How to Sew a Crib Bed Skirt

Sewing a crib bed skirt is a wonderful way to add a touch of style and functionality to your baby’s nursery.

This project is perfect for beginners and seasoned sewers alike, offering a chance to create a custom piece that complements your nursery decor. In this guide, you’ll learn how to sew a crib bed skirt, accurately measure the crib, and cut the fabric panels. We’ll walk you through the steps of sewing the panels together, hemming the edges, and attaching the skirt to the crib base to ensure it hangs perfectly.

Whether you’re looking to hide under-crib storage or simply add a decorative flair, this easy-to-follow tutorial will help you create a beautiful and practical crib bed skirt in no time.

Different Styles and Designs of Crib Bed Skirts

Crib bed skirts come in a myriad of styles and designs, making it simple to find the perfect one to suit your nursery’s theme. The most common styles include ruffled, tailored, and box pleat designs.

Ruffled Crib Bed Skirts

Ruffled crib bed skirts are a popular choice for those seeking a charming, whimsical look. The cascading layers of fabric create a soft, voluminous appearance that adds a touch of elegance to the crib. These skirts are often gathered at the top, creating gentle waves that flow to the floor, perfect for traditional or vintage-themed nurseries.

Tailored Crib Bed Skirts

For a clean and modern aesthetic, tailored crib bed skirts are the way to go. These skirts feature straight lines and crisp edges, delivering a sleek and minimalist look. Tailored designs often consist of panels that are seamed together, providing a polished and structured appearance. This style works well in contemporary nurseries where simplicity and sophistication are desired.

Box Pleat Crib Bed Skirts

Box pleat crib bed skirts offer a blend of both structured and decorative elements. Characterized by their neatly stitched pleats, these skirts add a subtle yet stylish dimension to the crib. The pleats give the fabric a bit of movement while maintaining a tidy and refined look. Box pleat skirts are versatile and can complement a variety of nursery decors, from classic to modern.

Customized Crib Bed Skirts

Beyond these common styles, customized crib bed skirts allow you to choose specific fabrics, colours, and embellishments that match the unique theme of your nursery. From playful prints and vibrant hues to elegant trims and monogramming, the options are endless. Custom designs enable you to create a truly personalized piece that enhances the overall look and feel of your baby’s room.

10 Methods How to Sew a Crib Bed Skirt

1. Selecting the Fabric

Choosing the right fabric is crucial for sewing a crib bed skirt. The fabric should be durable, easy to clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Cotton is an excellent choice for its softness and breathability, making it ideal for a nursery.

You can also consider linen for a more textured look or a cotton-polyester blend for added durability. When selecting the fabric, consider the overall color scheme and theme of the nursery to ensure the bed skirt complements the decor. Measure the crib to determine how much fabric you’ll need, typically around three to four yards for a standard crib. Pre-wash the fabric to prevent shrinkage and ensure it is clean before sewing.

2. Measuring and Cutting the Fabric

Accurate measurements are essential for a well-fitting crib bed skirt. Measure the length, width, and height from the crib mattress to the floor. The bed skirt typically has three panels—one for each long side and one for the front—and a fourth panel if the crib is visible from all sides. Add an extra inch to each measurement for seam allowances. Use a ruler and fabric chalk to mark the cutting lines on the fabric. Cut the fabric according to the measurements, ensuring the lines are straight and even.

3. Hemming the Edges

Hemming the edges of the fabric panels prevents fraying and gives the bed skirt a clean, finished appearance. To hem, fold the edges of each panel over twice, about a quarter inch each time, and press with an iron to create a crisp fold. Pin the folds in place and sew along the inner fold with a straight stitch, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. Hemming all four sides of each panel ensures durability and a neat, professional finish.

4. Adding Pleats for a Classic Look

Adding pleats to the crib bed skirt can create a classic, tailored look. To make pleats, measure and mark the desired placement along the top edge of each panel. Common pleat styles include box pleats and knife pleats.

For box pleats, fold the fabric inward from each side of the mark, creating two overlapping folds that meet at the mark. For knife pleats, fold the fabric in one direction at regular intervals. Pin the pleats in place and press them with an iron. Sew a straight stitch along the top edge to secure the pleats. Pleats add a sophisticated touch and give the bed skirt a fuller appearance.

5. Attaching the Panels to a Decking Fabric

The next step is to attach the fabric panels to a decking fabric, which sits under the crib mattress and supports the bed skirt. Cut a piece of lightweight fabric, such as muslin, to match the dimensions of the crib mattress. Lay the decking fabric flat and pin the hemmed panels to the sides, with the right sides facing down and the top edges aligned. Sew the panels to the decking fabric with a straight stitch, ensuring they are securely attached. Attaching the panels to a decking fabric provides a stable foundation and keeps the bed skirt in place.

6. Creating a Gathered Skirt for a Soft Look

A gathered bed skirt adds a soft, romantic look to the crib. To create gathers, sew a basting stitch along the top edge of each panel, leaving long thread tails at each end. Gently pull the bobbin thread to gather the fabric until the panel is the desired width. Distribute the gathers evenly and secure the threads by tying knots at the ends. Pin the gathered panels to the decking fabric and sew them in place with a straight stitch. Gathered skirts add a touch of elegance and create a voluminous, flowing effect around the crib.

7. Adding Decorative Trim

Adding decorative trim to the crib bed skirt enhances its appearance and allows you to personalize the design. Consider using lace, ribbon, or pom-pom trim to add visual interest. Pin the trim along the bottom edge of each panel, ensuring it is evenly spaced and aligned. Sew the trim in place with a straight stitch, taking care to follow the trim’s edge closely. Adding decorative trim not only embellishes the bed skirt but also ties it into the nursery’s overall decor, creating a cohesive look.

8. Making a Reversible Bed Skirt

For added versatility, you can make a reversible crib bed skirt with different fabrics on each side. Cut two sets of fabric panels in coordinating or contrasting colors and patterns. Hem the edges of both sets of panels, then sew them together along the top edge, right sides facing each other. Turn the panels right side out and press the seam flat. Attach the panels to the decking fabric as usual. A reversible bed skirt allows you to change the look of the crib by simply flipping the skirt, offering two design options in one.

9. Using Velcro for Easy Removal

Using Velcro to attach the crib bed skirt makes it easy to remove for washing or changing. Sew one side of the Velcro strip along the top edge of each fabric panel, ensuring it is securely attached. Sew the corresponding Velcro strips to the decking fabric or directly to the crib frame if preferred. When assembling the bed skirt, press the Velcro strips together to attach the panels. Velcro provides a convenient, adjustable solution that simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

10. Customizing with Appliqué or Embroidery

Personalizing the crib bed skirt with appliqué or embroidery adds a unique touch. Choose a design that complements the nursery theme, such as animals, initials, or floral patterns. For appliqué, cut the design from contrasting fabric and sew it onto the panels using a tight zigzag stitch. For embroidery, use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut and follow your chosen pattern with embroidery floss. Customizing the bed skirt with appliqué or embroidery showcases your creativity and adds a special, personalized element to the nursery decor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sewing a crib bed skirt involves a series of detailed steps that allow for customization and creativity. By selecting the right fabric, accurately measuring and cutting, hemming the edges, adding pleats or gathers, attaching panels to decking fabric, and incorporating decorative elements like trim, Velcro, or embroidery, you can create a beautiful and functional crib bed skirt.

Each method offers a different approach to the project, ensuring that your final product meets your needs and preferences. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to sew a crib bed skirt!