DIY sleeping bag: features of cutting and sewing. How to sew a sleeping bag with your own hands Sew a sleeping bag for a hike

A tourist sleeping bag is a necessity, not a whim. It is capable of retaining the heat of the human body even at very low temperatures, but due to the fact that modern sleeping bags use expensive insulation and materials, purchasing this accessory can cost a pretty penny. The only option to save your own money is to make a sleeping bag yourself.

Materials for making a sleeping bag

To sew a sleeping bag, you will need three “ingredients”: top material, lining and insulation. For the top, it is advisable to use heavy-duty nylons or polyesters, for example, RipStop or calendered nylon. It is best to sew the lining from thick cotton (percale, teak) or soft fleece. But choosing insulation is more difficult, since there are already quite a lot of its varieties.

The most effective and practical insulation is made from down, and exclusively from the down of waterfowl - duck, goose, eider. Chicken down is not suitable for these purposes, since when wet it takes quite a long time to dry, and its smell is not pleasant. An extreme down sleeping bag is, of course, an excellent option for cold weather, but you don’t always have the money to buy down. In this case, you can also use synthetic fillers, such as nitron, synthetic winterizer. A sleeping bag made of synthetic fillings is light, warm and comfortable.

Examples of sleeping bags with synthetic insulation are Tramp sleeping bags. The blanket-shaped model is made of siliconized holofiber, which can retain heat even in a humid environment. – option for more severe conditions. You can use such a sleeping bag even at -10 degrees. The insulation is the same holofiber, but the top covering is high-strength nylon that protects from damage and moisture. The model is light weight and anatomically shaped. The insulation layer material is Extrafil Q7 - the so-called artificial down, the top material is polyester, the middle layer is nylon.

Sleeping bag shape and size

If you decide to sew a sleeping bag with your own hands, then first you should choose its shape. The most popular shapes are rectangular, shortened, cocoon-shaped. The optimal width of a sleeping bag is 75-90 cm, but the length is calculated individually depending on your height.

How to sew a sleeping bag with your own hands - sewing methods

No matter what kind of bag you sew - winter, summer, double or intended for one person, it is important to choose the right sewing method. There are three of them in total. The first method involves the minimum consumption of fabric, however, it is also the most labor-intensive, since here you have to quilt all three layers one by one. In the second method, the quilting fabric is sewn first to the outer and then to the inner material. The third method is the simplest and is what is most often used when sewing sleeping bags yourself. With this method, two bags are sewn - an inner and an outer one, after which they are inserted into each other and sewn along the neck.

To select the type of sleeping bag, you can use. Here you can select and , and , and . Once the type of sleeping bag has been chosen, you can create a pattern on tracing paper or graph paper. The standard pattern for sewing a sleeping bag looks like this:

details of the outer and inner covers are cut out;
quilting elements are cut out;
the quilting is attached to the outer and inner covers;
compartments for insulation are sewn up on one side, stuffed with padding polyester, down or other insulation and sewn up;
the inner and outer bags are sewn together;
The upper edge of the sleeping bag is stitched with tape through which a tension cord is threaded.

A newborn baby is still so small and helpless that he is not able to warm himself at night by covering himself with a blanket. How can I help him? How to save precious warmth, giving a cozy, sound sleep not only to your baby, but also to yourself? Different families get out of this situation different ways, but today we want to talk about a very convenient, and most importantly simple tool - a sleeping bag. You can buy such a simple thing at any children's store, but you can give yourself the pleasure of sewing it with your own hands. The period of waiting for the baby is the optimal time for such pleasant work. The baby will be warm not only from a comfortable little thing, but also from mother’s caring hands, which gently sewed each line.

In anticipation of the birth of the baby, the mother needs to prepare everything necessary for him, for example, a sleeping bag

Pros and cons of sleeping bags

A sleeping bag for newborns is much superior to a blanket and here's why:

thanks to the comfortable location inside the pouch, the baby can easily turn over in his sleep;
in the version with a blanket, after turning over, the baby remains undressed, which means he becomes cold; by choosing a sleeping bag, you eliminate this problem - the baby is always covered, which means the whole family sleeps peacefully;
feeding can be done directly in the bag, so the baby will not experience temperature changes;
a compact option compared to a blanket, which means it will take up less space when traveling;
the safety of the design eliminates the danger that the baby will have difficulty breathing if he covers his head with it, as can happen with a blanket;
a sleeping bag will prevent a sleeping bag from getting out of the crib for a baby up to one year old;
more convenient option for use in a stroller: always securely fixed and very quick to put on.

We list the disadvantages that this product has:

Changing the diaper. Check the baby for changing clothes, and also for the process of changing the diaper itself, you need to unzip the bag. A child, getting out of his cozy place, may run wild, which means he will have to be calmed down and rocked to sleep again.
When buying a bag not for a newborn baby, but for a slightly older one, there is a danger that he will not be able to get used to the new sleeping conditions.

Buying a sleeping bag in a store or sewing it yourself is the decision of each individual mother. Today you can find a wide variety of materials for products. So it's easy to pick up good option for any season.

When choosing a sleeping bag, you should focus on the child’s age and the required thickness of the envelope; it is also important to pay attention to the quality of tailoring and fabric

Features of choosing a sleeping bag

When making your choice before purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the following important points:

Size. Make a choice in favor of longer sleeping bags (reserve +10-15 cm for height). It's not worth taking it right away. Having slightly increased in height, the baby will be uncomfortable in such a sleeping bag; he will not be able to comfortably stretch and stretch his legs. Too much big size also not suitable. The little one might just get confused there. When choosing, you need to focus on the following parameters:
- 65 cm – from 0 to 4 months;
- 75 cm – from 4 to 9 months;
- 90 cm – from 9 to 15 months;
- 105 cm – from 15 months. and older.
Material. Pay great attention to the components of the bag - they must be completely non-allergenic! Depending on the temperature, there may be the following options: from 20˚С – cotton; 17-20˚С – with a little insulation; below 16˚С – insulated; very warm and quilted options are an excellent choice for walks in spring and autumn. The recommended option for washing such items is a machine at 40˚C. Please note that the sleeping bag should be light.
Sleeves. There are a lot of options: envelopes, with sleeves, with detachable and sewn cuffs and others. When buying an envelope with sleeves for a newborn, choose an option with sewn edges or the ability to fasten them - this way there is less chance that the baby will scratch herself in her sleep. When planning a long-term purchase, choose an option with detachable sleeves and the ability to shorten the length by moving the buttons. For children from birth, a sleeveless vest is perfect, because in this case the child will have good thermoregulation. Heat does not escape “through the handles,” which means the body will not overheat, which has a beneficial effect on further good health and resistance to colds.

A wide range of sleeping bags allows you to choose an option for every taste, but it is important to monitor the quality of the fabric and tailoring so that the baby is comfortable and safe

Neck. A prerequisite is that the gap between the neck and neckline should be at least 1.5-2 cm. Avoid tight-fitting options that can rub the skin or interfere with free movement.
Clasps. For convenience, manufacturers usually use a zipper as a lock. This fastener allows you to quickly unfasten and fasten the sleeping bag. Options with Velcro, buttons and snaps are somewhat less common. For older children, they produce options with a zipper that closes from the bottom up, so the child is protected from accidental unfastening while sleeping.
Embroidery, appliques. They are considered unnecessary elements, as they can cause chafing of the baby’s skin. The ideal option is printed delicate designs on soft fabric. A monochromatic option would also be appropriate.

If there is filling in your sleeping bag, read the information on how to wash it. Caring for such things is special.

How to sew a sleeping bag with your own hands?

You can sew a convenient envelope with your own hands. Select suitable type fabrics: wool, cotton, knitwear, flannel, fleece or something else. The choice of fabric will depend on the season of use. When planning to sew a sleeping bag for the outdoors, buy additional insulation, holofiber or padding polyester. Sewing is done using a pattern. Below we will offer you various options manufacturing.

When sewing, it is important to consider the following important points:

When cutting out the back, make sure that it is solid. The seams will disturb the baby while sleeping. The front halves are connected with a zipper.
The sleeveless model requires sewing snaps, Velcro or buttons on top.
When planning to sew an insulated sleeping bag, prepare paired pieces for sewing inside the warm lining.
It is recommended to stitch the insulated version for use in a stroller with squares or another shape so that the lining does not deform during wear.
Decorate the envelope decorative elements not necessarily, but still wanting to decorate the work, avoid decorations on the back, otherwise they will “dig into” the baby’s body.

Fleece bag with zipper

Working with fleece will be very pleasant: the material does not crumble, stretches a little and easily takes the required shape. If you have no sewing experience, you can still cope with this task without difficulty. We are sewing a model for children 6 months of age. See the manufacturing master class below:

We apply the pattern of the back and front parts to the fabric, securing it with needles and cutting out the corresponding shapes (the front and back parts of the product in photo 4):

Now you need to insert the zipper. Fold the front part in half with right sides together and sew in a straight line from top to bottom, leaving about 1-1.5 cm from the edge. Cut the resulting “pocket”, attach a zipper, as shown in the photo:

Baste the zipper, then sew it along the fabric using a machine. Turn the product over with the right side facing you and open the center seam. Sew the front and back of the product from the wrong side. Decorate the armholes and décolleté area.

The simplest pouch with Velcro/snaps

Some people don't like the hassle of sewing a zipper or want to use a zipper for some other reason. There is another scheme for making a sleeping bag - a simple and comfortable style with Velcro that is attached to the shoulders.

For work you will need the following materials:

pattern;
fabric (fleece or cotton);
bias tape;
Velcro.

The principle of cutting and sewing is the same as in the first example, with the exception of the zipper steps. Follow the simple photo instructions:

Knitted sleeping bag

Without sewing skills, but skillfully using knitting needles, a mother can knit a bag for her unborn baby. Such cocoons follow the shape of the baby’s body as accurately as possible and are more comfortable compared to padding polyester options (see also:). You can knit with wool or combined (cotton + wool) threads, then the sleeping bag is made entirely from natural materials.

For one knitted product for a newborn you will need about 400 grams of wool. Also prepare buttons or a zipper, depending on which pattern you choose to knit. If necessary, purchase additional knitting needles 4, 5, circular knitting needles 3 and 5, as well as an auxiliary knitting needle. We offer you several photo options for knitting patterns:

If you like hiking, fishing, or long walks in the woods, check out how to make a hut. Skills related to how to sew a sleeping bag will also come in handy.

How to make a canopy with your own hands?

The type of temporary structure depends on:

how many people need to stay overnight;
depending on the type of terrain;
type of vegetation in the area;
available funds.

First, let's look at the simplest type of coverage - a canopy. To build it you will need:

hatchet;
strong rope;
stakes;
spruce branches or branches with leaves.

Select two trees that are a short distance from each other. From each of them, find a strong branch growing at an acute angle. They must be at the same height.
Use a hatchet to cut down young trees and use the same tool to remove branches from them. So you've made some poles. Place the strongest one horizontally in the axils of those two tree branches.
Select the remaining poles according to your height, leave the longest ones for the roof, and the second largest ones will be used for the horizontal sheathing of the walls. But first you need to make vertical posts. To do this, sharpen the ends of the poles, drive them into the ground in one straight line reverse side axe.
Vertical racks different sizes. Place the taller ones closer to the trees, followed by the shorter ones. Then the roof will have a slope. Tie the horizontal ones to these vertical posts with a rope.
Place long poles on the main, strongest crossbar, first across it, then along it, also tying them with rope.
Using the same hatchet, chop the spruce branches and place them on the canopy, starting from the bottom. In this case, place the branches with the convex side out.
The figure shows how to position the structure so that cold wind does not blow into it. In front, at a distance, light a fire, then it will heat the home. The fire should be small so that there is no fire. To avoid it, dig around the fire pit so that the fire does not spread to the canopy.

When going into the forest, on a hike, or on a long walk, be sure to take a small ax with you. It is not heavy, it does not take up much space, but it will help out perfectly in such a situation.

Here's how to make a canopy to keep warm and shelter from precipitation and wind. If you have more time and energy to construct such a structure, then build another shelter.

How to make a hut?

It can be gable, round, or have the shape of a wigwam.

If you are building a building of the first type, then you can also place it between two trees or in a different way. For work, prepare:

two strong spears;
one pole;
thick straight branches;
rope;
axe.

Sharpen the spears and drive them vertically into the soil. To avoid damaging the upper branched part, place a piece of wood on it and tap it with the back of the ax. You can dig 2 holes with an ax, put each spear in such a hole, bury bottom part sticks, compact the earth tightly with your foot in your shoes.

Place a horizontal slab on top of the slings and secure thick branches to it. If you do not have a rope with you, then place them so that they are secured to the horizontal poles with knots.

This principle will help you arrange the branches if you are not in a coniferous forest. Look at which side the fire should be in order to heat your temporary home.

If you have poles of well-bending trees, then you can make a rounded structure. You don't need two trees growing next to each other for this. The base is paired poles that are tied at the top.

You can build a hut like a wigwam. To do this, take the branches, place them with their thinner ends up, and tie them here with a rope. Make several turns of wire on the outside. You will now attach branches to it.

So, for such a structure you will need:

strong branches;
rope;
wire;
knife;
spruce branches

If there is no spruce branches, use branches with leaves for shelter.

If you have a tarpaulin or film available, cover the hut with such material and secure the bottom with stones or earth.

If this is not available either, you can use branches without leaves or poles. Make the base of the wigwam, lay the branches at an angle, securing them with rope.

The following photo shows what can be used to cover a gable hut, gives its dimensions and shows the principles of construction.

Here is another example of using improvised means. If you have dried mowed grass available, cover the hut with it. To prevent it from flying away from gusts of wind, place poles on top at an angle.

If you processed grapes or cut raspberries in your garden plot, use these bendable twigs to make a hut for children. Kids enjoy playing in such shelters.

You can plant climbing plants outside that will entwine such a gazebo and become a natural shelter from the sun.

If you don’t have the strength or desire to build a hut, but there is a fire, then rake it a little to the side, when it burns well, lay spruce branches on this heated place. And you can lie down on this natural bed, with your feet towards the smoldering fire. But the fire should be located no closer than 1.5 meters from the bed. If several people need to spend the night, then lay spruce branches around the fire, the fire will be in the center at a sufficient distance.

If you have to spend the night in a snowy field in winter, then visually mark the perimeter of the square, from which you will shovel snow into the center to make a rounded dwelling.
Its upper walls need to be compacted with a shovel, unless it is very cold outside and the snow is sticky. If it is loose and the weather is frosty, then pour water over this part of the hut. The upper walls will become stronger.
Rake out the entrance to the dwelling, make a sufficient recess inside so that you can sit in it.
Be sure to provide ventilation by making a hole in the ceiling. If you build a fireplace inside, then the size of the room must be appropriate to accommodate people and a small fire. When it burns, it will melt the snow inside the building, making its walls strong in this part of the house.
Be sure to build a chimney by making a hole in the ceiling so that the smoke comes out through it.

If you decide to build a hut from poles or from spruce branches in winter, also throw snow on top of it so that it is warm in such a house at this time of year.

How to equip a hut inside?

To be able to spend the night in a hut at night, lay a bed inside fir branches. They only seem prickly; sleeping on such a bed, for lack of anything else, is quite soft and comfortable. In addition, a pleasant pine smell spreads.

If you are spending the night not on a warm night, but on a cold one, then you need to take care of the fireplace, observing safety measures. In this case, the hut should be built like a wigwam; tie the stakes at the top so that there is a gap of 1 meter in diameter for the smoke to escape.

In order to prepare a place for a fire, you will need:

shovel or axe;
Earth;
stones;
later firewood.

Using an axe, knife, or small trowel, dig a circular hole in the ground. Do not throw away this soil; cover the fireplace with it, making its walls higher. If there are stones, then reinforce the edges of the fire pit with them.

In order to fire safety install the fire not in the hut, but next to it, at a distance of 1.5 meters.

But if it is necessary to monitor him in turn, otherwise the consequences can be very sad.

Therefore, if you do not want to take risks, it is better not to light a fire at night and wear a sleeping bag to maintain warmth. You will learn how to sew it with your own hands in the next paragraph, but for now, check out how to make flooring. It will allow a person to be not on the ground, but above. To do this, arrange a makeshift bed. You will need:

4 low thick logs;
strong poles for the height of a person and two that you can stuff across;
spruce branches;
rags.

If four low logs are wide, place them around the perimeter of the future bed. If they are not thick enough, then dig them half or a third into the ground. If several people or a large person will be sleeping, then you will need more than four support logs. They are located around the perimeter and in the center of the bed.

Place horizontal and vertical poles on top and tie them with rope. Check the strength of the structure, only then lay spruce branches on it and a rag on top.

If it is not possible to make such a flooring, then place dead wood on the ground and spruce branches on it.

If you are preparing for a hike in advance, then take a sleeping bag with you. In this case, you will be warm at night, and you will not need to risk lighting a fire at this time of day.

How to sew a sleeping bag with your own hands?

These devices are three-layer. The top one is waterproof fabric, the inner one is the same fabric or cotton fabric, insulation is placed in the center.

The type of insulation depends on what time of year you will use the sleeping bag. Previously, they used cotton wool for this. But if you carry this type of insulation on your shoulders, and not carry it by car, it is quite heavy. An easier option is synthetic fillers, such as:

padding polyester;
holofiber;
thermofinn;
Thinsulate;
yunsen.

Here are their main features:

Sintepon consists of polyester fibers, sometimes natural ones are added to them. It is light and warms well. But the wear resistance of such material is considered low. Over time, its structure is destroyed, so its thermal insulation properties deteriorate, the fibers begin to break through the main fabric and allow cold to pass through.
Holofiber- a hollow material whose fibers are twisted in the form of a spiral spring. They are connected to each other. The one-piece fabric has a springy structure. Holofiber consists of polyester. Unlike synthetic winterizer, this type the filler is more wear-resistant. It quickly regains its original shape after deformation, retains heat well, its structure is breathable, and it is hypoallergenic.
Thermofinn- this is a high-quality modern Russian insulation. It contains biological components and conventional highly crimped fibers. It has good thermal insulation, is safe and environmentally friendly, elastic, and holds its shape well even after repeated treatments.
Thinsulate- This is artificial fluff. The fabric is obtained by weaving thin synthetic fibers that are very light in weight. Therefore, a sleeping bag with such filling is easy to carry and comfortable to be in. Thinsulate retains heat even when wet and dries quickly. This filler has excellent wear resistance, does not shrink, does not deform, and has a uniform structure.
Yunsen obtained by mixing biological components and polyester fibers, which are bonded together. This filler does not absorb odors, is hypoallergenic, also dries quickly when wet, and has excellent thermal insulation properties. But products with such insulation need to be properly cared for. If you wash your sleeping bag in washing machines, choose a gentle mode, since a strong spin can disrupt the structure of this material and deform the shape of the product.

For lining, it is best to choose a warm fabric such as flannel, soft wool, or microfiber. But if you use the product in conditions of high humidity, then it is waterproof.

You can fill a sleeping bag with down, but then the product must be well quilted so that it does not fall off. In this case, it is better to make the inner lining also from a waterproof material, since moisture is dangerous for natural down. It may become moldy and will take a long time to dry.

After you have decided on the filling and purchased waterproof fabric for the top and bottom, you can learn how to sew a sleeping bag.

Here is one of the simplest options.

Before sewing a sleeping bag, prepare:

lining and outer fabric;
filler;
long detachable zipper;
scissors;
large ruler;
chalk.

Next, follow this sequence of actions:

Measure the height of the person for whom you will sew a sleeping bag, add 5–7 cm so that you can stretch out comfortably in it. The width of the product is 70–90 cm, depending on the size of the tourist.
Let's consider the option if the width of the sleeping bag is 80 cm, the person's height is 1 m 75 cm. Cut out a rectangle measuring 1 m 84 cm by 164 cm from the top and lining fabric. For the filler, we do not add seam allowances, so a rectangle made of this material will have dimensions of 180x160 cm.
Place the main and lining fabrics with their right sides facing each other, and place the padding polyester on top. Sew along its edge. You now have a three-layer rectangle. Turn it right side out so that the filling remains inside.
Fold this figure in half lengthwise, hem the bottom, tucking the edge of the fabric inside. Sew in the zipper.
In order for the filler to be better distributed inside, draw segments with a ruler at a distance of 20–30 cm from each other, sew along them, making parallel stitches.

If you want to know how to sew a sleeping bag with a hood, then take a look at the following pattern.

For such a model, a rectangle is also cut out in size, but at the top a rectangle 60 cm high is made for the head.
Round its two upper corners and sew bias tape here in the form of a drawstring. Insert an elastic band inside so that the hood fits snugly to your head.
The same pattern shows that even when constructing it, on the right you need to make a rectangle with sides of 40x80 cm.
You will sew up the bottom of the sleeping bag and leave this tab loose. But at the bottom it needs to be edged with a seam so that the side stitch does not tear over time.

If you want to know how to make a sleeping bag for this type of man, then take a look at the following sample with dimensions. Pay attention to the vertical and horizontal stitches used to quilt this product. If your sewing machine does not handle thick fabric well, then quilt only the top layer with filling, and only then sew this fabric to the lining.

You can sew another sleeping bag so that it is as warm as possible. The following photo shows its dimensions.

And here is the pattern for this product. As you can see, the hood is sewn together with the main part. This sleeping bag is fastened at the front with Velcro or a zipper.

In conclusion, we suggest watching a video in which the famous naturalist and TV presenter Timofey Bazhenov shows how to quickly make a hut.

Another reveals the secrets of creating a sleeping bag in industrial conditions, which you can take into your arsenal.

Not trusting domestic and Chinese manufacturers, the most desperate tourists and hiking enthusiasts sew sleeping bags with their own hands. Especially when you want to make a truly warm product that can replace a home blanket both in terms of comfort and heat saving in winter conditions. A homemade sleeping bag is significantly superior to a purchased one in terms of price/heat saving ratio.

What is needed?

The structure of the sleeping bag vaguely resembles a two-layer tent. The outer fabric should wick away moisture which will allow you to stay dry even if condensation forms in the tent. In the simplest case, the material for sewing can be raincoat fabric with water-repellent impregnation. Inner layer – cotton fabric, like the kind used to make pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers. The middle layer, if the sleeping bag is winter, is usually padding polyester or fleece, in special cases– any wool blanket.

Any zipper is suitable for fastening. Ideally, with metal teeth, it will last much longer than the plastic one. It is advisable to acquire nylon threads.

You may need more than one reel; stock up on a small reel in advance. You can get the job done using 1-2 needles, but things will go faster if you have a sewing machine.

Model options

The design of the sleeping bag differs in external design into a loose fit and with a tightening around the face. The hybrid sleeping bag features hand and foot holes at random locations to allow you to sleep more comfortably.

Envelope

A sleeping bag, sewn according to the “envelope” pattern, provides only 2 types of fabric: synthetic with water-repellent impregnation on the outside and a cotton layer on the inside. The length of the zipper is at least a meter. Cutting and sewing will not take much time.

Cut 2 rectangles of outer fabric measuring from 190x160 to 250x180 cm. The same pieces are required for the inner covering.
Place the layers of inner fabric next to each other.
Also attach the layers of outer fabric to each other - their front sides should be opposite.
Run the folded layers through the sewing machine, leaving at least a centimeter from the edge.
Do not finish the last seam to the end: this will make it possible to turn the product through it.
After turning it inside out, secure it using a hidden seam.
Sew 2 cross stitches, spacing them the same distance on both sides.
Connect the bag in the middle along its length, turning the right side inward.
Seal the edges with a single seam starting at the bottom, running along the bottom edge and running down the side towards the head.
When you reach the middle of the seam, sew in a zipper and turn the bag inside out. The result is an ultra-light envelope.

Hybrid sleeping bag

In the sleeping bag, made according to the previous instructions, cuts are made into which additional zippers of shorter length are built. Purchase 2 or more zippers (as many as you need). The length of the cut should be a few centimeters shorter than the width of the sleeping bag.

Make cross cuts on the sleeping bag for these locks (along their length).
Turn the edges of the cuts under at least a few millimeters and stitch or tack the edges by hand.
Position one of the zippers so that its fastening parts lie evenly along the folded edges of the opening. The zipper itself should be sewn on the inside of the sleeping bag, and not on the front.
Grab its ends manually using a needle and sew the zipper exactly along the cut with an even seam, avoiding distortions. To be sure of the reliability of the zipper being sewn in, you can make parallel seams holding the lock together, 3–4 mm apart.
Sew the remaining zippers to the other openings in the same manner.

The sleeping envelope with cuts is ready. Check whether you are satisfied with the resulting fastening cuts by climbing into the sleeping bag modified in this way. All actions can be performed on the sofa or bed. It is also possible to modify a purchased sleeping bag. Once you are convinced that you like the result, at the first opportunity, go on a test hike nearby with an overnight stay, not forgetting to grab a tent.

An envelope sleeping bag is especially convenient to use with a small pillow used in conjunction with an additional removable headband. The latter is made according to the same pattern (with turning inside out during the process of sewing on the zipper) as the sleeping bag itself. By sewing additional layers of thicker material into the head, you can do without a pillow.

The sleeping bag can be modified: it can be easily turned into a blanket by opening one of the longitudinal side seams and sewing a longer zipper there, running from the end of the previous zipper along the entire length of the bag. In this case, the lock does not end at the bottom corner, but runs along the bottom seam in the legs.

Cocoon

The width of a cocoon-type sleeping bag is not constant, like an envelope, but narrows towards the feet. After fastening, you will leave only your face uncovered: along its perimeter, the head part is tightened using a cord running in a longitudinal loop, which can also be used as a sneaker lace. On sleeping bags from the store, special clamps with springs are provided for the head.

Step-by-step instruction uncomplicated.

Cut out rectangles from 2 types of fabrics (outer and inner) measuring from 230X120 to 260X150 cm. Prepare a pattern.
Fold one of the rectangles in half along its width.
Attach the pattern to the fold of the fabric and cut out the required part.
Repeat the above steps with all pieces of fabric. To insulate a sleeping bag, several inner layers are used. Do not overdo it: the sleeping bag may turn out to be too heavy and bulky.
Lay the pieces of fabric in layers on a large, flat surface. Place the bottom 2 layers first, then the top 2 layers, right sides on top of each other.
Sew both top layers around the perimeter with an indent of at least a centimeter from the edge. As you sew the front pieces together, place a cord or elastic around the perimeter so that the ends extend outward between the layers of fabric. Leave small holes for the ends of the cord to exit.
Leave an area of 20 cm unstitched at the bottom (where the legs will be located) (this will help you turn the stitched fabric right side out). Then secure it using a blind stitch. You will receive an open bag with the ends of the cord on the sides.
To prevent the ends of the cord from being pulled back inward, install locking clips.
Fold the bag in half lengthwise, inside out.
Sew the zipper, working from the shoulder to the bottom end of the bag. The zipper will reach the middle of the bag or the very end, depending on the length of the lock you choose. When the lock reaches the middle, the rest of the edge is simply sewn together.
Sew along the bottom edge.
Turn the bag right side out.

You can check the newly sewn cocoon in action.

Pattern of a sleeping bag for a newborn with sleeves

The products are sewn according to the same principle, but the pattern for sewing a sleeping bag must be selected and remade. Let's look at the patterns of 3 models/

Pattern No. 1 - Insulated sleeping bag with hood and sleeves:

A bag with short sleeves can be sewn from natural fabrics, knitted or crocheted. Great for warmer months and indoor sleeping.

Pattern No. 3 - One-piece sleeping bag for babies:

For the pattern you will need a sheet of paper and a pencil; we will outline any sliders. Be sure to add 2 cm to the seams on each edge. Make the bottom of the sleeping bag rounded or straight. Please note that the product must exceed the length of the newborn by 15-20 cm. A sleeping bag that is wide at the bottom narrows towards the top.

The top of the product can be made based on the vest and do not forget to leave seam allowances of up to 1.5 cm.

For a newborn, it is better to leave all the seams out so that they do not scratch the delicate skin.

We use the resulting pattern to cut the fabric. The fabric is selected depending on the place where the clothing will be used. For an outdoor bag you will need insulation.

A sleeping bag can be sewn in different ways:

one-piece from a whole piece;
overhead shelves.

There is no need to do any gatherings, as they will disturb the baby and cause pain. The neckline and armholes are cut exactly to the size of the baby.

If a zipper is inserted into a product, it can be along the length of the entire product or just the upper part. In this case, leave an allowance of 2-2.5 cm for the zipper. The zipper is located both in the middle of the bag and at the bottom.

How to sew a sleeping bag for a newborn with sleeves?

In order to sew a sleeping bag for a newborn with your own hands, you do not need to be a first-class seamstress; you just need to know how to use a needle. Loving mother will do a great job of sewing if you carefully study the procedure.

Necessary materials:

cotton fabric;
lining fabric;
bias tape;
padding polyester;
buttons or zipper.

Manufacturing procedure:

Before starting work, you need to draw a pattern on paper or take a ready-made one. When cutting, you need to remember that the length of the sleeping bag must correspond to the height of the child. The bottom of the product is wide to ensure comfort for the baby.
Fold the cotton fabric in half and mark it according to the pattern, leaving seam allowances of 1-2 cm. We start with large parts– backrests. Place the pattern on the fold line of the fabric and trace it with chalk, retreating a couple of centimeters on all sides.
The next detail is the front trims. You need to remember that the zipper will be sewn in front, so leave an allowance of 2-2.5 cm under it. We finish cutting with sleeves.
We perform the same operations with padding polyester and lining fabric. They can be used if a warm model is being sewn.
We assemble the finished parts into a product. First, the main fabric is connected to the padding polyester with pins or small stitches.
When the sleeping bag is assembled, we begin to sew it together, with the right sides facing inward. We sew the front details along the sides with the back, and sew a zipper in the middle.
Turn out ready product, iron all seams and edges.
We trim the neckline and bottom of the sleeve with bias tape. In a baby's sleeping bag, it is better to make the seams external, treated with tape.
The bottom of the sleeping bag can be decorated with bright appliqué.

Useful tips

When choosing a material, pay attention that it is natural, without adding lycra or viscose. Models for outdoor use can be insulated with padding polyester, while lining fabric is suitable for indoor use. The clasp for the sleeping bag can be selected as desired and depending on the purpose of use. This could be a zipper, buttons, Velcro, rivets. To make it convenient to change diapers, you don’t have to sew the bag at the bottom, but sew in a drawstring. For newborns, the zipper is sewn in side seam, and for older children - in the middle of the front.

Make the neckline and armholes according to size; if they are wide, then all the heat will come out. There is no need to use an assembly, it can cause discomfort and pain to the baby. Hard trim (buttons, bows) is best used for walking models or if the child sleeps only on his back.

How to sew a sleeping bag for a newborn video:

A hand-sewn baby sleeping bag for newborns is perfect as a gift for friends and acquaintances.

Loving parents, even before the baby is born, begin to think about the conditions for his comfortable sleep and relaxation in the nursery. After purchasing a quality bed, you should properly organize the sleeping area itself. One of the original and very convenient sleeping accessories is a sleeping bag. How to choose a sleeping bag or sew it yourself, knit it and then use it correctly is described in the article.

Benefits of sleeping bags for newborns

Recently, many parents prefer to choose not the “classics” - blankets, but sleeping bags for babies. The main advantage of a sleeping bag is the ability to reliably cover a child who constantly opens up and freezes in his sleep. But parents cannot stand by the crib with the baby all night to adjust the blanket. The bag is especially suitable for restless children who at night prefer to roll from one corner of the crib to another, throwing off the blanket, which is why the child often wakes up and cries. It is for such cases that sleeping bags for newborns were created. Such an accessory will become a real find in winter time or in the off-season, when the heating has not yet been turned on.

Other advantages of a sleeping bag for a child:

The baby does not open at night. This is a very significant advantage. Especially in winter, a sleeping bag for newborns becomes a real godsend for parents.
The ability to feed a newborn without removing him from the sleeping bag. If the apartment is cool, the baby may be capricious when removed from the heated bed, and a sleeping bag will relieve discomfort.
Comfort and coziness of sleep - there is no need to tuck the edges in a sleeping bag so that the child can have a truly warm and sweet rest. Newly born babies are accustomed to the cramped “cradle” in the mother’s womb, so a sleeping bag will come in handy.
A sleeping bag is safer for newborns than a blanket. The fact is that the child can either pull the blanket over himself or slide under the blanket himself. The result is the same - the child’s head is covered. This can make breathing difficult, and the newborn may not be able to get out of this position on his own. And when using sleeping bags for newborns, the likelihood of suffocation is much lower.
An older baby sleeping in a sleeping bag will not be able to climb over the side of the crib on his own.
It’s very convenient to take with you on a trip or travel, and you don’t have to worry about the overhanging edges of the blanket, which is not always hygienic. At the same time, on any trip, the child will be able to relax comfortably in the conditions to which he is accustomed at home.

Conclusion: a sleeping bag is an important and sometimes irreplaceable accessory that provides a child with excellent sleeping conditions.

Are there any disadvantages to a sleeping bag?

the sleeping bag is not very comfortable for a newborn. This can especially manifest itself when a child is used to sleeping open, and then suddenly he is placed in an isolated space. However, if the baby sleeps in a sleeping bag from the first days, then such problems, as a rule, do not arise;
If the sleeping bag is ordinary and not with sleeves, then the baby’s arms will not be covered and may freeze. In a warm room, this drawback, of course, is not relevant.
It is advisable to place the child in a sleeping bag wearing a diaper, which will prevent the child from getting the sleeping bag wet.
Changing a diaper at night without waking the baby will be very inconvenient. A sleepy baby needs to be taken out of the bag, undressed, the diaper changed, dressed and placed in the bag. After such manipulations, many children finally wake up. Only very young children do not have this problem, because, as a rule, they only need one diaper for the whole night.

How to choose a good sleeping bag?

Even sleeping gear has its own characteristics and features, and sleeping bags also have them. When choosing, you need to take into account several indicators, which are described below.

Sleeping bag size

The product must be selected according to the child’s height. So, for newly born children, they buy bags 65 cm long; for babies 3-9 months old, sleeping bags of 70-75 cm are suitable; from 9 months to 1.5 years, the size of the sleeping bag should be at least 90 cm. Older children need a sleeping bag of about 100 cm. -110 cm or more.

Sleeping bags are designed for children up to 4 years old! In a large model there is a risk of getting confused. Therefore, a length of 10-15 cm greater than the baby’s height from the neck to the foot is allowed. To avoid making a mistake with the size, measure the baby’s chest circumference and height before purchasing.

To select a product for a child’s specific height, you should add 15 cm to the body length from feet to neck, so it is recommended to carefully measure your child before purchasing.

Compound

As a rule, sleeping bags are made from hypoallergenic, breathable, natural materials. The lining is usually made of 100% cotton, and the top is made of polyamide fiber, which gives the product its shape and retains heat. Caring for such a sleeping bag is as easy as shelling pears - it can be washed in a machine at a temperature of 40-60 degrees. Products made from artificial or mixed fabrics are not worth buying.

Are sleeves necessary?

Typically, sleeves are sewn onto sleeping bags intended for newborns. This will help keep the hands warm and protect the child from accidental injury - scratching the face. If you decide to choose a model with sleeves, then they should not be narrow, because the baby still needs to move. In more expensive sleeping bags, the sleeves are even detachable, which will be convenient for an older child and in a warm room. There are models in which the length of the sleeves is adjustable.

Sleeping bag neck

The neck should also be spacious so that the child is not in any way cramped by the fabric. Ideally, there should be a distance of 1.5-2 cm between his neck and the neck of the sleeping bag.

Back of the bag

In order for a newborn or older child to sleep comfortably, the back of the sleeping bag is chosen to be smooth, without appliqués or embroideries, because otherwise the product will rub the delicate skin at night.

Clasps

As a rule, a sleeping bag has a zipper sewn into it, which is located right in the center of the product (this makes it easier to change clothes for the baby). For older children who are already actively turning over at night, it is better to buy a sleeping bag with a zipper that unfastens from the bottom up - so that it does not come apart on its own or the child cannot unfasten it himself. There are no fasteners on the back so that they do not interfere with children, but many products have additional buttons on the shoulders for adjustment to height.

Sleeping bag with zipper

Sleeping bag with buttons

Features of using a sleeping bag - time of year and room temperature

There are some recommendations for using sleeping bags:

Lightweight cotton models are usually used when the apartment is warm - above 22 degrees.
Insulated products will come in handy if the temperature drops to 19-22 degrees.
Warm, quilted sleeping bags are needed if the baby sleeps at temperatures below 19 degrees.

The temperature at which a specific sleeping bag model is used is always indicated on the product label.

What should I wear for the night?

For children with normal thermoregulation, it is not difficult to choose clothes for sleeping. If the thermometer is 22 o C or higher, a bodysuit with short sleeves or even one diaper. The child is placed in a simple cotton sleeping bag.

If the temperature is approximately 20 o C to 22 o C, wear a bodysuit with long sleeves and a pajama top with a cotton sleeping bag, or just a bodysuit with an insulated version.

And when the thermometer drops to 18 o C or even 16 o C, which is considered the best microclimate for children, along with high humidity levels, use the most insulated sleeping bag and put on a little man, pajamas with pants or rompers along with a bodysuit with long sleeve. In principle, you will quickly figure out what clothes to put on your baby so that he doesn’t get cold, but also doesn’t sweat.

Questions

Why do they sew sleeping bags without sleeves? The child will freeze?

In fact, children are very susceptible to overheating. Thermoregulation in babies is just being established, and if the baby is hot, heat transfer occurs, which is carried out through the free arms.

It should be remembered that constant thermal comfort is just as harmful as freezing - the thermoregulation mechanisms are not “started” properly, and as a result, the child often suffers from acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections. If you watch a sleeping baby, you will see that he often sticks his arms out from under the blanket, and this is normal.

So don’t be afraid to buy sleeveless models when the temperature in the apartment (house) is maintained more or less stable.

How can you tell if your baby is too hot?

Hands are not the most reliable guide; they often feel cold. Touch the baby's tummy or the back of his head; if it is sweaty and hot, it means he is hot. Uncover the child, change clothes if necessary, and give him something to drink.

How can you tell if the temperature in the room is normal?

For these purposes, there are room alcohol or electronic thermometers. Some include indoor humidity readings. If it is less than 50%, you should think about ways to moisturize. The most effective is with the help of a special device, an air humidifier. We also read: normal temperature in a room with a newborn baby

What if the child slips inside the sleeping bag?

If the size is selected, taking into account all the nuances and recommendations, this will never happen. The very narrowing in the chest area, as well as the cutouts for the arms, serve as an obstacle.

The bag with “insulation” seems thin. Maybe cover it with an extra blanket?

Look not at the thickness of the product, but at the label and the temperature threshold at which it is used. Modern materials retain heat perfectly, despite the fact that they may seem unreliable. As for additional covering, you cannot use a blanket with a sleeping bag!

We also read: Summer infant swaddleme (Summer Infant): comfortable swaddling

DIY sleeping bag for newborns

Even those mothers who are not too familiar with sewing machine, can sew a sleeping bag for newborns with their own with my own hands. To sew a sleeping bag, you need to buy a good one, natural fabric(cotton, wool, knitwear, flannel, etc. It all depends on the temperature in the room and the time of birth of the baby. If you are sewing a sleeping bag for walking outside, you can make a layer from some kind of insulation, for example, padding polyester or holofiber. In any In this case, you better know what a newborn baby needs), and also choose a pattern of the right size. The cutting and sewing procedure is as follows:

Pattern. You can make a suitable pattern if you use a child’s clothing for this purpose. The process is quite simple - you need to take rompers or a T-shirt, mark it on thick paper outline of the clothing, then add a little extra space for the seams and room for the body. The resulting bag should not squeeze the child in any way. The length of the sleeping bag, as already noted, is calculated based on the baby’s height from neck to feet plus 15 cm. One piece is cut out for the back, and the front part of the bag can be cut out either as a single piece or from several pieces (to make an interesting applique).

Cut out the fabrics. To cut the back, you need a single piece of fabric so that the seams do not interfere with the child's sleep. It is better to cut the front part of the sleeping bag out of two parts in order to sew in a zipper, but the simplest option would also be a one-piece piece of fabric with a zipper at the bottom.
Sewing. After the pieces of fabric are cut in, they are turned right sides inward, ground down, and a zipper is sewn in at the bottom (or in the middle). You can sew Velcro or buttons on the hangers. To sew a warm sleeping bag, after cutting the parts, a layer of padding polyester is inserted between each two pairs, and only then the parts are sewn together. You can decorate the sleeping bag in any order - using ribbons, stripes, etc.

Master class: DIY sleeping bag for a newborn

How to knit a sleeping bag?

For women who knit well, it will certainly not be difficult to make a knitted sleeping bag for a child. Thanks to the repetition of body contours and a pleasant fit, the child will have the most comfortable sleep in such a product. For knitting, you need to purchase wool, or wool mixed with cotton, that is, completely natural materials.

To knit a sleeping bag, a newborn needs about 500 g of wool, buttons, and a zipper. The tool that will be needed is 4.5 knitting needles, circular knitting needles 3.5, auxiliary needle. To make an elastic band, alternate the front and purl loop. The holes for the buttons are closed in the front row with 2 loops, and the same number is cast on from the wrong side.

The back of the sleeping bag is knitted by casting on 49 stitches on 5 needles, the knitting technique is stockinette stitch. In every 2nd row, add a loop until 59 loops are reached. If the bag is knitted for a newborn, with a length of 48 cm, the loops for the armhole are reduced to 53 loops. After about 15 cm of such fabric, 11 loops are closed in the middle, the rest are knitted separately. At the same time, the side loops are also closed to form a shoulder bevel. The loops should be closed approximately 17 cm from the beginning of the armholes.

The front half of the sleeping bag is made with stockinette stitch - cast on 69 loops, add side loops in every 2nd row when reaching 79 loops. The front part of the product can be knitted using any other technique that you like best. After 12 rows, the loops are divided, then knitted separately, after 48 cm an armhole is made (similar to how described above).

If the sleeping bag has a hood and sleeves, then they are knitted separately with 4 knitting needles and an elastic band. Next, all parts of the sleeping bag are sewn together, a fastener is sewn in, and buttons are sewn in if necessary. After finishing work, the finished product needs to be washed, after which you can use it for its intended purpose!

You can choose and buy sleeping bags in the online store Obstetrics - sleeping bags

You can choose a thin fabric, and if you want to immediately make the envelope warmer and more winter-ready, give preference to, for example, chintz with a synthetic padding.

To make such a sleeping bag, you need 1.1 m of fabric with a width of 1.2-1.4 m or 2.1 m with a width of 90 cm.

Required measurements, see:

Neck circumference 24 (12)

Bust 46 (23)

Sleeping bag length 70

The drawing starts from a vertical line on which a length of 70 cm is laid

1-3=2-4=% of chest measurement (23 cm) minus 1=22 cm.

From point 2 to the left, the length of segment 1-3 is laid off, equal to 22 cm. From point 3, a horizontal line is continued, on which 22 cm is laid off (segment 3-5). From point 5, a perpendicular 70 cm long is lowered (segment 5-6). Points 6 and 4 are connected. A perpendicular is lowered from point 3. From point 1 to the left, lay half of the neckline of the back of the bag. This is 1/3 of the measurement of half the neck circumference plus 2 cm and minus 6 cm (point 7).

From point 1 on the line of the middle of the back, set aside 1/2 of the width of the neck (segment 1-7), i.e. 3 cm (point 8). From point 7 draw a line of shoulder length equal to 10.5 cm (point 9). On the lateral line (auxiliary) lay 6.5 cm from point 3 (point 10). From point 9, lower the shoulder line by 1 cm. The width of the front neckline is set aside from point 5 - this is 1/3 of the measurement of half the neck circumference plus 2 cm, i.e. 6 cm (point 11). On the mid-front line, mark the depth of the front neckline - this is 1/3 of the measurement of half the neck circumference plus 2 cm, i.e. 6 cm (point 12). Segment 11-13 - shoulder length equal to 10.5 cm.

From point 13, lower the shoulder line by 1 cm. From point 6, extend the bottom line by 8 cm, the end of the resulting segment is connected to point 12. From points 2 and 4, extend the line of the middle of the back and the auxiliary side line by 8 cm.

To build the hood, from point 5, extend the auxiliary line of the middle front by 25 cm (point 14). From point 14, set the width of the hood equal to 17 cm (point 15). From point 15, a perpendicular is lowered and point 16 is placed at a distance of 4 cm from point 13. From point 16, 3 cm is set to the left (point 17).

Points 17 and 11 are connected. From point 11, set aside 3 cm and the depth of the dart - 2.5 cm. Set aside from the middle point of the dart vertical line up 7.5 cm. From point 14, extend the line of the upper cut by 2 cm (point 18). Points 18 and 12 are connected. From point 18 down 2 cm - the outer line of the hood.

When cutting, line the middle of the back to the fold of the fabric. Allowances range from 1 cm to 1.5 cm depending on the fabric.