Although fabric to make a snuggle blanket can be purchased, a lovey made from an old shirt or piece of the parent’s clothing can be even more comforting, since it’s already worn into softness, and even has mom or dad’s scent. A lovey can also be a great thing to make from a baby blanket that’s been loved to pieces. Depending on the size of the lovey and how much usable fabric is left, most adult t-shirts are big enough to make two small loveys, so that there will be a back up in case one gets lost or needs washing.
Supplies to Make a Lovey
- an old shirt or blanket, or about 1/2 yard of fabric
- scissors
- CD or similarly sized circle
- pencil
- straight pins
- thread
- fiberfill stuffing
Make the Blankie
- Cut a square of fabric approximately 18 inches wide, or about 1 inch wider and taller than the blankie portion of the finished lovey.
- Hem all four edges of the fabric using a double-fold hem or zig-zag stitch. To make a double hem, fold each edge over about 1/2 inch, then fold it over 1/2 inch again so the raw edge is enclosed and stitch the fold in place. To zig-zag stitch the hems, fold the edges over about 1/2 inch and zig-zag stitch along the edge of the folded fabric, so that the stitches overlap the raw edge.
Make the Head
- Trace a CD, a small bowl, or a container lid to make two circles of fabric. (The sleeves on a shirt may be just the right size for this.) Cut out the circles.
- Cut four ears for the lovey (optional), all the same size, and about 1/2 inch larger than the desired size of the finished ears. The ears can be long for a snuggle bunny, or short for a bear, cat, or puppy.
- Place two of the ears right sides together and stitch them together using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn the ear right side out. Sew the other ear the same way.
- Position the ears on the right side of one of the head circles, so that the open ends of the ears line up with the edge of the circle. Place the other circle on top of the ears, with the right side facing down.
- Pin the head circles together, catching the open ends of the ears in the pins. Make sure the rest of the ears stay free of the pins.
- Stitch around the edges of the circles using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave an opening about 2 inches wide on the bottom of the head.
- Turn the circles right side out and fill the head with stuffing. Make sure to pack the stuffing in so that the head is firm, not floppy.
- Turn the open edges of the circle to the inside and stitch the opening closed.
Finish the Lovey
- Sew the bottom edge of the head to the center of the top edge of the blankie.
- Tie a knot in the upper corners of the blankie to make the arms. (The knots can also be good for teething.)
- Double-check the lovey for pins before giving it to the child.
- Add a face to the lovey (optional) using non-toxic fabric markers or embroidery floss. Avoid using buttons, as these may come loose and become a choking hazard.
Do not give a lovey or snuggle blanket to a young baby who may be at risk for SIDS. As suggested by Elizabeth Pantley, author of the No-Cry Sleep Solution [McGraw-Hill, 2002], wait until the child can easily lift and turn his or her own head. Check with the baby’s pediatrician for age recommendations on when the child can safely sleep with a lovey.
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