Sunday, October 17, 2010

Tutorial: Crib Rail Protector

Today I am posting my first ever tutorial! It's a simple one, but very functional if you have little ones around.

We've had a growing problem over the last few weeks, and I finally decided to do something about it after seeing this in my daughter's crib this morning...



OUCH. Our beautiful crib has taken quite the beating from my little girl's razor sharp chompers.

I new what I needed to do. I've seen rail protectors before, but I've never taken the time to sit down and put one together. So today I decided this little problem could not go on any longer. 

And here is my solution:


I made this using scrap fabric I had laying around. I had no means of going to the fabric store an hour away from us, so I used what I had and it worked beautifully.

Want to make your own?

Here's what you need:

-coordinating scrap fabric
-batting
-ribbon
-sewing machine
-scissors

Start by measuring the length of your crib rail. Add an inch for hem allowance. Mine is about 52 inches in length. Then measure around the rail to see how wide your cover will need to be. Again, add about an inch for seam allowance.

Next, piece together your scraps in the order you want them to appear, and cut them to the size you need for your crib rail. Add a couple inches to the ends for hem allowance, depending on how many scraps you are piecing together. Keep in mind that each time you sew two scraps together, you will lose 1/2 inch in total fabric length.


Pin the pieces right sides together, in the correct order.


Then sew each piece together with 1/4 inch seam allowance.


Open the seams and press flat.


You will need two strips of scrap fabric, both the same width and length, to make your rail protector. They do not have to be identical, and the back side could be one piece of the same fabric, but you do need two. 

I made mine identical...


Next, pin the strip intended to be the "back" or bottom side of your protector onto your batting, wrong side down. Cut the batting to the same size as your strip of fabric.


Take your "top" strip of fabric and decide where your ribbon ties should go. I chose to make three ties, one in the middle, and one on each end to hold it secure to the rail.

Now, this is where I goofed initially...so pay close attention.

Cut 6 pieces of ribbon, each 12 inches in length. Pin each ribbon to the right side of your fabric, going towards the inside, like this:


Make sure your ribbon is pointing inwards. I initially pinned mine to the edge of the fabric going out (which I knew I shouldn't have done) which would have actually put the ribbon on the INSIDE of the rail protector. Obviously, that would be completely useless.

So, once you've placed all your ribbon in the correct direction, take your other strip of fabric and lay the two pieces right sides together. Place your batting on the top of the bottom two layers. Pin in place.

*NOTE...ignore the ribbon in this picture. It shows the ribbon pinned in the incorrect direction*

Sew around all three layers with 1/2 inch seam allowance, but leave a 4 inch opening on one side.


Snip the corners. 


Then, using your opening, turn the protector right side out. Make sure to poke out the corners, then press the entire cover flat.


Fold the opening in 1/4 inch and pin closed.


Topstitch close to the edge around your entire rail protector.


And you're finished!


Now go try it out on your little one's crib! No more worries about the rail being chewed, and a nice and soft cushion to prevent more bumps and bruises on your ever growing baby.



Now go make something, and enjoy the day!
























6 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I LOVE it! My son is in a toddler bed already but I'm going to def. remember this for the next baby (a while down the road.) Also, we have the same bed for my little one. :) Good taste! I'm a follower now as well. :)

    -Jordan

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  2. I followed your tutorial and made these for my niece's crib! They look great!

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  3. I DID IT! Thanks for your help! Normally I HATE HATE HATE sewing. (Damn machine always eats my fabric.) But with your tutorial it was super simple and I saved tons of money...not to mention my rail guards match perfectly!! THANKS!

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  4. just finished this project using your tutorial... check it out ... http://themcmuffinhouse.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/teething-crib-rail-protectors/ THANKS for the tutorial guidance! - Amanda

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