How to Make a Mei Tai Baby Carrier
Obtain the needed supplies listed below. , Cut an 18–22 inch (45.7–55.9 cm) square of sturdy cloth.,If you have chosen multiple layers, baste or quilt them together before proceeding., Hem two opposite sides of your square., Measure your torso., Add...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Obtain the needed supplies listed below.
You will need either a single layer of quite sturdy cloth such as denim or heavy twill OR you can cut multiple layers of thinner materials (3-4 layers of cotton, for example).,, Using triple fold bias tape is a quick and easy method that leaves the thinnest edge welt., You want the length diagonally from one shoulder, across the chest to your waistline and around the back up to the shoulder again., A little too long is better than a little too short at this point.
You can always cut the ties shorter later., It is important that this material be wide so that it will distribute the child's weight over a wider area of your shoulders., Mark this with pins or chalk., Mark the fold on the raw edges with pins or chalk.,, Leave the area you marked out in the center for the square unsewn.
This will allow you to both sew the tie to the square and to turn the tie right side out.,,,, This will make machine sewing later MUCH easier, and make your finished product look much better., Three separate machine seams should ensure that these critical attachment points will not rip when your child is in the pouch., Place the square under the child's bottom and slightly up their back.
Bring two top ties over your shoulder and two lower ties between the child's legs and around your waist.
Tie opposite corners to each other in an "X" across your chest or back depending on how you want to wear the child (front or back).
Stand up... and away you go with baby securely (and comfortably) tied onto you! -
Step 2: Cut an 18–22 inch (45.7–55.9 cm) square of sturdy cloth.
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Step 3: If you have chosen multiple layers
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Step 4: baste or quilt them together before proceeding.
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Step 5: Hem two opposite sides of your square.
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Step 6: Measure your torso.
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Step 7: Add 15–20 inches (38.1–50.8 cm) to this length to get the length of your two shoulder straps/ties.
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Step 8: Cut material for two ties (length calculated in previous step) at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide.
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Step 9: Fold the ties in half with narrow ends touching to find the center point of the length of the tie.
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Step 10: Fold the square in half with the two previously hemmed edges together.
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Step 11: After finding the center point
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Step 12: mark the length of the (raw edged) side of your square along the long side of the tie from the center point out.
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Step 13: Remove the tie
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Step 14: fold it in half lengthwise (make a very long fold) and sew the sides closed.
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Step 15: Miter or clip the seam allowances to allow the corners to turn neatly.
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Step 16: Repeat measuring
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Step 17: marking and sewing steps for the second tie.
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Step 18: Place the raw edges of the square into the opening in the ties and pin in place.
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Step 19: Iron the creases and pin carefully or baste.
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Step 20: Top stitch the edges of the ties
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Step 21: taking care to sew multiple seams through ALL layers when sewing the raw edges of your square inside the ties.
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Step 22: The pouch is now ready to wear.
Detailed Guide
You will need either a single layer of quite sturdy cloth such as denim or heavy twill OR you can cut multiple layers of thinner materials (3-4 layers of cotton, for example).,, Using triple fold bias tape is a quick and easy method that leaves the thinnest edge welt., You want the length diagonally from one shoulder, across the chest to your waistline and around the back up to the shoulder again., A little too long is better than a little too short at this point.
You can always cut the ties shorter later., It is important that this material be wide so that it will distribute the child's weight over a wider area of your shoulders., Mark this with pins or chalk., Mark the fold on the raw edges with pins or chalk.,, Leave the area you marked out in the center for the square unsewn.
This will allow you to both sew the tie to the square and to turn the tie right side out.,,,, This will make machine sewing later MUCH easier, and make your finished product look much better., Three separate machine seams should ensure that these critical attachment points will not rip when your child is in the pouch., Place the square under the child's bottom and slightly up their back.
Bring two top ties over your shoulder and two lower ties between the child's legs and around your waist.
Tie opposite corners to each other in an "X" across your chest or back depending on how you want to wear the child (front or back).
Stand up... and away you go with baby securely (and comfortably) tied onto you!
About the Author
Gloria Nguyen
Gloria Nguyen has dedicated 5 years to mastering education and learning. As a content creator, Gloria focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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