NURSERY FABRICS
|
Baby fabrics cover a lot of important territory from baby's bottom to the bedding used to decorate the baby's crib. You won’t be surprised when I tell you that cotton is the fabric of choice, and there’s really no news to break in that area. I don’t mean to diminish the importance of fiber content. If you have a child that suffers from skin problems such as eczema, fiber content is king and cotton rules the kingdom.
Cotton may not be the cure for a child’s rash, but the breathable nature of the material makes it a better choice than synthetic fabrics. It’s my opinion that perspiration doesn’t do a thing for skin lesions and some synthetics seem to promote perspiration more than others.
Here's a list of hard to locate fabrics for quilting, drapery or theme bedding fabrics!
There are many articles about what baby fabrics are best that have been written by authorities on the subject and I don’t make any such claims. I want to focus on what’s out there if you like to sew your own baby stuff and want to locate some cool baby bedding fabric by the yard.
I want to bring you up to speed on how to use modern and trendy baby fabrics to make your own baby bedding and accessories. Which baby patterns, designs and motifs are fashionable and what’s out of style? The answer may be that there is no answer. Some moms will always love vintage stork prints, animal crackers while others might adore gothic or Harley print fabrics.
Let’s leave the subject of design for a bit and discuss fiber content and the various pros and cons of baby fabrics, I would like to mention that a high thread count is desirable in most circumstances. It’s hard to beat a high thread count and a tight weave for durability, but some consideration should be given as to where the fabric will be used.
For instance, you have just found the perfect vintage baby fabric in a cute Strawberry Shortcake print, but you feel that the fabric is more decorative than durable. Do you discard this precious length of polished cotton that would be perfect in your baby girl’s room just because it doesn’t have a thread count of over 300 per square inch? Absolutely not! I would hesitate to use a lightweight length of fabric for a replacement cushion for the nursery glider rocker, but grab a few yards and sew a valance for the nursery window or an accent pillow. If there are several yards of material available at a discounted price, consider sewing your own canopy for the crib. You would want heavy weight children's print fabrics to make your own custom made baby bedding, crib duvet cover or fitted sheet because of the number of times they will be run through the washer and dryer.
FLEECE In cool weather, fleece fabrics are some of my favorites. There’s just nothing like the comfort that baby blankets made of organic cotton can give. They are perfect to swaddle a baby for a snuggle in your warm and cozy nursery. Be careful when buying baby items in fleece baby fabrics and prints because lots of fleece is synthetic. If you see a cute fleece item at what seems to be a discounted price, check the label for polyester. I have used some synthetic fleece outer garments and enjoyed them, but I’m more particular about what might be in the baby fabrics that are next to my baby’s skin.
FLANNEL Flannel is used for baby quilts, blankets and precious baby gowns alike. Flannel receiving blankets with cute pastel baby motifs have been gently wiping baby’s tears and mishaps for decades. There’s no need for a pattern for a flannel baby blanket, just cut a large square and hem it with a whip stitch. This is an easy, inexpensive project that makes a sweet little gift to tuck inside the gift basket. You can buy several yards of top quality flannel baby fabrics for a cheap price, stitch them up and have your baby gift personalized with baby’s name, monogrammed initials or date of birth and mom will be thrilled! Again, make certain that the fabric is 100% cotton or it will form ugly little knots or pills in the wash.
Other baby fabrics that have become popular are:
- Chenille baby fabrics
- Washable Velvet
- Washable silks
Don’t make your selection by how pretty and well decorated the baby fabrics might be. Always remember that the finished product must be sturdy enough for numerous trips through the laundry.
Return from baby bedding fabrics to Unique Baby Gear, Decorating Ideas and Nursery Themes.
