DIY swaddle me blankets

After trying a swaddle me when Scylla was born we decided we loved them! They kept the baby swaddled and tucked in while not coming undone like swaddling with just a blanket does. The only problem is they cost a lot! So I searched all over for a DIY instructions to make my own. Well the limit amount of ones I found were not only different in shape they don't seem to be able to work the same. So I took one I was given that was pretty beat up unpicked it and used it as a pattern but my first attempt made me realize that this was the large size and given that I already have 3 large size I want the smaller ones I can use after Orson is born. So I had to cut down my "pattern" so this is for the smaller size which I'm hoping will work for a new born on up but seeing how Scylla dolls don't really work well for testing I'm going to have to call it goods for now and adjust if needs be when he is born. 

Step 1: I used extra left over flannel fabric on all of mine. I didn't double layer it but if you use cotton I probably would unless its for a summer baby. But mines a fall/winter baby so I'm sticking with flannel but you can also use fleece but I found with the fleece ones I used when Scylla was born that she always got too hot in it so again if you use fleece do only one layer of fabric.

Cut out pattern. I don't have the measurements for mine but you get the idea of the shape and leave a comment of anyone wants me to measure it out so they can make one just like mine if not use this as a guideline. Also see the 2 triangle shaped slits in the curve of the smaller piece? That's to give the baby's legs more room.

Step 2: Surge along all edges and surge the slits closed by placing the good side of the fabric together giving you a tiny point at the bottom of the curve. 

Note: You can also sew instead of surging but I was going for easy and didn't want to fold down the edges and make a clean edge to finish. So I left my edging surged which works for a blanket that will mostly be used at home anyways. 

Step 3: With good sides of the fabric together place the two pieces together matching the curve and making it straight with the to of the large piece of fabric. Pin together then sew or surge together along the curve. 

This is a picture of mine pinned notice how I will surge at about the edge of the curve on the "wings" of the large piece. 

Step 4: Turn right side out then pin Velcro. It will take a few adjustments so make sure you try out folding the swaddle me before you sew down the Velcro. Once you have it pinned in place top stitch the Velcro on. 

Here's how I placed my Velcro. (This is what I might have to adjust when I try using it on Orson because I'm not sure if its going to be snug enough)

That's really all to it! You can always make the edging of the fabric finished edges but I didn't see the need. Below is some photos of it using my daughters Ariel doll which is 18 inches tall.