Portable Crib Liner/Cover

I've been thinking about this for a couple days and finally decided to just do it. The Moms I know that use portable cribs usually hang assorted blankets along the sides of the crib so baby is not so easily distracted with outside views through the mesh. Also, my cribs get used by various babies and I wondered how "clean" they really were. I laid awake thinking that it should be really easy to make a removeable liner that will solve the cleanliness issue as well as provide a private chamber for baby to rest in.

So today I went through my stash and found some blue polka dot cotton that I had plenty of and no plans for. I measured the sides and ends and bottom of the crib and added plenty of extra on the sides to hang over the top. After cutting out the pieces, I sewed all the sides together into a box-shaped tube. Then I sewed on the rectangular floor. I would have finished the upper edge but to my delight I noticed that it was a selvage edge and didn't need any extra attention. I just love happy accidents!

So after sewing those few seams it was done. I removed the crib mattress and inserted the liner shell inside, pulling the long edges up and over to the front. This is the outside view. Not cutesy, but clean and practical. (It could easily be made "cute" by adding appliques or bows, etc.)


Here's the inside view. The fabric is not a "perfect fit", but it will work nicely, especially with the mattress inserted to hold it in place.


I had a piece of soft multi-blue flannel and made a quick crib sheet to cover the mattress, then placed it inside the crib. It's done! The cover fits very snugly and looks good. Didn't take much time at all.


Maybe I'll fall asleep quicker tonight with that project out of my head. Of course, there is canoe camping menus to plan...