Sewing a baby kick bag: With this tutorial and the printable pattern, even beginners can conjure up a cozy baby kick bag.
The most important things at a glance
- In this post, you will learn how to easily sew a baby kick bag
- You will learn which fabrics are suitable for a sleeping bag or kick bag
- I will show you how to attach a ribbed cuff
- I will explain sewing with stretchy fabrics and what accessories you need
- In the tutorial, I will show you how to sew a lined kick bag
- You will also learn how to sew a single-layer kick bag
- You can download the pattern for the kick bag as an eBook including instructions in my shop
- In the sewing video, I will show you how to sew the kick bag in one or two layers
- Sewing level: Beginner
- Sewing time: 20-30 minutes
Why should I sew a baby kick bag myself?
- Sewing a kick bag is a quick project that is perfect for sewing beginners.
- If you have never sewn clothes for babies or small children, you should put this project at the very top of your list.
- Why? You will learn how to attach a cuff. And the great thing is: since you only need one waistband cuff for the kick bag, it is also sewn in no time.
- You don't have to sew small cuffs for feet or arms yet, which can be really "fiddly." After all, babies' arms and wrists are very small. ;-)
- A kick bag is a wonderful gift for a birth and an extremely practical piece of clothing.
- This is because babies only wear their diapers in a kick bag, allowing them to kick freely while staying wonderfully warm.
- By the way, you can also sew a baby shirt as a set to match the kick bag.
What is a baby kick bag used for?
A kick bag offers babies room to kick and move, while keeping their bottom and legs nice and warm. It is great that their little arms remain free. It gives babies a sense of security and well-being when their legs are not wrapped up but free and able to touch each other.
How is a kick bag used?
Usually, the baby wears a shirt or sweater and a diaper. The kick bag is put on so that the waistband sits firmly between the armpits and the waist. Then the baby cannot kick it off and get cold.
What is the difference between a kick bag and a swaddle bag?
In a kick bag, the baby has plenty of freedom of movement and the arms remain free. In a swaddle bag, the baby is wrapped tightly to feel comfortable and secure.
Here at SewSimple, you can also find a pattern if you would prefer to sew a swaddle bag.
You don't even have to decide whether your child prefers to be cuddled in a swaddle bag or a kick bag. Both have their merits. In a kick bag, your baby can be more active, while in a swaddle bag they are firmly wrapped. This gives babies a feeling of comfort and security.
It is best to just observe what your baby likes at what time, and when they appear relaxed and happy. Then you really can't go wrong.
How big is the finished kick bag and how much fabric do I need?
- Size 1: 0 - 2 months, dimensions: 32 x 23 cm
- Size 2: 3 - 4 months, dimensions: 38 x 33 cm
- Size 3: 5 - 7 months, dimensions: 49 x 37 cm
--> (Dimensions include folded waistband)
Fabric consumption
- Size 1 single-layer: kick bag 30 x 50 cm
- Size 1 double-layer: kick bag 2 x 30 x 50 cm
- Size 1 cuff: 20 x 45 cm
- Size 2 single-layer: kick bag: 40 x 80 cm
- Size 2 double-layer: kick bag: 2 x 40 x 80 cm
- Size 2 cuff: 25 x 50 cm
- Size 3 single-layer: kick bag: 50 x 80 cm
- Size 3 double-layer: kick bag: 2 x 50 x 80 cm
- Size 3 cuff: 25 x 50 cm
Can I sew a kick bag as a beginner?
Absolutely! As I already mentioned, this sewing project is perfectly suited for beginners.
Quick tip: You can also easily and quickly sew a baby neckerchief to match the kick bag. Together with the kick bag, you will have a sugar-sweet set to give as a gift in no time.
What fabrics can I use to sew a kick bag?
All stretchy fabrics are suitable. The composition of the fabrics should be as natural as possible.
By the way, cotton jersey or sweat fabric are perfect; you can process them with both an overlock and a regular sewing machine.
TIP: Read more here on how to sew stretchy fabrics.
You can also use fleece and teddy fabrics. Organic fabrics are naturally always the first choice for baby clothing.
There are certified fabrics, such as Oeko-Tex 100 or GOTS. They identify the fabrics, so they are free of chemicals that could be harmful to health. However, the fabrics you find in stores are also often labeled "Organic" or simply "Organic cotton." Not every retailer is allowed to use the GOTS label, for example, even if it is actually a GOTS-certified fabric. It is worth asking the retailer about this.
Many fleece fabrics also contain a percentage of synthetic fibers. These keep you nice and warm, are easy to care for, and can even be good for allergy sufferers since they contain no animal residues, unlike wool, for example. However, make sure that the percentage of synthetic fibers is not too high. Otherwise, there is a risk of heat buildup.
Important: You should choose fabrics for babies carefully, as their skin cannot yet defend itself against various environmental influences like adults can. Therefore, harmful dyes, pollutants, and finishes should be avoided as much as possible.
If you wash the fabric 1 - 2 times beforehand, that is a great thing to do.
My fabric recommendations for a kick bag
- Ribbed cuff fabric*: For the waistband; perfectly suitable for all versions
- Cotton jersey*: Perfect as a "combination partner" for double-layer kick bags or single-layer as a summer kick bag; you can make a great reversible kick bag out of two layers of jersey
- Muslin*: For light, soft summer kick bags. Everything about sewing with muslin.
- Teddy or plush*: For single-layer construction or for outdoors
- Fleece*: For winter kick bags
- Jacquard jersey*: For all-year kick bags
- Sweat fabrics*: Also usable all year round
- French terry*: Can be processed as a single or double layer
- Corduroy jersey*: Stretchy, ribbed fabric that can be processed as one or two layers
- Nicki fabrics*: Can be processed as one or two layers; two layers of Nicki are also possible; very soft, but because the edges roll up, it is not as easy for sewing beginners to manage as, for example, sweat fabric. Feel free to read my post "Sewing with Nicki fabric"
- Knit fabrics*: For beautiful, temperature-regulating kick bags, can be used all year round
- Stretchy terry cloth*: For absorbent, somewhat thicker kick bags
- Cozy sweat fabric*: For warming, soft, even single-layer kick bags
You can also combine fabrics for a lined kick bag. If you are sewing a kick bag with an inner lining, you can use fleece fabric for the inside and cotton jersey for the outside, or vice versa.
When making lined kick bags, make sure you don't use two thick materials unless you intend to use the kick bag for outings in a stroller or similar.
But you can also sew the kick bag from a single fabric. In that case, a slightly thicker fabric like sweat or terry cloth is fantastic.
TIP: By the way, I discovered particularly recommended cozy sweat fabric* in the Etsy shop of the Nähcafé am Wasserturm. Simone, the owner, has an exceptionally fine touch for good fabrics. If you value quality, you should definitely check out her shop. Another discovery: the beautiful Jacquard fabrics*...
Important: You need a stretchy fabric for the waistband. I recommend ribbed cuff fabric here. It is nicely stretchy but keeps the kick bag in place. Alternatively, you can also use a slightly firmer cotton jersey.
Ribbed cuff fabrics* are available both as single-layer yard goods and as tubular fabric. Tubular fabric means that the fabric is knitted in the round. This creates a long tube that can vary in width. Tubular fabric is usually 60 - 70 cm wide. To use it, simply cut one side of the tube open. Then you have a single layer of fabric that you can process as usual.
How should I prepare the fabrics?
Very important: Pre-wash!
Before wearing, the fabrics should definitely be washed. Preferably even twice. You should choose the washing temperature at which the finished kick bag will also be washed.
This removes any pollutants. A kick bag lies directly on baby skin, and this should not be unnecessarily irritated. Of course, it also allows the fabrics to shrink a little. The first point is much more important, as the exact centimeter doesn't matter as much for a kick bag.
Ironing is usually not necessary, as these fabrics wrinkle little to not at all. And: if you want to iron the fabric, that is okay. BUT: Please do not iron the cuff. Otherwise, it will lose its elasticity! 🙂
What accessories do I need to sew a kick bag?
- Marking pen*
- Sewing thread*
- Tape measure*
- Rotary cutter & cutting mat* (read my test report on cutting mats!)
- Fabric scissors*
- Iron* and pressing mat (feel free to read more about practical pressing aids)
- Fabric clips*
- Jersey or stretch needle for the sewing machine
- Sewing machine or overlocker
Where can I find the baby sleeping bag pattern?
You can download the pattern for the baby sleeping bag, including sewing instructions, in my shop:
Which pattern sizes does the baby sleeping bag eBook include?
The eBook includes the following sizes:
- 0 - 2 months
- 3 - 4 months
- 5 - 6 months
What does my sewing machine need to be able to do if I want to sew a baby sleeping bag myself?
Your sewing machine should have a straight stitch and at least a zig-zag stitch.
The baby sleeping bag is sewn exclusively with an elastic stitch. Learn more about elastic stitch types and stretchy fabrics here.
Can I sew a baby sleeping bag with an overlocker?
Yes, absolutely! If you have an overlocker, this machine is more than enough for this sewing project.
The baby sleeping bag is made with only 3 seams in total. The overlocker is perfect for this because it sews, trims the seam allowances, and finishes the edges all in one step. Plus, the seams are nice and elastic.
Can I adjust the waistband if needed?
Of course, that's no problem at all. Ribbing fabrics can vary quite a bit. Finely ribbed cuffs are usually softer and stretchier than coarser ribbed cuffs. If you feel that the waistband included in the pattern is too wide or too tight (yes, babies can also "vary" in size), you can adjust its width.
You can use two methods for this:
- By measuring the baby's waist circumference. Multiply the result by 0.7 and add 2 cm for the seam allowance.
- Or by wrapping the waistband strip around the baby's waist to determine the required length.
Why is the waistband doubled?
The pattern for the SewSimple baby sleeping bag features a grow-with-me waistband. This means it is cut quite high, allowing the lovingly made sleeping bag to be worn for longer. This saves resources and money.
In the first phase, the waistband is folded in half. As soon as your baby gets a little bigger, you can fold the waistband down bit by bit.
What is the best way to get started?
After you have decided which size and variant you want to sew, wash your fabrics. Then you're ready to go.
YouTube video: Sewing a baby sleeping bag
Embroidering the baby sleeping bag
Our embroidery designs “Lütt Maten” and “Stichlinge” are perfect for our cozy sleeping bags! You can use both motifs—the bunnies as well as the little fish—beautifully on both woven and knit fabrics.
Tip: The embroidery feels especially comfortable if it is backed with a thin layer of iron-on stabilizer afterward.
Simply cut a piece of Vilene H609 or another stabilizer of your choice to size and iron it onto the back of the finished motif.
Conclusion
A baby sleeping bag is an adorable and, above all, practical gift for a newborn. Even if you're a beginner, you can sew such a super sweet little sleeping bag in no time at all. My tip: Sew all three sizes right away using different fabrics. Then the new parents will have a supply of beautiful sleeping bags ready to go.
By the way, a nice baby blanket also makes for a great combination gift. Have you already discovered my blog post where I show you three surprisingly fast and easy ways to sew a baby blanket?
Happy simple sewing
your Sabine
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