Carseat Tent: Tutorial

First of all, this tutorial is not laden with photos of the process.  If you have basic sewing skills, this tute should be clearly understood.  I am also happy to answer any questions you may have!

One of my Baby Bucket List items was a carseat tent.  Our carseat canopy is gone.  Not exactly sure where it got gone to, but it's gone. :) Also, we've had some pretty windy days and those canopy's are NOT enough to keep the wind from blowing on a newborn.  So, after taking a couple trips out with blankets that blow off the carseat, I decided I needed to get this little project completed!  Here is what you'll need.

Materials:

1 1/4 yrd print fabric

1 yrd fleece or flannel

scrap of heavyweight fusible interfacing

thread

velcro

When I purchased my fabric, I asked them to cut the printed fabric into two cuts: 1/4yd and 1 yard.  Be sure to wash and dry your fabric first!  I use the demensions of a yard of 44" fabric which is 44"x36".  Straighten up your edges.  If you lose a couple inches, it's not a big deal. 

Cut two straps measuring 4"x7" from the printed fabric and interfacing. 

Let's get those straps done!  Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of each strap.  Fold in half length wise with wrong sides together.  Sew around the three open edges making sure to leave a 2" hole for turning.  Press flat and top stitch all the way around each strap.  Set aside.

Let's make the tent portion of this next.  With right sides together, pin all the way around the square yd pieces of fabric.  Sew all the way around the four sides leaving a 4" hole for turning.  Clip the four corners to cut down on fabric bulk.  Turn right side out.  Iron and press the edges.  Pin the 4" hole closed by folding the fabric edges inward and pinning.  Topstitch all the way around making sure to catch the 4" hole.

To make sure your fabric pieces don't move and bunch up, I sewed/quilted 2 lines diagnally from corner to corner. 

ALERT!!

Cute baby feet :)

and the baby those feet are attached to.

I used velcro to close the straps around the handle.  You could just as easily use snaps but I hate fiddling with the snap setter so I use velcro whenever I can!  Sew the rough side of the velcro to one end of the strap.  Flip strap over and sew the soft side to the other end.  Repeat for second strap.

Drape the tent portion over the carseat with the handle UP.  Pin those straps where you want them.  Remember, the straps attach from underneath the handle, so be sure you are pinning on TOP of the tent potion, not underneath.  I attach the straps with a rectangle and X shape for security.  Backstitch at the ends for security. 

Here is the beauty of this product: by completely draping it over the carseat, you completely keep out all sunlight and wind.  I LOVE this!  Our van does not have tinted windows so sometimes I'm reaching back to cover her up to keep the sun out of her eyes.  For those hot, stifling days of summer, simply pull the front portion of the tent over the handle.  It creates a canopy still keeping out the sun but allowing for some breeze to reach baby. 

I made one of these for a friend a couple years ago and she seemed to get some great use out of it.  I personally think this is better than the canopy's that come with the carseats.  Just sayin'.

Questions?  Let me know!  I'm happy to help. 

I really think this would make a great baby shower gift.  Pair it with a Duo Pocket Changing Pad Clutch and there you go!