Are you ready to customize your Happy Baby Original with a slipcover? This pattern is perfect for protecting your carrier from the normal grime that comes with babies. Slipcovers are an easy way to customize your carrier’s look for a photo shoot, themed event, wedding, or just for fun. It also make a great base for carrier Halloween costumes. This slipcover is also reversible, so you get two looks!
Get your Happy Baby Original slipcover pattern here and the Toddler Slipcover pattern here!
You probably have some questions, so check out the FAQ’s below or watch the Introduction / Feature Overview Video.
FAQ
Slipcover Vs. Overlay
Slipcovers are removeable. Overlays are sewn in place to be permanent. This pattern is for a removeable and reversible slipcover that covers the body and most of the waistband. It does not cover the shoulder straps.
How does it work?
Think about it like a pillow case that is the perfect shape for your carrier. The 3-piece option has seams and zippers in the same place as your carrier does. The sides close with snaps that can even been placed invisibly.
Slipcovers are great in the sweaty summer, because you can easily wash them instead of your entire carrier. Plus, they don’t make your carrier any hotter, so don’t worry about that. They are also great for younger babies who tend to soil the carrier more frequently. After all, it’s no fun waiting for your carrier to dry when you want to be using it.
Check out this video: How to Put On the Happy Baby Original Slipcover – by the Fabric Ninja
What about the sleeping hood, can I still get to it with the slipcover on?
The 3-panel slipcover pattern has a zippered opening to give access to the carrier’s hood pocket. You have a choice of invisible zipper, which is my favorite option, or a regular zipper covered with a folded flap. The one-piece pattern does not have hood access. If you want to be able to use the original sleeping hood, make the three-piece version with a zipper.
Will my Happy tag show?
Included in this pattern is instructions on how to create a tag opening that fits your tag perfectly. Different templates are provided based on your tag size. Large leather tag, small leather tag, and synthetic tag are all options. Making a tag opening is completely optional. If you decide you want to add it later, it’s also possible to retro fit it. If you have a vegan carrier (no tag), or don’t care about the tag, just skip that step.
A zipper is too much for me, can I still make it?
You do not have to install a zipper to make this slipcover. However, you won’t be able to use the original hood in it’s pocket Don’t need hood access? Consider making the one-piece cover. It’ll save you some time.
Is it hard to make?
The 3-piece option is an intermediate sew because it has a zipper, a faced tag opening, and a few tricky spots. However, the one-piece option is great for beginners. It’s a much simpler sew, with all the complication taken out. It doesn’t have a zipper, so you won’t be able to use the original hood, The one-piece is also a great lining, if you don’t want your slipcover to be reversible.
Get your Happy Baby Original slipcover pattern here!
Videos
- Introduction / Feature Overview
- Construction Part 1: Cut & Interface
- Construction Part 2: Tag Opening / Zipper
- Construction Part 3: Sewing
- How to Put On the Slipcover
What kinds of fabrics are best for making an overlay?
The instructions have lots of information about suggested fabrics, but in general I like using quilters cotton or linen. The pattern is designed for woven fabric, You can use it with knit fabrics but it may sag over time. A stable knit would work well too.