Padded bumper pads for your crib are a nursery must have. Not only are they beautifully decorative, they keep your little darlin' from bonking her pretty little head. We chose a strong, graphic pattern for the inside of the bumpers, because the baby experts say that's what babies love to look at.

These instructions generally follow the instructions that come with the Fairfield Baby Bumper pads recommended below. For more information and where to buy visit poly-fil.com.

Our sample was made for a baby girl's nursery, using the stunning Patty Young Andalucia collection. For information on where to buy, read Stylish Baby Nursery: Designing Bold Colors & Patterns. This article also includes suggestions for creating an alternate fabric palette that would work well for a boy's nursery.

Sewing Tools You Need

• Any Sewing Machine (we recommend the Janome Magnolia 7318)

Fabric and Other Supplies

• Fairfield NU Foam® Baby Bumper Pads - package of six measuring 10" x 26" x 1"
• Fabric for inside of six crib bumpers: 2 yards of 45” wide fabric: we used Patty Young's Andalucia in Petal Jester.
• Fabric for outside of six crib bumpers: 2 yards of 45" wide fabric: we used Patty Young's Andalucia in Petal Flora
• Fabric for piping around bumpers AND corner ties: 1½ yards of 45” wide fabric: we used Patty Young's Andalucia in Fire Tiny Dots
• 6 yards 3/8" diameter cotton cording
• All-purpose thread in colors to match fabrics
• Iron and Ironing board
• See through ruler
• Fabric marking pen or chalk pencil
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Straight pins
• Iron and ironing board
• Corner template (see download below)
• 5" square piece of cardboard or template plastic for template (check your local craft store for stencil material)

Getting Started

Cut your fabric and trims

1. Download the corner curve template and trace it onto a piece of cardboard or template plastic. Cut out.
2. Cut six 27" x 11¾" pieces of fabric from both the Petal Jester and the Petal Flora (six pieces from each fabric). (Note: To make this amount of fabric sufficient, cut 11¾" pieces along the 45" edge of the fabric.)
3. Using the template you made, mark a rounded edge on each corner of each 27" x 11¾" piece of fabric. Cut the rounded corners. Using the original template pattern (the paper), transfer the markings (the dots) onto your fabric using the fabric marking pen. I like to make a tiny hole with a pin right in the middle of the dot, then I line up my pattern on my fabric and make a mark with my pen through that hole.
   
4. For the ties, cut twenty-four 15½" x 2½" pieces from Fire Tiny Dots.
5. Cut six 30" lengths from cording.
6. Cut six 2¼" wide bias strips according to the instructions below. Each will need to be about 30" long.

Cut your bias strips

1. On your cutting surface, lay your fabric out flat, right side up, with the selvage running along one side.
   
2. The selvage is the woven edge of your fabric where it was originally attached to the loom. The fabric's pattern does not continue onto the selvage, but there is likely to be some information printed there that identifies the manufacturer or designer.
3. Fold the fabric back diagonally so a straight edge is parallel to the selvage.
4. Press the fold and use this crease as a guide to mark your parallel lines.
5. Use a straight edge to make continuous parallel likes 2¼" apart.
   
6. Cut along these lines with good, sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and straight edge.

At Your Sewing Machine & Ironing Board

Join bias strips

1. You may need to join two strips to make one that is the necessary 30" long. To do this, take two of your strips and place them right sides together at right angels to each other.
2. Stitch straight across.
   
3. Lay flat, press the seam open and trim off the overlapping edges.
   
4. Repeat until you have one long fabric strip.

Insert the cord

1. Place one 30" bias strip right side down on a large flat surface.
2. Lay a 30" length of cord in the center.
3. Fold the fabric over the cord, keeping the cord centered and matching the raw edges of the fabric.
   
4. Pin to hold in place.
5. Carefully move to your sewing machine and adjust the piping so the raw edges line up on your seam allowance marking and cord pokes out to the left of your foot.
   
6. Using the Zipper Foot, stitch slowly staying close to the cord and keeping your seam allowance consistent. Remember to remove your pins as you go so you don't sew over them.
   

Stitch cording to bumper fabric

1. Pin cording to the right side of a 27" x 11¾" piece of Petal Flora fabric. Using the dots you made with the template, start pinning the cording at the large dot in the center of left curved edge, stretching along the 27" straight side, and ending in the center of the curved edge at the large dot on the right side. Be sure to match the raw edges of the piping insertion fabric and the base fabric. Your cording should be centered between the dots.
   
2. Stitch in place using the zipper foot. You are stitching around a curve so you'll need to gently ease the fabric, which means it might ripple slightly. That's okay.
   
3. Repeat to add cording in this same manner to all six 27" x 11¾" Petal Flora pieces.

Make the ties

1. With right sides together, fold a 15½" x 2½" Fire Tiny Dots fabric strip in half lengthwise.
2. Stitch ¼" in from the edge along the long edge and across one end. Stop with your needle down at the corner, lift your presser foot, and pivot 90˚ to make a nice clean angle.
   
3. Trim the corners, being careful not to clip into your seam.
   
4. Press the long seam open.
5. Turn the strip right side out. You've made a fairly narrow little tube, so you'll need a little help turning it. My favorite way is to use a large safety pin. Attach the safety pin to the seamed end and make sure the pin is securely closed. Then, pushing the pin backwards, wiggle it in on itself. It will take just a second to get this going, then you can keep wiggling the pin backwards until it comes out the other end. It's just like a snake shedding its skin, but not as creepy. Finally, slip a small knitting needle or other slim, dull pointy object up inside the tube and poke out the corners so they are nice and sharp. Janome machines come with a cool little lint brush, the other end of which is perfect for this task.
6. Press the tie so the seam runs nice and straight along one long edge. We can leave other short edge unsewn, because this will not be seen – it will be sewn into the bumper.
7. Repeat to finish all twenty-four ties in the same manner.

Finish the bumpers

1. Pin a tie to the side of a Petal Flora piece, with the right side of the fabric facing up. Use the template to determine where to put them - you will pin them just below the small dot on the upper corners and just above the small dot on the lower corners. Pin them so the unfinished edge is matched along the edge of the Petal Flora Fabric.
   
2. Stitch the ties in place.
   
   
3. Repeat on all six pieces of Petal Flora.
4. With right sides together, and ties and cording on the inside, pin a Petal Jester piece to a Petal Flora piece. It's very important that you make sure your ties are all facing in and free of the seams.
   
5. Stitch along THREE sides using the zipper foot. On the top edge, stitch slowly and as close to the cording as possible. On the edges without cording stitch using a standard ½" seam. You may change to a regular foot if you are more comfortable sewing with this on these edges. Leave one short edge open for turning and inserting the bumper pads.
   
6. Turn the cover right side out so the cording and ties pop out... ta-da!
7. Insert bumper pads into the cover.
   NOTE: It will help give you a nice snug fit if you use the corner template to round the corners of the foam just as you did with the fabric panels.
8. Turn under the seam allowance so your seam edges are flush to one another, and slip stitch the opening closed.
   

Hints and Tips

You may find it easier to insert the bumper pads if you place them in a plastic bag before doing so. This will allow them to slip more easily into the covers. Be sure to do this so that the bag can be removed after the pads are in the covers.

Contributors
Project Design: Alicia Thommas
Sample Creation: Aimee McGaffey
Instructional Editing: Alison Newman

Other machines suitable for this project include the Pfaff Select 4.0 and the Bernina Bernette 92c.

Results From Our Readers

Submitted by Rachel in Idaho

Submitted by Veronica in Hayden, AL

Comments (116)

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Gee Clarkesville Ga - In the time it's taken me to response, you've probably already finished and the grandbaby has probably come!! If not, I think you could make it all work, but your bumpers will turn out a bit smaller. If you are able to use the NuForm, I'd really recommend it; it's the best option for the safest type of bumpers. You'd just have to cut down the pads a bit to bit -- probably about an inch all around to fit your covers (if you use a 1/2" seam allowance). It's easy to cut. You can order the pads online if getting to a store in an issue. Even Amazon carries them: http://www.amazon.com/Poly-Fil...B003GGWEL8 We also just posted a new nursery, which features a similar set of bumpers with all around jumbo piping. Cute, cute, cute: http://sew4home.com/projects/bed-linens/905-citron-a-gray-nursery-5 Have fun!

September 02, 2011

alicia.thommas said:

... Nadia, your bumpers really turned out beautifully! Lovely fabric choices. Thanks so much for sharing.

August 31, 2011

Nadia said:

... THANK YOU SO MUCH for this tutorial!!!!!

August 31, 2011

Nadia said:

... I am VERY new to sewing and there were a few( ok, who am I kiding? A LOT!) bumps along the road but here is the finished product!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

August 31, 2011

Gee Clarkesville Ga said:

... I love these bumper pads!!! I wish I had found your site before I cut mine out. I'm going to try to modify the ones I've cut already. They are 54" x 11" before sewing. I don't have the seam allowance but if I put a larger piping and have it go all the way aroung the pad that could make up for the length, don't you think? I'm already using to different fabric patterns and I have a third fabric left over from a matching quilt cover the piping. I'm incorporating machine embroidery into both the quilt and bumper pad. The crib skirt is already finish. I was losing my excitement over the whole set because I was having a hard time picturing the pads. Now I can't wait to start putting it together. I was going to use quilt batting, I hadn't heard of the Fairfield pads. I live in the sticks and a trip to the fabric store (besides Walmart) is pretty much a whole day trip. Awh too bad I have to actual go to the store and FEEL the fabric. lol The baby could come any day now. Yep I'm one of those who's sewing at midnight on Christmas Eve. As soon as I can get pictures of the finished crib set I'll post. This is a wonderful site Liz! Thank you for giving us a place to gather and share. Veronica I adore the use of the corduroy. I'll have to plan on that for the next grandchild

August 12, 2011

alicia.thommas said:

... Sarah M. Each individual pad has four ties, two on each side (one top, one bottom). Those tie together with the bumper pad next to it, and around a crib slat. The photo just above the heading "Hints and Tips" shows the individual ties clearly. The photo at the very top of the article does show the top and bottom ties. Some of the user photos also show the ties quite well.

August 08, 2011

Sarah M said:

... So where each pad intersects, it seems like there would be two sets of ties, but I only see one in the picture. How does that work?

August 08, 2011

Robert said:

... @Liz: yeah, i'll just try to make it work. Lining up the straight edges makes the curve of the template hang over the fabric, so i can't use it, but i see what you mean. Thanks!

August 03, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Richard - I think you are too worried about perfection... something I try to avoid :-)). Print out the template at 100% and align it just like you see in the picture. Align the \"straight\" sides with the raw edges of the fabric as close as you can and then round the corner. If you feel more comfortable with it, you could even use the rounded edge of a salad plate to make the curve. You just want to round the corners slightly so your piping will curve nicely.

August 03, 2011

flippedcracker said:

... @Liz: http://img845.imageshack.us/im...e0001u.jpg I'm getting stumped at the part circled in red. i put a line where the fabric would line up, but the curve goes out past that. i figured i could just make the curve how i think it's supposed to be, but i wanted to make sure there wasn't a specific reason as to why the template was like that.

August 03, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Robert --I'm a little bit stumped where you are going wrong on the template. A couple things to try: look at the first picture in our Getting Started section. Can you make your template and fabric look just like ours? Also, as we always mention, it's really important that you print out any template or pattern we provide at 100% -- do not let your printer shrink it to fit in any way. Some printers do that by default, so be sure you check your print window and un-check anything like "shrink to fit" or "fit page" -- it could be that the template printed too small and so isn't fitting right in the corner. Again, you should be able to line it up just like our photo. Best of luck!

August 03, 2011

Robert said:

... I'm trying to make these bumpers, but i'm stumped on cutting the curve with the template. I'm new to sewing, so i'm probably just missing something that someone with experience would already know. The template you have for download has the curve part sticking out past the straight part on the lower half of the curve. If i line up the straight parts, the curve sticks out past the fabric to be cut. if i line up the curve to the edge of the fabric, there's extra fabric that would be leftover after the cut on the straight part. The top part of the template seems fine, but i can't figure out the lower part. If i'm not explaining it well, i can add a picture to help. I've read through all the comments and see many people that have completed these, so i feel kinda dumb for asking, but can anyone help me with it? Thanks.

August 03, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Maggie -- the final design is up to you, but you should know that there are safety concerns regarding "fluffy" pillows of any kind in cribs. We made sure our bumpers followed the best-practices guidelines for construction, length and number of ties used to secure the bumpers, and the use of flat and dense padding rather than puffy batting.

July 19, 2011

Maggie in Charleston, SC said:

... Hi...I love your tutorial! I am going to attempt to make this for my daughter. She likes a plumper style bumper so I was wondering if it would work to use polyfil instead of the pads? Thanks, Maggie

July 19, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Here is a handy site I sometimes use for conversion of inches to millimeters. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/inches-mm-conversion-d_751.html As you'll see, our suggested 3/8" = 0.3750 as a decimal = 9.5250 mm, which means 2mm would be too small Hope that helps

June 21, 2011

JessykaKahlan said:

... sorry meant to write mm not cms. ive found some that is 2mm...would that be suitable??

June 20, 2011

JessykaKahlan said:

... Hi. im just wondering what is the width of cording if done in cms? ive tried googling it but cant seem to find anything lol

June 20, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @lezlie - how long anything takes really depends on your skill level, so I rarely make promises on that one. I'd give yourself a couple days as the cutting and making the piping takes some time... a few hours of prep, then assemble on day two.

June 20, 2011

Lezlie said:

... Awesome tutorial! Very detailed and thorough. About how long does it take to complete?

June 20, 2011

alstevenson said:

... Liz, you answered my confusing question great. Thank you for the help. I am very excited to get the bumpers finished.

June 15, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ alstevenson -- well, you're right, I'm a wee bit confused by the question, but let me take a stab at it. I think it will help if you look closely at the photographs - especially the 2nd photo under "Stitch cording to bumper fabric" and the 1st photo under "finish bumpers". You do not need to stitch the ends of the cording. As the directions outline, center your piping between the two dots (the dots from the pattern template) and stitch from dot to dot. Leave the ends free. You can even trim them to exactly match the curve of the bumper fabric -- which is what you see in that second photo I mentioned above. When you stitch the front and back together, the end of the cording tapers into and disappears within the seam - like you see in the last photo of the instructions. Hope that helps.

June 15, 2011

alstevenson said:

... Hi Liz. I am attempting to sew the crib bumpers at this time. I am very new to sewing and am trying to learn from information online and my mother-in-law. I have a question about sewing the cording onto the first piece of bumper fabric. Do you sew over the cording on the ends so that the ends are not exposed, or do you close in the cording by sewing the cording fabric on each end. This may be a confusing question. I hope it is clear enough

June 15, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Karin Marie Smith, The length of the finished ruffles would be the same as the piping, assuming you want to just switch out the one for the other. So, six 30" ruffle strips. If you are asking about the amount of flat fabric to start with, the rule of thumb for ruffles is to start with a strip that is 2.5 times the length of your finished piece. So, in our example, that would be a 75" strip ruffled down to a finished 30" piece. Hope that helps. Have fun.

June 14, 2011

Karin Marie Smith said:

... I love this! Hopefully will be starting mines soon! Just have to figure out the fabric & so on! If you added ruffles instead of cording how much would you need? This tutorial is going to help me out tons! Thanks for posting! :]

June 14, 2011

Sarah Salgado said:

... Thank you SO much for this tutorial! It was so easy to follow, and I am thrilled with the results!! Couldn't figure out how to upload a picture though...

June 07, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi merz77 these bumpers finish at apx. 26" x 10-3/4" x 1". Pretty much exactly the size of the foam itself.

May 12, 2011

Merz77 said:

... Are all the pads made with this tutorial 27" x 11¾" in the end? I have a hand made cradle that I'm trying to make pads for and just need to know the finished product dimensions. Thank you!!

May 12, 2011

Flora Z said:

... Thanks. I didn't read the instructions all the way thru. I like the look of the rounded corners a lot better than the squared look. I will send you a picture of the completed project.

April 28, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Flora Z -- take a look at the very last steps in the instructions: you use the same corner curve template you use to round the fabric corners: "Insert bumper pads into the cover. NOTE: It will help give you a nice snug fit if you use the corner template to round the corners of the foam just as you did with the fabric panels."

April 28, 2011

Flora Z said:

... Could you tell me how the corners become rounded when the Fairfield Nu-Foam bumper pads are square? Does this happen on it's own when the foam is stuffed into the fabric cases? Thanks for all the helpful info you are sharing.

April 28, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @LMoore - 3/16" is really thin -- that's about half the size of 3/8". If you remember your 4th grade fractions, when you turn 3/8" into sixteenths, you get 6/16". So if at all possible, you should try to get something about twice as thick. I don't think it would look right without the cording; it would be too floppy. Here's one option that is just a little bit thicker - 1/2" instead of 3/8" - that would work. http://www.createforless.com/Wrights+Cotton+Piping+Cord+16/32+Natural+100+yd/pid119158.aspx

April 21, 2011

LMoore said:

... Hey! So I looked all over for 3/8" cording with no luck. So I got cording that is 3/16". I think it should be fine... but have never done cording before and wanted your advice- will it look silly with smaller cording? Would the bumpers look good with no cording at all? Thanks!

April 21, 2011

Angie P said:

... Thank you Liz, that's just what I needed!

March 31, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... hi Angie P -- Read through the last "Finish the Bumpers" section a couple of times, concentrating on those pictures. You stitch the ties in place on the one side and then layer front to back and stitch together. As the directions note, you leave one short side partially open to insert the pads, but remember... you already stitched the ties in place, so pull them out, then to close the opening, you fold in the raw edges of the opening so they are flush with your sewn seam and then slip stitch closed with a hand sewing needle. Take a look at our Hand Sewing Basics tutorial if you are new to that: http://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/281-basic-hand-stitching

March 30, 2011

Angie P said:

... Hi Liz! I think these bumpers are ah-mazing! And I'm using your tutorial as a guideline for the bumpers for my second son's crib set - with a few differences. For instance, instead of the cording for the top, I added a 1 1/2" border, and also, I will not be rounding the edges, although I do think that yours look fantastic just the way they are. My questions are these: 1) Could you show me or tell me how to sew the last end closed? I am SUPER BRAND NEW to sewing, and don't have a clue on how to do it. 2) How do you properly sew in the two ties on the open side? Thanks so much for your help. I will definitely add pictures of the final product when done!

March 30, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Kris -- this project has been done so many times -- a helpful s4h visitor already attempted and succeeded at just what you are considering: a solid pad. She wrote all about it above ... scroll up to read the multiple posts from "Laura R" Regarding the skirt - no we do not have a pleated crib skirt at this time, but I'm sure you could find one by searching online and/or as a standard purchased pattern. Have fun!

March 25, 2011

Kris said:

... Hi! I am absolutely in love with your bumper pads and plan to make them this summer as I am redoing some things in my daughters room. However, her crib is not slatted in the back, it is a convertible crib that is made to convert to a full size headboard with no slats. So...what would be the modified measurement of a continuous Long crib bumper for the back, as there would be non place to tie 2 together? And do you have a tutorial for a pleated bed skirt? I didn't see it at the bottom, but wanted to make sure i didn't overlook it. Thanks!!

March 25, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Ale -- on the piping: the seam allowance will be about 1/2". I say "about" because the key is to sew as close to the piping as possible to get a nice clean, piped edge. That may be a teensy bit larger or smaller than 1/2". Line it up for 1/2" and then adjust so your zipper foot is as close to the piping cord as you can safely sew. We don't have a pattern for a hanging toy bag at this time, but I'll put it on the wish list. Hope that helps.

March 03, 2011

Ale said:

... Hi! I just love your tutorial and I just started making one for the little one on the way, I have a couple of questions, 1. what is your seam allowance when sewing the piping to the 27" x 11 3/4" piece of fabric? is it 1/2"? and also do you happen to have a tutorial or a pattern for a hanging toy bag? like the ones you can find on different bedding sets? I'd love to have one of those as well. Thanks again!!

March 02, 2011

DeeMarie said:

... thanks! I just wanted to also add that I found a great tool that I've only seen at large flea markets and county fairs in the tents with nail clippers etc. It's called a Kelly Clamp. Looks like sissors but doesn't cut. They have a very long and thin shape so I insert them into things like the ties and can clamp them & just pull the material right side out very easily. Works fantastic and they cost less than $5

March 01, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi DeeMarie -- the amount of fabric will depend a bit on the fabric you select. If you have a stripe or other directional print, you might need a bit more. As the instruction mention above, you need twenty-four 15½" x 2½" pieces for the ties. When I figure yardage, I often sketch it out on a piece of paper. If you have 45" in width or no directional pattern issues, you can cut the ties side by side, which would mean you could get the 24 strips in 30" of length -- but that is cutting very precisely, so I would recommend a full yard.

February 27, 2011

DeeMarie said:

... How much 45" fabric would I need to make just the 24 ties? I already have a quilted fabric for the bumpers but I want to tie in a whole nursery ensemble by making the background of a wall hanging picture match with the ties. The boarders of the frame of the wall hang picture is the bumper materials

February 26, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Danielle K -- WOW! your whole nursery full of our stuff. Thanks for the pictures. Yellow is a fave of mine - and those flowers are awesome. Great job! Happy baby

February 13, 2011

Danielle K. said:

... Hmmm, pics didn't work, even though they did in the preview. Trying a different approach... http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x274/mrsdaniellekuznia/IMG_8968.jpg http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x274/mrsdaniellekuznia/IMG_8967.jpg http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x274/mrsdaniellekuznia/IMG_8966.jpg Can't go wrong with a direct link...

February 12, 2011

Danielle K. said:

... Just wanted to thank you guys for the Stylish Baby Nursery series of projects! I've nearly completed an entire nursery set using all your patterns and am LOVING it. I need to finish the baskets and the throw pillows and my mom is doing the scalloped rag quilt for me, but other than that I'm about done! I've done the curtains, dust ruffle, bumpers, and ricrac blanket. I also made a couple homemade bed sheets! Anyway, just wanted to thank you for the awesome pattern writing and attention to detail! I'll upload a couple pictures because, if I do say so myself, my fabrics are amazing, too. Hopefully those show up! Thanks again!

February 12, 2011

Abra Ebner said:

... SO EXCITED TO DO THIS!!!! Ugh, if people would just look into statistics. There were 27 infant deaths over a TWENTY year period due to crib bumpers... Likely they weren't watching how they fastened the bumpers, either. Personally, like I said, I'm very excited for this project! Already purchased the pads! (Now I just need to know what I'm having).

February 10, 2011

Alison in UK said:

... Re availability of Fairfield bumper pads in UK, if anyone is having the same problemn I bought some online from Amazon.

February 09, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Alison in UK -- I would suggest searching online or contacting Fairfield directly to find out where in the UK their products are sold. Here is a link to their contact form: http://www.fairfieldworld.com/contact-us

February 05, 2011

Alison in UK said:

... I love these bumper pads and would like to make them, but where can I buy Fairfield pads in the UK. I would appreciate your help with this

February 05, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Lauren, I addressed similar questions (not the same size fabric) above, so you can scroll up and read in more detail, but in general, I think you could get it to work with the same 2 yard cuts. You need to cut six 27" x 11¾" pieces from the front fabric and six from the back fabric. A lot depends on what your fabric design looks like and whether the motif will allow super tight cutting. If your design is omnidirectional or horizontal and you can cut the width (27") across your 36" wide fabric, you should be just fine. Another idea is to make a paper pattern 27" x 11¾" and map it out on your fabric(s). Your other options are to trim down the foam inserts and/or make a slightly smaller seam allowance.

February 03, 2011

Lauren said:

... Liz, The fabric I have fallen in love with to make this project only comes in 36inch would it be possible to still do this?? And if so how much would I need? Thank you!

February 03, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Soon2Bqueen - the crib we used for our sample was very standard. These bumpers are adjustable because of the ties, but they should be a snug fit when tied together. Each pad is 26" in length, which means (without account fabric and piping) they should be perfect in a standard crib... about 52" along the side and about 26" at the headboard and footboard. A standard crib is 30 x 54 and a standard crib mattress is 27.5 x 52 .... so if you have a standard full-size crib, these will work great.

January 21, 2011

Soon2Bqueen said:

... What size crib does this fit? (L x W)??

January 21, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi bsurugbychief -- The pretty lanterns came from Good Things Wedding Favors. http://www.goodthingsweddingfavors.com/water-lily-paper-lanterns-set-of-6.html

January 06, 2011

bsurugbychief said:

... Dear Liz: I am new to Sew4Home.com and LOVE this site! This site makes sewing fun and easy! My current project is the crib bumper, just finished the dust ruffle. I adore the decorative balls that are hanging from the ceiling. Where can I find (or make) something like that?

January 06, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Molly P -- if you use the pads we recommend, they are designed to be completely washable - you can throw the whole shebang into the washer and dryer. That's why we did these the way we did ... way easier than adding an opening on one side and having to remove the pads every time. . Just make sure you pre-wash your fabric before you begin.

December 29, 2010

Molly P said:

... Hi, I going to make this crib bumper set and I had a question about adding velcro. I'm thinking about adding the velcro so I can remove the pads if I ever have to wash the bumpers. I was wondering if this is something that could be done and if so how would you recommend doing it? I'm think it would be easy to do, but wanted to check first. I'm very new to sewing and I want everything to look nice. Thank you so much!

December 29, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hello Karen M -- you could do square corners, but if you decide to do the piping, rounded corners are actually easier.

December 27, 2010

Karen M said:

... Hi. I'm thinking about trying this project for my daughter who is due March 23rd. Would it be possible to do this bumper without rounding the edges? I'm very new to sewing and the rounded edges make me very nervous!

December 27, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hello mama2be -- I'm so glad you've chosen us for your first project. The width of the crib should be fine; the standard 10 x 26 pad should work just dandy for the headboard and footboard. But, along the side, you'd have to trim down the bumper pads in order to get two to fit. You'd need to trim them down from 26" to about 19". That means you'll need to do some math as you go along, subtracting 7" from each length measurement above. Regarding yardage, you might be able to get away with about 1/4 yard less on all the cuts, but without taking the time to draw everything out at the new size, I can't guarantee that. It also depends somewhat on the type of fabric design you choose and if you fussy cut your design. In the grand scheme of things, it might be best to stick with the measurements above and use any leftovers to make some fun matching pillows or little receiving blankets. Have fun!

December 26, 2010

mama2be said:

... what about making this for a smaller crib? we have a mini crib that measures 28" x 38". what would the yardage be for a crib like this? i'm absolutely a beginner to all things sewing... this will basically be my first!

December 26, 2010

Lauren said:

... For some reason the pillow picture did't post...here is the link: http://img525.imageshack.us/i/dscf4003d.jpg/ We did Minky on one side of the bumpbers and Michael Miller groovy guitars on the other.

December 23, 2010

Lauren said:

... My Mom made the crib set with your patterns and I did two of the pillows for the nursery...love it so much! Much better than any store bought set, and I love the fact my son has a handmade gift from Grandma! Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us

December 23, 2010

ratherbsewing said:

... Future gramma, in addition to what Liz suggested about contacting the manufacturer (which is how I found the same info on my grandchild's crib)I also did this to customize my crib skirt. I made one long side of the skirt to fit the longer drop measurement-this would be the longer length used when the mattress was in the 'high' position and I made the other long side of the skirt the 'shorter drop' measurement. The 2 shorter ends of the crib were both left the longest measurement. Now here's what I did for those 3 longer sides to be able to be 'folded' up to match the shorter length when my daughter needs to lower the mattress: after completing all my sewing of the 3 panels and before I attached them big center common piece, on the WRONG side of the 3 sides that are longer; this would be: the 2 short ends and 1 long side, I used fusible velcro squares (which I cut) placed intermittently on the dust ruffle positioned such that she can 'pin' it up to the correct length so they will all look the same-do you get what I'm saying? There's the 'hook' side of the velcro positioned close to the hem and the 'eye' side positioned above it at whatever height it needs to be at to match the short-long side! It's actually a simple concept, but my explanation might not be! My skirt is a box pleat style but it will work for gathered also if that's what you're doing-this way it wil always look custom no matter what position the mattress is in and it's simple for my daughter to adjust. Hope I'm clear? and, if not, feel free to ask me any ?'s.

December 05, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi future gramma - sorry, I don't know anything about that particular crib. Maybe you can find the manufacturer online and send them a question.

December 04, 2010

future gramma said:

... Thank you Liz! Bumper pads all done! They look great! Now on to the next project. Can anyone tell me how long to make a dust ruffle for a DaVinci Meagan crib. None of the stores here in town have one on display to measure and I am trying to surprise the new parents so I don't want to ask them. I would want it to touch the ground at the lowest setting. Thanks in advance for your help!!

December 04, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi furture gramma... no need to cut the strips for this piping on the bias. It can be straight cut. The real necessity for bias-cutting is if you are applying the trim (piping, bias tape, whatever) to a curve. Have fun!!

November 28, 2010

future gramma said:

... I am just starting these and I am wondering if I have to cut the strips for the piping on the bias or can I just cut them on the straight of grain. I have a striped fabric for the piping and not sure how it would look on the bias. Thanks for any help!

November 28, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hello Aurora -- Thanks for the compliment, but no - we don't sell any of our samples. Our goal is to get YOU inspired enough to make things yourself. You should give it a shot. Even these bumpers are easier than you'd think, especially with our instructions! And choosing your own fabrics is one of the best parts. You're right about what is often available in stores ... not very much to choose from. Come on.... you can do it. If you're feeling nervous, maybe get a friend to help. It's fun to work on things together and if you have a friend with more sewing experience, she/he can help you over any rough spots. Hope you try .

October 27, 2010

Aurora said:

... I'm not one really for sewing, only very small things. I love the bold and creative colors used in all the examples and would love to buy a bumper that has already been created. I can't seem to find stores that sell many bumpers by themselves that fit the scope of design that I like and prefer. I'm sorry but, I'm not one for all the same flowers and animals like most sets that are advertised in the stores. I'd much rather build my own to my liking. Do you sell any of your creations posted on here?

October 27, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Future Mother -- We used the Nu-Foam bumper pad inserts from Poly-Fil. They make construction way easier, and they are completely washable. Because they are actual foam pad inserts, they won't bunch up. You can read more about them here: http://www.fairfieldworld.com/product/67-nu-foam-baby-bumper-pads They are readily available at online retailers like Amazon, Hancock and Jo-Ann as well as in store.

October 18, 2010

Future Mother said:

... I have purchased my fabric to make these bumper pads. I was wondered if they were washable. If so, does the stuffing bunch up? How do I keep it from looking mangled and lumpy if I have to wash them? Or, how do I keep the stuffing stable to avoid this issue all together (if it does bunch)? Hope you can help and thank you in advance!!!

October 18, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Natalie, This is one of our most popular projects. I'm glad you found it. To get the safety pin out, you do have to unclasp it and unhook it "blindly" ... with the pin inside the tube. And then gently shake it out. You can also use an unsharpened pencil or a long knitting needle to push the tie right side out. OR.... using a recent tutorial, if you have or can get a pair of hemostats, you can turn tiny tubes right side out in a flash. You can read the tutorial here: http://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/662-quick-tip-tiny-tube-turning-with-a-hemostat

October 16, 2010

Natalie said:

... Quick question, when making the ties, when i attach the safety pin to the closed end of the fabric, and push it all the way to the bottom, how DO i get the safety pin out afterwards ?? im sure theres an incredibly simple answer to this, but im pregnant and seem to have lost my brain.. LOVE the tutorial by the way ! by far the BEST one i found on the internet !

October 15, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Manny -- my quick tips to help with sewing in a circle are: shorten your stitch length, use a cloth guide along the edge of your fabric to help you maintain a straight line or actually drawn the circle first on your fabric to give yourself a line to follow, and finally, stop every once in a while, with your needle in the down position, and adjust your fabric slightly to stay on your curve. Best of luck!

September 26, 2010

manny said:

... Hola Liz, fijate que mi esposo y yo andamos buscando bebe y pues este proyecto me anima aun mas a buscarlo para poder hacer la idea que nos has dado con este tutorial jeje ...... queria saber si tienes algun tip o tutorial para poder coser en circulo, ya que me voy chueca y me salen mal, ojala que si y una vez mas.... I LOVE IT

September 24, 2010

Sarahjayne said:

... I love this- all i need now is the baby! lol x

September 24, 2010

Steph H. said:

... Oh ha, ok!! Thank you!! I guess I just wanted to make sure my outside ended up on the outside and v/v

September 09, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Steph H -- yep, that's the Petal Flora alright. It actually would work either way -- the pieces are reversible. I fixed above. Have fun! Thanks.

September 06, 2010

Steph H. said:

... When it states to attach the cording/ties to the petal jester fabric is this an error? The pictures show the petal flora, correct?? To clarify, should the cording/ties be attach to the OUTSIDE pieces or the INSIDE?? THANKS so much, so excited about this project

September 05, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi elm -- so glad your crib bumpers were a success! We are just getting ready to roll into some site updates and will be addressing how we want to handle the great photos we've been seeing from visitors. So far, folks have mostly been emailing us their photos via our contact form and we post them as we have time (but we often run out of that!!). So, we are thinking about adding a Flickr option or another photo sharing option. We'll post about it as soon as it's ready to go and you can be the first to add your photos . Thanks!

August 19, 2010

elm said:

... I have finished my baby bedding...how can i attach pictures to share!?

August 19, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Wow, Laura R. -- so nice of you to share your detailed tips for a continuous bumper. I'm sure folks will love having that option !

August 16, 2010

Laura R. said:

... typo on step #3) Sew (2) 10.5" x 106" panels like a pillowcase, closed on one side end and leaving about a 12" opening on the BOTTOM of the ***unfinished end***, along with the SIDE of same end for easier insertion of the pads. I had to trim 1" off the top of each bumper foam pad on ONE long end. Turn right-side out.

August 15, 2010

Laura R. said:

... 7) Now, for a clean edge on your open side-end seam, open fabric so that your piping runs horizontally down the middle and then, along edge, fold your fabric 1/4" into pillowcase, press, and sew close to edge. Don't worry about a perfectly measured/straight edge around your piping...we'll do that next! Now, for a clean-tucked edge of piping on your open seam end: put right sides of fabric on that end together. With piping on bottom end (closest to you), sew from 1" above piping down over piping. Do this twice for a double hem. *Leave the rest of this side open for last 2 bumper pads!* Now you'll need to sew up that 12" open seam on the BOTTOM edge of your "pillowcase": So, turn open end inside out, right sides facing and double stitch that 12" opening! 9) Turn fabric back out (wrong sides facing) and you should have only your side seam open, beautifully hemmed..piping, ties and all! Insert last two pads as before...attaching your ties on that same seam. When I reached the end, it was a perfect fit! Now sew/hem your open seam closed and viola! Hope this was helpful!

August 15, 2010

Laura R. said:

... Onto the bumper: 1) I sewed both inside and outside-facing fabrics at 10.5" x 106" with a 1/4" seam (I sewed it twice for durability. Not just to hold up from baby, but also inserting the bumper pads, as they should fit perfectly snug.) I followed this tute including piping and it wasn't hard at all! 2) I sewed my end ties on with a double seam, as well. 3) Sew (2) 10.5" x 106" panels like a pillowcase, closed on one side end and leaving about a 12" opening on the BOTTOM of the finished end, along with the SIDE of same end for easier insertion of the pads. I had to trim 1" off the top of each bumper foam pad on ONE long end. Turn right-side out. 4) I folded the bumper pad around my arm and fed my "pillowcase" around my arm until the pad filled into the end. I then ironed the open edge against bumper pad and pinned as close to pad as I could with a tad bit of room. *Be sure to place a row of pins about 2 inches away from last pin row made as well to keep fabric on the back side from folding while sewing!*. I then attached my zipper foot, needle to the left and sewed in my bumper. 5) Now, sew your two ties for that row in place along seam just sewn by folding ties in half, pressing center and matching to seam. I measured my ties centered at 2" from top and bottom. Double stitch those suckers on! 6) Insert next pad and repeat until you have TWO pads remaining. (continued...)

August 15, 2010

Laura R. said:

... Hi! I have completed "project bumper" with this wonderful tute...but I managed to make it one solid bumper pad , even using the Nu-Foam (it was perfect!). The piping wasn't even too hard, at all! How'd I do it? I was hoping you'd ask! First I will tell you I'm farely new to sewing...call me a beginner! But after this easy tute, I feel like a pro! I've never typed a tute before, so I apologize in advance if anything is unclear. I hope to attach photos of my completed project soon! Thanks so much for posting this tutorial! You made a mountain of a task seem easy and fun! To make one solid bumper pad, first you'll need to adjust your measurements and quantity of ties. Ties: Cut (5) 31" x 2.5" ties and (I made my lower ties smaller) at (5) 15.5" x 2.5". I followed the tute for the end ties making (2) 15.5" x 2.5" ties and again, my lower ties were smaller at (2) 7.5" x 2.5". I followed the tute for the end ties but for your outside ties: BEFORE sewing, after pressing flat horizontally (right sides facing), fold in half left to right, find center and press edge with your finger. Pin center and also pin 1" to the left and 1" to the right. This will be your opening seam for turning fabric right-side out. After sewing and turning, press tie so that your open seam is tucked in and follows your sewn seam. Sew/hem opening and your tie will be beautifully sewn on both ends! (continued...)

August 15, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Thanks for the pix -- very nice fabric choices! And, thanks also for letting our friends know about the sheet tutorial ad well as an alternative crib skirt.

August 15, 2010

Beck said:

... These bumpers are so cute, I took a neutral spin on the color and pattern but think it turned out just as cute! heres a link to pic as i cant figure out how to get one in here http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_amXO41nCwNE/TFxAoZT-nwI/AAAAAAAAAmw/UVfUK9oy20U/s1600/IMG_0245.jpg also heres a link to a crib sheet tutorial and bedskirt tutorial http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-crib-and-toddler-bed-sheets.html http://dkhibler.blogspot.com/2009/06/crib-skirt-tutorial.html

August 15, 2010

Brie said:

... I know this was already mentioned above, but I would also love to see you guys do a tutorial on a one-piece bumper! Oh, and a pleated crib skirt, too. I love your tutorials. Very easy to understand with great pictures! Thanks! =)

August 11, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Marigold, Thanks for the compliments. I'm sorry, but this particular shoot was done in the nursery of a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend... so I don't know the brand/model of the crib.

August 08, 2010

Marigold said:

... I love your nursery projects!!! I have a random question....what brand/model is the crib in the photo at the top of the article (not the reader contribution photos, but the photo included in the article)?? I absolutely love it! Thanks!!

August 07, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Mom2Be -- thanks for the suggestion. We don't have a crib sheet tutorial on the horizon right now; in the meantime, here's a well illustrated one on the blog of our good friends at Michael Miller Fabrics: http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/Blog/Fitted_Crib_Sheet_Tutorial.pdf Have fun

August 05, 2010

Mom2Be said:

... I have a suggestion to add to this tutorial. What about a crib sheet tutorial? I have very specific colors I like and I'm having a hard time finding the right color I want for a crib sheet that is ready to purchase. So I had the idea to make a crib sheet myself.

August 05, 2010

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi elm --- wow ... I think it might be tight with less than 4 yards total. As we mention above: Cut six 27" x 11¾" pieces of fabric from both the Petal Jester and the Petal Flora (six pieces from each fabric). (Note: To make this amount of fabric sufficient, cut 11¾" pieces along the 45" edge of the fabric.)... what I would suggest, because a lot also depends on what the fabric design looks like and whether the motif will allow super tight cutting, is to make a paper pattern 27" x 11¾" and map it out on your 3 yards and 23" to see if you can squeeze all 12 pieces on your fabric. Your other options are to trim down the foam inserts and/or make a slightly smaller seam allowance. Of course, you could also keep looking for another fabric to love -- there are so many cool ones out there right now. Have you seem Patty Young's newest "Play Date" -- we just used it for our Birthday Party series. So bright and colorful. You can find it at Fat Quarter Shop: http://www.fatquartershop.com/Playdate-Patty-Young-Michael-Miller-Fabrics.asp?sid=5272831010235272&Store_id=499 Hope this helps -- let us know how it all works out.

August 03, 2010

elm said:

... I can only get my hands on 3 yards and 23" of the fabric I love...would I be able to stretch to make this enough for the front and back panels of the bumper?

August 03, 2010

alicia.thommas said:

... Glad you're giving the bumpers a go - we've seen a number of results from this tutorial and they are all lovely! The pretty lanterns came from Good Things Wedding Favors. http://www.goodthingsweddingfa...ctid=16946

August 01, 2010

Kristen Miller said:

... I'm so excited about making these bumpers! I'm ordering my fabric tomorrow. I also love the lanterns as a mobile. Do you know where you got them? They are adorable!

August 01, 2010

Liz johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Shaina -- thanks for the link to your blog to see your beautiful finished projects. Great fabric choices and I love how you added a little border to the blanket. I'm going to put in your little note about rounding the corners of the foam using the same template you use to round the corners of the fabric. We did that as well... and sometimes assume others would just know that . Thanks again, I'm so glad we could be an inspiration. Thanks also for linking back to Sew4Home for the tutorials. We ALWAYS appreciate folks passing us along to their friends and family.

July 13, 2010

Shaina said:

... http://just-because-i-am-me.bl...b-set.html The other link didn't seem to work. Here it is again!

July 13, 2010

Name

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment Preview