Making your own babywearing sling can be fun whether you are trying to save money, express your creativity, or simply want to try something new. From infant to toddler, there is a pattern for you.

There are a number of great sites out there with free patterns for creating slings of every description and style. If you decide to try any of these ideas, please make sure that your sling is very secure before testing it out. It is always a good idea to try on a new sling in a carpeted area in front of a couch or bed so that if you fumble a bit you don't need to worry about dropping the baby onto the floor.

Crochet a Hip Carrier for an Older Baby

Another Crocheted Sling, Great for the Shower

A Super Simple Pocket or Pouch Sling

Maya Wrap Style Unpadded Ring Sling

Padded Ring Style Velcro Sling

Using properly tested and designed sling rings is vital for the safety of your baby. SlingRings.com rings are the safest, most reliable rings you can use.

The link below explains more about choosing safe sling rings and leads you to the Sling Ring site.

Instructions for Slings and Choosing Safe Rings

The best sling sewing page ever is Sleeping Baby. Jan has tons of directions for all types of baby carriers as well as links to other directions. You'll also find some other great sewing projects for neat baby items. See Jan's Sling Sewing Directions.

Of course, there are dozens of sling patterns on the internet, but these will get you started and get the juices flowing.

You may also want to join a sling sewing group such as this one on on Yahoo. The experienced sling makers here can help guide you in selecting fabric or answer your questions about sewing slings.

Yahoo Sling Sewing Group

Good luck and happy creating!

Want a ready made sling? Looking for inspiration? Check out these