Last spring, I embroidered our friend’s name on a knit pullover for her first birthday present. After learning how to chain stitch, I’m happy that the method remains a popular and pretty way to personalize gifts!
But after seeing adorable, brand-new babies wrapped up so cozily in embroidered swaddle blankets, I made it my mission to try my hand at stitching one.
If you’re looking for directions for a perfect and professional look, it may be best to look up a different tutorial. If you’re breathtakingly busy most of the time (like me!) and just need to learn to craft something cute enough, look no further– you’re in the right place!
Preparation for the embroidered swaddle
Don’t whip your needle out just yet, my friends! There are a few key prepartion tasks that will help you find success in this endeavor and carry your art to the next level.
Gather your materials
- Swaddle blanket (I bought this beige organic cotton blanket on Amazon)
- Embroidery floss or yarn (based on thickness preferences)
- Embroidery hoop (Size determined by the size name you plan)
- A hand sewing needle
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- Masking tape (optional)
- Pencil and device (optional)
Personalized swaddle directions
Other preparation tasks
First, as with any textiles project, you’ll want to wash the blanket (in baby friendly detergent, or fragrance free, if possible!). This prevents any “fun” surprises due to shrinkage in the wash. It’s not as necessary as if you were constructing garments, for example, but I still like to complete this step before moving on. Plus, you can feel good about gifting the item to the parents of the newborn, and it’s fit to use right away, saving them from having to launder the swaddle. Crank up that iron and give the whole thing a press, too, while you’re at it.
Next, unless you want to trace the name exactly where you want it to go on the swaddle. Unless you’re freestyling, of course, which I respect!) You’ll want to measure and make markings to ensure the name fits with an equal amount of space on each side. I chose to put the name in one corner of the blanket.
Then I typed up the name, choosing a pretty font and enlarging it to my satisfaction in a PowerPoint document. I use this fast and easy trick whenever I can. The name shone through the thin material from the screen– no printing necessary!
To keep the blanket from shifting while I was tracing, I used clips to fasten it firmly to the screen. Use a chip clip, clothespin, or really anything with that clenching effect!
Once the name is traced, stretch the blanket portion onto an embroidery hoop. Make sure the material is tight and secure, so it doesn’t wobbly while you work.
Getting started: Using the chain stitch
When all of the preparations have been made, you can now get on with the exciting part– the stitching! There are a few stitches that can work beautifully for this kind of adorable item, but I favor the chain stitch based on cuteness and ease. It’s a stitch that I have to put my mind to in order to keep it honest, but I really got the hang of it.
New to the chain stitch? There are some great video tutorials on this very technique. Basically, you’ll pull the threaded needle from back to front, and back down again while reserving a little bit of that loop you created. When you bring the needle back up, you’ll bring it up inside the little loop you held back. The needle then goes down again right beside the last hole, and again you’ll hold back an amount to make that loop to go through it again. Repeat!
If needing to change thread or finish the stitch, simply land your needle down outside of the last loop you created. Knot to finish on the back of the piece.
The chain stitching part of this endeavor took no time at all, but I wish I had run some masking tap along the bottom of where my letters were to go in order to steady the name. The letters wobble a bit unevenly, but I guess that’s how they’ll know it’s handmade!
Finishing up your chain stitched swaddle creation
Congrats! You’re nearly done with this cute and practical craft. You’re going to make some baby very happy to have a swaddle personalized with his or her very own name… or at least create a wonderful photo opportunity for the parents.
Now, I don’t like my embroidery thread remnants hanging around the back like weeds in a garden. I especially don’t like the thought of leaving these stringy threads to be possibly pulled, chewed and tangled with by little baby hands.
So I’d strongly suggest covering the back of the piece. It’s a cinch if you have ligthweight fusible interfacing. Cut the interfacing to size (enough to cover all the back of the stitching). Follow the interfacing directions to iron that bad boy over all that unsightliness. Bam! We’re achieving a professional look after all.
Once the backing is attached, you can admire your handiwork.
This gift can be a fun surprise (I didn’t know you crocheted! They may erroneously exclaim. Just go with it, they’re new parents!).
The swaddle can also serve as a meaningful keepsake that the recipient can hold onto for a lifetime. In the various ways I like to support families after a new baby arrival, this is one of my favorites, and it scratches my creative itch. My stitch itch, I’ll say.
Best of luck with your projects– if you attempt this, please let me know how it went for you in the comments!
