Not only am I am CheepMom, I am also a CheepNana-to-be. My daughter is due in April. It’s a girl! 
Since I sew baby blankets to add income to the household, I figured I would be thoroughly scrutinized if we didn’t have some custom bedding for little Kyleigh when she arrives. I attempted the 2nd set of crib bedding that I have ever made in my life. The first was all done with a sewing pattern since blogs were scarce and bedding instructions obsolete back then. I figured this should be easy enough to attempt without a pattern this time.
The Crib Skirt
I used the directions here for the crib skirt. I did add the pleat in the instructions for a little more pizazz. I also wanted to applique Kyleigh’s name on the crib skirt but the crib sits to low to the ground to be able to really see it. I also decided it would be best to keep this set unpersonalized for future grand babies.
The Crib Sheet
This is the easiest tutorial for a fitted crib sheet that I could find. I preferred to use the elastic on the corners instead of running it through the entire casing of the sheet. Who wants to mess with that?!
The Bumper Pads
Crib bumper pads are so controversial. You can read more about why here. I chose to make bumper pads just for looks and take them out of the crib when Kyleigh is big enough to scoot or roll. It sure was a lot of work for just a month or 2 of pretty but they came out so nice.
I did not use a tutorial for this. I purchased a set of bumper pads from a local thrift store. I then proceeded to remove the padding. This was much cheaper than buying it new at a craft store but a little more work than I had hoped for. You can decide if easier or cheaper is better for you. The padding came out in 1 long section, the entire length of the bumpers.
I laid my fabric out on the table with the padding on top and measured just enough outside the padding for a seam allowance. I cut many strips this width, as long as the fabric was and sewed them together into 1 long strip. Then cut it to the length of the bumper. Do this for both the front and back sides of the bumper pads.
For the ties, I knew I wanted big fancy bows. You can use ribbon to avoid sewing for this part. It’s up to you. I made as many ties as the bumper pads from the thrift store had, 14. I cut a coordinating fabric into 28 strips about 3″ wide by 50″ long. Sew 2 strips right sides together, leaving a hole to turn. For strips this long I found it was easier to leave the hole in the middle for turning them. I also angles the ends to make them even cuter. Trim the corners and flip your strips right side out. I used the blunt end of a letter opener to push it through and the pointy end to push the corners out nice and square. Iron and stitch the holes up.
Lay 1 bumper fabric right side up and pin the strips, folded in 1/2 with the fold on the edge of the fabric where ever you need your ties to go. You will want to measure your crib or use your used bumper pads for this. I happened to have fold in my bumper filling that I used as a guide. Pin the ties into the middle of the fabric so they are out of the way for sewing. Then lay the other bumper fabric face down on top of what you just did. You should have a right sides together bumper sandwich with ties on the inside. Stitch around the edge leaving a hole for turning. At this point it would probably easier if you sewed the padding onto your bumper sandwich and then flipped it but I took the hard road and flipped the bumpers and then stuff the padding inside. If you do this, it’s much easier to leave openings at the ends to pull your padding into place. In either case, you’ll need to stitch the hole closed and sew from top to bottom across your pads at each tie point to keep the stuffing from sliding and to make it easier to place in the crib.
The Blanket
I haven’t finished the blanket yet. That’s on the agenda for this weekend. I’ll make another post for it when I’m done.
There’s no need to spend money on expensive fabric for this bedding. You can make it using bed sheets, shower curtains, tablecloths, or whatever cloth you can find that you can get enough of.
WOW!! You did an awesome job!! I love the fabric choices!
Erin @ Where Beauty Meets Function recently posted..I won!!
This crib ensermble is just fabulous! I love the colors.
~Amanda
Thank you ladies! The fabric is Pretty Bird by Pillow & Maxfield from Michael Miller. Even though it’s a more expensive cotton, I shopped around to find the best price and then emailed the seller and asked for a discount.
Hi, I was looking at your bedding set and really liked it and was wondering if you was willing to make another one like this?
I’m sorry for taking so long, Blaine. No. I am not willing to duplicate this. Once was fun enough.
Did you ever find a good tutorial for a crib quilt/blanket or toddler bedspread? I have yet to find a decent one. I have one that will work but not fully what I’m looking for.
Thanks!
This is a simple tutorial for a crib size blanket using 2 different fabrics, 1 for each side. http://www.ehow.com/how_7852974_make-crib-blanket-size.html I absolutely LOVE rag quilts. This scalloped rag quilt looks pretty easy and so pretty with the scalloped edges. https://sew4home.com/projects/bed-linens/stylish-baby-nursery-scalloped-rag-quilt
Thank you so much! I have never had a blogger respond so quickly!
How much fabric did you use for the crib skirt, meaning in yards?
I’m a novice at sewing.
Thank you!
I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment, Rebecca. It’s been a long time since I made this and don’t know where I put my notes with all of the measurements. I would purchase enough to go around the entire crib plus a yard to be on the safe side. Did you make it yet? Do you like how it turned out?
Great Job, I love doing things on the cheap! I also make baby stuff so if you ever get any more request that you want to pass my way, I don’t have grand babies that keep me busy.
about 2 yards for the skirt
Having a baby is the most wonderful experience a woman can have as it is a fulfillment of the biological function of the female species. After the giving birth process, the real work begins. Feeding bottles, diaper changes, immunization records are just a few of the things the new mom have to learn quickly. And one important thing to consider in the arrival of the baby is the kind of baby bedding he or she will use. According to Dr. Mark Brandenburg, the number one rule to follow in choosing the right baby bedding for your precious infant is safety. The second rule says safety and the third rule emphasizes safety. We are to conclude that it is not enough to say it, it must be emphasized that baby bedding is critical for the comfort of the baby. `
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