15 Adorable Things to Sew for a New Baby
From cozy blankets to adorable outfits, here are some great things to sew for a new baby.
Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, and what better way to celebrate than by creating handmade items that are both practical and sentimental? Plenty of simple yet thoughtful projects make perfect gifts for a newborn baby and a new mom!
I’ve reached the age when my kids’ generation has started having babies! It’s been a while since I’ve regularly sewn gifts for baby showers, and I’m so happy to put brainstorming “things to sew for a baby” back on my creative “to-do” list again!
If you’ve been looking for creative, simple, and practical gifts to sew for a new baby (and their mom), I have a great list to share with you!
One: Baby Blankets
A soft, snuggly blanket is a must-have for any baby. Lightweight and perfect for swaddling, you can make a receiving blanket in a few different ways.
1. Flannel Blanket:
Hem the edges of a square piece of flannel fabric.
2. Knit Baby Blanket:
For complete directions, use our Knit Baby Blanket Sewing Tutorial. You will sew two knit fabrics together and finish the edge with ribbed binding.
You can even use a stack of sentimental t-shirts to make the blanket extra special!
3. Minky Blankets:
Cozy and warm, these blankets are ideal for colder months. Pair soft, minky fabric with flannel fabric for the perfect blanket! Follow our free Minky & Flannel Blanket Sewing Pattern for all the “how-to” steps.
Two: Baby Quilts
I could write an entire book just on baby quilt ideas for new babies! Instead, I’ll share a few of my favorite free tutorials on the site!
For baby quilts, I’m partial to simple patterns that can be construed easily. I like what I call “oversized block” baby quilts. These simple patterns also seem to appeal more to a younger generation.
Here are a few of my favorite “Big Block” Baby Quilt patterns.
1. Hunter’s Star Baby Quilt
This Hunter’s Star Baby Quilt Tutorial is created from simple squares and half-square triangles.
2. Giant Star Baby Quilt
This Quilt Tutorial features a unique take on a Sawtooth Star block is one of the fastest baby quilts you’ll ever stitch!
3. Bear Paw Baby Quilt
This Bear Paw Baby Quilt is created using fabric from a 10″ precut stack!
Three: Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are one of the most used baby essentials and a great beginner sewing project.
Using absorbent fabrics like cotton, terry cloth, or chenille, you can create burp cloths that are both cute and practical.
Baby Burp Cloth Tutorials:
Four: Bibs
Babies go through a lot of bibs, making them an excellent project.
1. Basic Fabric Bibs:
These are easy to make and wash with a snap or Velcro closure.
2. Waterproof Bibs:
Add a layer of laminated fabric, or use vinyl-backed fabric for extra protection.
3. Quilted Baby Bibs:
These are my favorites, of course! Check out our Quilt as You Go Baby Bib Tutorial to stitch one up yourself as a gift!
Five: Toys
Sleepy Raindrops Sewing Tutorial
A handmade stuffed animal or lovey can become a baby’s treasured companion. Sew a small plush toy or a security blanket with a soft fleece backing for extra comfort.
Always ensure that any sewn toy is baby-safe—avoid small buttons or embellishments that could be choking hazards.
Six: Baby Clothes
If you’re comfortable sewing garments, consider making:
- Dresses: Our pillowcase dress sewing tutorial is so fast to sew that you can make one each day of the week!
- Onesies & Romper: Soft knit fabrics work best for stretchy, comfortable outfits.
- Baby Hats: Keep tiny heads warm with a simple beanie-style hat.
- Leggings or Pants: Elastic-waist pants are great for diaper changes and provide extra warmth.
Seven: Diaper Changing Pad
A portable, washable changing pad is a practical project for parents on the go. Using waterproof fabric like laminated fabric or vinyl on one side and soft cotton on the other, you can create a foldable pad that fits easily in a diaper bag.
Travel Diaper Changing Pad Tutorial
Eight: Storage Baskets
Sew fabric storage bins or baskets to help keep the nursery organized. Use coordinating fabrics to match the nursery theme!
Our Padded Storage Bins Sewing Pattern is perfect for a nursery!
Nine: Nursing Covers
A nursing cover is a thoughtful gift if the baby’s mother plans to nurse. While we don’t have a specific nursing cover tutorial on our site, our Snap Up Infinity Scarf Tutorial would make a wonderful one!
Four Tips for Sewing Baby Items
- Choose Soft Fabrics – Babies have delicate skin, so opt for cotton, bamboo, or fleece. There is a lot of great organic cotton fabric on the market. There are so many beautiful, colorful fabrics with unique prints!
- Use Baby-Safe Closures – Avoid buttons and opt for snaps or Velcro instead.
- Wash Fabric Before Sewing – Pre-wash all fabrics to remove chemicals and prevent shrinkage.
- Make It Washable – Baby items get washed often, so choose machine-washable materials.
Handmade baby items make fantastic gifts that are both practical and heartfelt. Whether you’re sewing for your baby, a family member, or a friend, these projects add a personal touch that store-bought items can’t match.
