We learned of our pregnancy early, so we feel like we have known FOREVER, but are still several weeks away from learning the gender. I wanted to start sewing baby things, but decided to limit myself to small gender neutral items until we know if we are having a boy or girl. Binky straps are quick projects that take minimal supplies. If your baby uses a binky, these are a must have! If your baby doesn’t use a pacifier, they’ll make wonderful baby gifts.
I have tried several methods of sewing these cute things, but after receiving feedback from customers, the way I will show you here is just the right size for the tiny babies.
What you’ll need:
4.5” Round Cording Elastic sz 3/8″ (may use 1/4″ ribbon instead)
2.5” x 8” Scrap Fabric
Binky Clip Hardware*
Large safety pin
Two Wonder Clips
Your favorite craft glue
The following standard sewing supplies are needed: sewing machine, coordinating thread, iron, ironing board, rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and cutting mat. A 1/4″ piecing foot and zipper foot are optional but will make this project easier.
*If you plan on making one or two straps, Dritz sells a two pack of suspender clips
After the fabric is cut to size, iron 1/4″ down on one of the short ends.
Place the long ends right sides together and sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Use a safety pin to flip your strap right side out.
Iron the strap flat.
Forming a loop, dip the ends of the cording elastic into the glue.
Place the wet ends of the cording elastic inside the folded end of the strap. Hold the elastic in place with a Wonder Clip and set aside to dry. In the mean time, switch out your presser foot to the zipper foot.
Once dry, move your needle over so that you will have approximately a 1/8″ top stitch all the way around the strap. I set mine up at -0.5 to give you an idea. Set your needle in the down position so it is easier to turn when you get to the corners. Beginning at the unfinished end, start sewing slowly.
When you approach the first corner, stop sewing 1/8″ from the end. With the needle down, turn the fabric sideways and sew to the next corner.
Before you turn and sew again, back-stitch up to the last corner and back down. This will help ensure you have sewn through the elastic and that it will hold in place long term.
Finish sewing around the remainder of the strap. It should now look like this:
Decide which side you want as the back of the strap. Hold it up facing towards you. apply a small amount of glue to the end (only the side facing you).
Fold the end down by 1/4″. Apply more glue and slide on the hardware (right side down).
Fold the end down 1/4″ and place a Wonder Clip on each side until it is dry.
With the back of the strip face up, set the edge of your zipper foot along your fold. Move your needle over so that you can top-stitch a 1/8″ seam. I set my needle at +3.3. Sew to the end and back-stitch back to the top.
Tie a double knot with the strings on the front and the back before trimming them.
In just a couple hours, I made straps in a handful of trendy fabrics. I can keep what I want once we know the gender and sell the rest on Etsy. A single strap should take you approximately 20 minutes.
Where would I find binkie clip hardware?
Rosemary, I have provided two links to Amazon for you to choose from. One was a 2 pk from Dritz (can also be found at places like Joanns) and the other was a link for a 10 pack of the clips. There are also 25 and 50 packs available if you are feeling really ambitious. Check the paragraph with the asterisk to click on the links.