just a few stray threads from the fabric. Enjoy your sewing!

[courtenay_e]

I think there is a definate range of quality insofar as "quilting" fabric or "calicoes" go. You can buy really cheap stuff that you can see through...or you can buy rich, thick, strongly woven, almost silky calicoes that just make you want to stand there and stroke them! sorry...can you tell I like nice fabric?...

Amy Butler has nice fabric. I would use it for a sling/pouch. There is other fabric that I wouldn't use at all, as it wouldn't hold up much at all, especially if the baby is a puker or blows out a lot, and they'll be washing the sling a lot. As a rule, if I am making a sling with calico, I will line it with about 14 inches or so of a coordinating cotton. Prewash everything, so that it is all shrunk as much as it's gonna, so that it doesn't do that AFTER you have sewn a beautiful pouch!

[truelife]

Thank you so much for the responses. I figured if the fabric was higher quality I wouldn't have any issues. I'm so excited to start!

[orangefoot]

I've never made a cotton pouch: I like knits for mine and I don't even finish the long edges :

[iowaorganic]

I really like double thickness stretch twills for my pouch slings. They are fantastic! But I have a couple that are quilters cotton and they are just fine- maybe not quite as substantial...

[PhantasyMama]

I've made pouch slings from flannel, wovens, simple cottons and would totally make some from AB fabric!!

It's your personal preference really.