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The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: oNo
Date: 08-03-2007, 05:36 AM (1 of 9)
I have a link but I didnt want to post it here incase its not ok with the fourm. but if anyone wants to see the directions/pattern i'm using I can post it or send it.

I was hoping /crossfingers, that someone has done a Mei Tai wrap before as a sewing project and could help me with some basic questions that I have.

1) Does the fabric Have to be doubled layered of the same fabric (folded in have then sewn together) Or can one use One fabric and on the other side use a differnt fabric that is diff. texture and weight.

2) Does one make the X on the straps first for sewing the straps into the body of the carrier?

3) The straps lengthing them. Do you lenghtn them first (sewing 2 pieces together ) or is there another way that I havent thought of that is easier.

4) I'd like to make a Mei Tai out of a total of 4fabrics. This includes black straps, white backing, yellow pattern front with a pocket of a differnt fabric will this be to much or would this be ok as long as i'm willing to put in the time?

5) i'll probably have tons more questions ...If anyone read this and understood the questions woot i'd love help asap else i'll be trying this totally not knowing what i'm doing> <

Thank you ahead of time for the help :)
User: oNo
Member since: 07-31-2007
Total posts: 7
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-03-2007, 09:33 AM (2 of 9)
Pardon my ignorance but what is a mei tai? Have never heard of one before.
Marty:cool:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
From: Bama
Date: 08-03-2007, 10:08 AM (3 of 9)
Are you talking about a baby carrier? I have made a baby sling, but not a carrier like that. I did find this:
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/asian.html
Good luck!
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 08-03-2007, 10:43 AM (4 of 9)
Darn, I read the title as "mai tai." :bg: Interesting, though, I've never heard of a mei tai before! It looks pretty similar to a baby carrier my mom had in the 70's -- do you need another pair of hands to tie you up, or can you get it on and off by yourself? Sorry I can't be of much help for your questions, oNo, but I hope someone else can!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006
Total posts: 222
From: Magot
Date: 08-03-2007, 12:05 PM (5 of 9)
Some of the mei tai's appear to have a soft lining - fleecy or silky - that cannot be the same weight as the canvas/strong fabric outside so I would think you can line it how you like. The lining is not going to be taking the strain after all

From what I can see on the mei tai pictures I would think that the 'x' you see on the strap is how they are attached to the body of the carrier. I have sewn like this when attaching handles to a tote. It makes for a strong attachment.


I would lengthen the straps first and then shorten as necessary - those straps look long to me and if you shorten too much you may loose the amount you need to tie up a toddler as opposed to a newborn.

Hey - make it what colour you like - who is there to tell you off?

Thanks for putting this post up -it is just the type of thing that I would like to make for my daughter when she has kiddies - I would love to know the link you are using to make this - it would help in working out what you are doing as well. It may be when we look at the pattern we will be able to understand your problem more and all my ideas will seem useless!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: st13031
Date: 08-03-2007, 11:30 PM (6 of 9)
Hi, I can't help you , as I have been wanting to make one myself! You have good questions!

But to tell the others, (while hopefully not saying something I am not supposed to), yes it is an awesome baby carrier! :-) And there are several DIY Mei Tai patterns out there on the web, if you goggle it - ........
User: st13031
Member since: 02-27-2007
Total posts: 35
From: oNo
Date: 08-04-2007, 04:44 AM (7 of 9)
Thanks for replies :)...I work 3rd shift so I cant respond fast but here are more questions hehe

Are you talking about a baby carrier? I have made a baby sling, but not a carrier like that. I did find this:
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/asian.html
Good luck!

That http is the one i'm using but unff. so confusing for me I'm thinking maybe googling some more to see if there is simplier designs. But if anyone could help that would be great..Seeing as this is one of the better designs I did find out there minus confusion on my part.

Thanks for suggestion of lengthining straps first.

Still wondering about the X's but if you look at that website it says to do them after you sew the body?
As for the body of the carrier does it have to be doubled the main material or can i sew two differnt fabric's together?

Lol i'm planning on making my little man a dragon outfit, which I found in a book. First I need to learn how to use this sewing machine. Pitty sewing machine didnt come with a seamstress /sigh. How does one post a picture?
User: oNo
Member since: 07-31-2007
Total posts: 7
From: oNo
Date: 08-06-2007, 05:11 AM (8 of 9)
I've looked again unff. I only have 2days off of work for going back I'd like to start and finsih this project so I can show you guys the end result:)

1) http://bradley-etheridge.com/MaeMeiTai.htm I like this one but the pattern isnt printable:(

2)http://babywearing.dictumsapienti.com/diy/scrunchyMT.html fastest but would this be the safest instuctions?

3) http://economicalbaby.blogspot.com/2007/07/mei-tai-pattern.html I printed this out but I'm not sure if this looks right only cause it looks a bit small .../sigh

#3 I'd like to use but if anyone has a moment w/ of course ?'s about this design

.... is the pattern folded in half so when you cut it out and unfold it it's twice the orgianl size..hmm that would make sense man i feel like an idiot

A) umm what do you mark on the fabric i guess really only question:) i'll try #3 /crossfinger my pretty fabric :(
User: oNo
Member since: 07-31-2007
Total posts: 7
From: Sancin
Date: 08-06-2007, 06:37 PM (9 of 9)
Still wondering about the X's but if you look at that website it says to do them after you sew the body? As for the body of the carrier does it have to be doubled the main material or can i sew two differnt fabric's together?

I made a mei tai 38 years ago from a hand drawn diagram, hard to believe the same picture is still around. The X's are simply to reinforce the strength of the strap attachment so would do at the end, sewing through all layers of fabric and straps. I would lengthen the straps as you make them and would double stitch any joins as well - but be careful not to make straps too short, they do need to wrap around a lot of body. I made mine out of denim and did double the fabric for strength, tho in fact, I only used it for a few months until babe was about 15 lbs when I switched to a comercial aluminum and canvas back carrier. I see no reason for not making it out of different materials. For several months I did carry one on my back and newborn on my front, which caused a lot of comments and now I wonder if it was what caused my back problems.

Let us know how you make out. I was going to make one for my new grandson last year but my Yuppy daughter purchased everything and seemed to prefer the peanut carrier made of knit fabric. She also still uses, after a year, the wrap style carrier while her husband uses one of the purchased front devices, the name of which I forget. :re:
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 895
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