Self-made muslin cloths

DIY cuddle cloths with sewing instructions and mindfulness tips

Babies can use lots of them... Why not just sew them yourself?

Muslin cloths are not only practical, but also versatile and pleasant on the skin: as cloths for babies when breastfeeding or for cuddling, as a thin blanket in summer, as sun protection on the baby carriage, as a scarf for children or adults or or or...

Also affectionately known as "cuddle cloths", they can play a crucial role in self-soothing and accompany children through many years of childhood. In this DIY blog article, you'll find instructions on how to easily sew your own muslin cloths and save money. I also share some mindfulness tips to make sewing a relaxing experience to recharge your batteries.

For sewing the baby muslin cloths you need:

• Muslin fabric (60x60 to 100x100 cm per cloth)

• Matching colored yarn

• Fabric pen (if necessary)

• scissors

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)

• Measuring tape

• Iron and ironing board

Sewing instructions

1. cut the fabric to size

• Lay out the muslin fabric and mark the desired size of the scarf with tailor's chalk or a fabric pen. A common size is 70x70 cm. You can of course adapt the cloths to suit your needs - smaller or larger cloths can also be very practical.

• Cut the fabric out square along the markings. In my experience, it is not absolutely necessary to finish the edges, as all the edges face inwards and are not mechanically stressed.

2. iron the hem

• Iron the edges of the muslin cloth carefully twice by folding the edge of the fabric inwards twice by about 1 cm. This will give you a neat hem.

3. preparing the letter corners

• To make the scarf as cozy as possible, you can avoid thick ends at the corners by sewing letter corners: You can see the individual steps illustrated in the photos.

• First fold a corner at a 45 degree angle and use the fabric pen to mark the point where the previously ironed edges meet on the inside and draw a line at a 45 degree angle to the outer edge of the scarf using the fabric pen.

• Sew along this line with a simple straight stitch and cut off the end just next to it.

• Then shape the corner by folding the seam inwards and pressing over it once if necessary.

4. sew the hem

• Now all you need to do is sew once around the outside of the scarf - preferably with a wide straight stitch at an even distance from the edge of the fabric. At the corners, always turn the direction exactly on the diagonal seam.

5. Optional finishing to suit your taste

• If you like it simple and are already happy with your result, you're done :-)!

• If you want to get creative, you can embellish the scarf with embroidery or braid.

The cloth usually becomes even softer after washing. It is worth paying attention to the quality when choosing the fabric - then the fabric does not usually wash out too quickly and, above all, is as cozy (and not scratchy or stubborn) as we would like it to be...

Sewing muslin cloths goes beyond simple craftsmanship. Sewing muslin cloths is not only a practical skill, but also an opportunity for mindfulness. Use these DIY instructions not only to make beautiful scarves, but also to slow down a little and live more consciously in your everyday life.

Mindfulness tips for sewing

What does all this have to do with mindfulness? Ultimately, mindfulness is always about being fully present with ourselves and consciously living in the present moment. In my opinion, every DIY activity is perfect for practising and as a mindful activity that can help us to come to ourselves, relax and recharge our batteries. What's more, it always gives me immense satisfaction to have created something myself with my own hands. Here are a few ideas that you can try out while sewing. Sewing scarves is particularly suitable for this because it is so easy and therefore requires little concentration - the sewing machine can almost do it by itself, so you can relax deeply in the process :-)

1. breathe in and out deeply

• Start each sewing session with a few deep breaths to relax, get into the moment and concentrate fully on what is to come.

2. focus on your movements

• Consciously concentrate on every step you take. Go one step at a time without rushing to get to your destination as quickly as possible. Don't let yourself be distracted by the next step or the one after that, but always stay focused on what you are doing right now.

3. what sensations are you experiencing?

• How does the fabric feel under your fingers? What noise do the scissors make when they cut the fabric? How loud is your sewing machine? (Important here - try to steer clear of judgment... I have to smile as I'm writing this because I have a really loud sewing machine and it bothers me sometimes - especially when I want to talk to a friend while sewing on a sewing night... and have long wished for a wonderfully quiet whirring sewing machine... so much for freedom of value...) Don't get distracted and always gently bring your attention back to your sensations when it starts to wander elsewhere. When thoughts arise, observe them and let them move on without following them closely. Perhaps the image of passing clouds will help you here - just let emerging thoughts pass by like clouds - look at them briefly and then let them go again.

4. enjoy the process

• Think of sewing as a creative break. Enjoy the process and take your time. It's not about finishing quickly and holding the finished work in your hands, it's about relaxing and spending time with yourself along the way. One of the things your work will remind you of afterwards is that you allowed yourself this time and peace and quiet while sewing.

5. Appreciate your work

• After sewing, take a moment to pause for a moment and look at and appreciate your self-made muslin cloth. You can be proud of yourself: maybe it's your first sewing project or maybe you can be proud of having given yourself a break from everyday life.

Comforters are not just for babies and toddlers. The soft textures and familiar smells are great for soothing and comforting. Especially in stressful moments or as a sleeping aid, cuddly blankets can be a reliable companion.

Both when sewing and when using the scarves later on, you can promote well-being and relaxation - for you and your child. On a side note, your well-being and that of your child are closely linked anyway. And by doing something for your own well-being, you automatically contribute to your child's well-being too. Use this DIY project to express your creativity, increase your well-being and relax. Have fun sewing, relaxing and enjoying the calming effect of your homemade scarves!

If you like this post, please share it or leave me a comment. I look forward to your feedback. You can find more sewing projects here, such as robber scarves for your children made from muslin scraps, colorful pennant chains or a practical and beautiful swaddle blanket for the baby car seat.

A hug and see you soon!