Nothing calms a fussy baby quite like a pacifier, but it can be hard to keep track of these tiny baby-calming devices. On top of that, no one wants to put a dirty pacifier in her baby's mouth. To solve both these problems, you can sew a pacifier holder that will keep baby's pacifier clean and handy.
Clip-Style Pacifier Holder Sewing Pattern
One type of pacifier holder is a keeper, a great solution to an age-old pacifier problem. This design involves a short strap. One end clips onto the baby's clothing, while the other attaches to the pacifier. When the baby spits out or drops the pacifier, the strap keeps it from falling on the ground and getting dirty.
These keeper straps make great gifts for new moms, and they take only minutes to make. This is a great sewing project for beginners.
Things You'll Need
- Pair of adhesive hook-and-loop closure circles
- Suspender clip
- Pretty ½-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon
- Sewing machine and thread
- Tape measure
- Pinking shears and regular scissors
Be sure to choose a ribbon that is easy to wash and that fits the colors the new mom wants for her baby. If you're making this pacifier holder as a shower gift and don't know the baby's gender, consider green, white, red, or yellow ribbons. Patterned ribbons are also very cute for this project.
What to Do
- Use the pinking sheers to cut a piece of ribbon 12 inches long. Trim both ends of the ribbon.
- Thread one end of the ribbon through the loop of the suspender clip. Fold the ribbon back on itself around the loop, and pin it in place.
- Use your sewing machine to sew several times back and forth to securely attach the ribbon to itself.
- Stick one hook-and-loop closure on the wrong side of the ribbon, about half an inch from the end that isn't attached to the clip. Sew over the closure several times with your sewing machine to permanently affix it to the ribbon.
- Attach the other side of the hook-and-loop closure in the same way about two inches from the first closure.
- To use the pacifier clip, slip the hook-and-loop end of the strap through the ring of a pacifier and attach the closure. Then clip the other end of the strap on the baby's clothing.
Pacifier Storage Bag
This pacifier holder sewing pattern will help you create a handy storage bag to keep in the car or in the diaper bag. Many moms like to carry several pacifiers, but they can get dirty in a coat pocket or purse. This pacifier storage bag helps them stay clean, and you can toss the bag in the washing machine when it gets dirty.
This bag is easy to make, and you can expect to spend about half an hour on this project.
Things You'll Need
- Six-inch by 12-inch piece of oilcloth or vinyl fabric
- Six-inch by 12-inch piece of cute cotton fabric
- Four-inch zipper
- Sewing machine and thread
- Pins and hand sewing needle
In selecting your vinyl and cotton fabrics, make sure the materials are washable. Although the vinyl fabric selection at your craft store may be limited, you'll have lots of options when it comes to the cotton fabric. Pick fabrics that coordinate for a professional look.
What to Do
- Lay the piece of vinyl on the surface in front of you with the printed side facing up. Place the zipper face down along one of the short sides. Lay the cotton fabric face down on top of the zipper. Pin the seam together with the zipper on the inside of the seam.
- Use your sewing machine with a zipper foot to sew the zipper in place along the seam.
- Unzip the zipper, and repeat with the other short side of the fabric. When you're done, the zipper will be attached to both ends of each piece.
- Adjust the bag so the zipper is in the middle of two loops of fabric. Sew one side closed, attaching the vinyl to itself and the cotton to itself.
- On the other side, sew the vinyl portion closed.
- Then turn the bag right side out through the remaining opening in the cotton fabric. Use a hand sewing needle to close the remaining side. The vinyl will be the lining for the bag. Place a few pacifiers inside, and zip it closed.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
As you make these pacifier holders, be sure to keep the baby's safety in mind. While it can seem like fun to attach beads or buttons for decoration, these items can present a choking hazard to a young infant. It's also important to keep pacifier straps short enough that they can't wrap around the baby's neck. If you remember these considerations while designing your pacifier holder, you'll have a beautiful, handy, and safe baby gift to give the new mom.
