Bumper Pads Part 1

In a previous time in my life I was a Professional Seamstress.  My specialty was bumper pads.  I've literally made over 100 sets in all shapes, colors, sizes, and designs.  If you can dream it, I've probably made it. I even made a complete set of bumpers, dust ruffle, and drapes for the guy who patented the flatscreen TV and his partner who wrote for the show Will and Grace.  (didn't know they were "partners" when I took the job but loved the results anyway.) 

 My cute baby sister had twins recently and desperately needed new bumper pads.  This will probably be my 4th set of twin bumpers.  I love making them!  They are a little work, but so worth it because they are totally customizable.  I am frequently asked to help make bumpers and thought I'd post my tutorial.  Personally this is the best way to make them and I'm happy to share.  So lets get started.

Materials:

1 1/2 yards fabric for inside of bumper

1 1/2 yards fabric for outside of bumper

1 yard for ties

1/2 yard for piping

1 sheet 1 inch firm density foam

1 twin size high loft batting

Thread to match

3 3/4 yards piping (size of your choice)

Since my sister loved stripes that's what I did.  Kind of in strip quilting fashion, I cut several strips, sewed them together, ironed then cut them down to 11 inch pieces.  Then sewed each piece together to make one long strip.  Since the crib bed inside is 52 inches by 28 inches, you'll need 160 inches in length.  I would give yourself another 3-5 inches as a cushion. 

If you're not piecing the inside, or the outside, you need 4 cuts at 11 inches.  Sew each piece together to make one long strip.  Don't worry about excess.  You'll cut it off later.

 There was a time when ties were huge, like 2 inches wide and about 2 feet long so you could tie a big bow.  That has changed.  Now they are much smaller and simpler.  I cut these as 2 inch strips.

You will need a total of 14 ties.  Cut strips down to about 10-12 inches long.

Fold in half, press, open and fold sides to center, press again, then fold in half and press again.

It will look like this, kind of like bias tape.  (sorry about the ghost shadow in the foreground... )

Tuck ends in and stitch along folded line.  I sewed mine continuously to save time.  Press and clip apart.

Last step for today is to make the piping for the top edge of the bumper.  I cut strips wide enough to cover my piping plus about 1 inch for seam allowance.  Sew strips together in one continuous strip.  I do it in one seam to save time.

Note: I was using Chenille for part of the fabrics in the bumper that's why there are so many little white dots on the brown courdoroy.  Seriously Chenille gets everywhere.  I feel like I'm wearing more than actually is in the project.

Feathers are worse.  Don't get me started on that one.  Thank goodness they aren't popular anymore.

Now you're halfway done.

Tomorrow will be the fun part!