practical self-sewn DIY throw for the child's car seat

Instructions for a practical accessory for on the go: washable and ready for all the crumbs that collect in the cracks...

As parents, we know how important it is to buckle our children up safely in the car. An essential part of this safety is, of course, a suitable car seat. Sometimes cleaning and maintaining the car seat can be a real challenge, especially when young children are involved. Stains, crumbs and spilled drinks can quickly make the car seat look messy. What's more, the crumbs also sting...

For this reason, I have developed a simple and practical solution: a DIY cover for the child's car seat. This cover protects the car seat from dirt, is easily removable and washable, making cleaning a breeze.

You only need a few materials to sew this cover:

• A piece of durable fabric of your choice that is large enough to cover the seat. I used muslin fabric: it is cuddly soft and doesn't make the children sweat when it comes into contact with their skin

• If necessary (for thin fabrics) a robust piece of cotton fabric to sew onto the back for reinforcement

• sewing machine

• sewing thread in a matching color

• fusible web to reinforce the fabric

• Label or iron-on label for decoration if necessary

Step-by-step instructions

Here is a simple guide to sewing your own DIY car seat cover:

• Measure the car seat and cut the fabric accordingly: you will need a rectangular piece of fabric that can comfortably cover the car seat. Make sure you leave enough room for the sides and back of the seat.

• Mark the places where the straps will later be threaded through the fabric and press fusible webbing onto these areas on the wrong side of the fabric (see photo).

• If the fabric you have chosen is rather thin, you can sew on a more robust cotton fabric from the wrong side to reinforce it, as I did: cut a rectangle of the more robust cotton fabric, sew around the edges to create a neat hem and use letter corners for the corners (you can find instructions for this in the article on "self-sewn muslin cloths"). Then press this fabric with double-sided fusible web and topstitch it to the thinner fabric all the way around. I chose a wavy decorative stitch for this (see third photo).

• Sew around the edges of the fabric to create a neat finish and prevent fraying. It is best to shape the corners as letter corners (you can find detailed instructions for this in the blog post "Self-sewn muslin cloths").

• Now it's time to sew around the slits for the straps (like buttonholes: use a very narrow zigzag stitch for this. If you have sewn in a narrow rectangle around the areas previously marked with a marker, you can carefully "slit" the fabric in between without tearing it further. Where exactly the straps come out is slightly different for every car seat. When measuring, make sure that the fabric fits snugly around the car seat and every crevice.

• I opted not to attach an elastic band or drawstring to the sides of the cover to secure the cover firmly to the car seat. Depending on the seat belt mechanism, I think it is more practical without, as you can simply reach underneath. Of course, you can also integrate an elastic or round drawstring on both sides for fastening. I have found that the straps already hold the cover sufficiently.

• If you like, you can sew on a label or iron-on picture for decoration.

Now place the cover over the car seat and thread the straps through the slots provided. Now your child's car seat is ready for every journey and every snack :-)!

This DIY cover is not only functional, but can also add a personal touch by choosing fabrics and designs that suit your style. A practical and lovely addition to any car journey with a child. Your child will certainly feel more comfortable on the soft fabric than in direct skin contact with the plastic cover of the car seat. And the practical thing is that you can take it off, shake it out and wash it at any time to make sure your car seat is clean and ready for use, no matter how wild and crumbly the ride may be. Have fun sewing and enjoy the ride!

If you like this post, take a look at my other sewing projects for children, adults and as home accessories. If your child is even smaller, you might also be interested in the wrap blanket and pennant chain for the baby car seat. Or are you looking for an organizer for the changing table or closet? Perhaps you would also like to sew a cover for wet wipes for on the go? I'd be delighted if you'd leave me a comment and share the posts you like.

A hug and see you soon!

You can find more sewing projects for children here - have fun discovering them:

• Wrap blanket and pennant chain for the car seat

• Self-sewn storage bag for toys

• Self-sewn muslin cloths

• Self-sewn cover for wet wipes

• Robber scarves for babies and children

• DIY neckerchiefs for cuddly toys

• Ikea hack: self-sewn cover for SKUBB organizer

• DIY patches for children's pants

• DIY grasping toy with wooden beads

• Self-sewn decorative fabric pennant garland

• simple fabric pennant garland

Soon also on my blog - I look forward to seeing you again soon :-) !

• practical DIY hooded towel for children

• self-made bath poncho for children

• lovingly personalized baby carrier

• Canopy for the house bed

• self-made diaper bag

• Decoration for the changing table

• Seat cushion for the baby carriage

• DIY nursing pillow cover

• Self-sewn music box "Moon"

• Self-sewn baby outfits

• DIY baby sleeping bag

• Birth gifts