Moses Project

Beds for Newborns
Directions Courtesy Arcadia Catholic Charities

MATERIALS:

1-1/4 bushel plastic laundry basket
(Sister uses the "HipHold" model made by Sterilite or the "Hip Hugger" model made by Rubbermaid, but other rectangular baskets of this approximate size may be adapted.)

1-2/3 yards of non-wrinkle fabric, at least 45" wide*
(light- or medium-weight cotton knit works well and doesn't ravel)
*If using 45" wide fabric, don't cut off the selvage (the woven fabric edges).
You'll need it to have enough material.

1-1/2 yards of 1/4" wide elastic

One piece of 2"-thick foam for mattress 12 x 18 inches

One piece of flannel-backed vinyl for mattress cover — about 20 x 26 inches

TO MAKE BASKET LINER:

Fold fabric in half lengthwise — right sides together. Measuring from the selvages (fabric edges), cut two strips off the edge, 13-1/2 inches wide by 1-2/3 yards long.

Open out remaining fabric and cut two more pieces:
Cut one 18" x 24" for crib sheet and one 14" x 22" for liner bottom.

With right sides together, pin the two fabric strips (the first pieces you cut) and sew the short edges together, using a 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch seam. (You're making a large fabric circle.) Run a row of gathering stitching along one edge of the circle. With right sides together, match the gathered edge with the edge of liner bottom (the 14" x 22" piece), pulling up gathers to fit. Stitch.

Fold outer edge of basket liner over, wrong sides together, to make a 1/2-inch casing, leaving an inch or two open to insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through, stitch the ends together, and finish the casing seam.

For the mattress, sew a "pillowcase" out of the flannel-backed vinyl and slip the foam inside. Slip stitch the open side closed.

To make a fitted sheet for the basket, take the 18" x 24" piece and, with right sides and raw edges together, fold one corner into a point. Measure 4" in from point and stitch across end as shown in illustration, sewing straight down about 2" and then continue tapering diagonally to "round" the fitted corner. Repeat for three remaining corners.

To finish the sheet edges, you can zigzag or overcast them if you wish.