The MiniBoppy (A Tutorial)

Toddlers have a way of copying everything we do, don't they? Since our new little one has arrived, my daughter has been extra careful to treat her baby dolls (and other "friends") just as I treat her brother. She even likes to "nurse" them! I often use a Boppy nursing pillow, and she likes to use it too, so I decided to make her version that was more her size.


Actually, I made several before I had the pattern quite right. Since my daughter doesn't know the difference and tends to get attached to things, we have several floating around our house.


Here's how you can make one too.

You'll need:
The template* (full size or top and bottom**)
About half a yard of fabric (each cut piece is going to be roughly 14" x 20")
Pins
Thread
Needle or sewing machine
Polyfil

*Please forgive my clumsy drawing. I'm still learning how to use Photoshop for this purpose.

**The full-sized version is too big for a standard sheet of printer paper. I have split the template into two separate files ("top" and "bottom"), which you can piece together.

First, use the template to cut out two pieces, being certain to fold your fabric and place the straight edge of the pattern along the fold as marked. You should end up with two identical, C-shaped pieces. (I made mine so the ends curve in a little. The actual Boppy pillow is a little straighter. If you prefer it that way, just redraw your pattern a little bit.)


Turn the pieces right-sides-together and pin in place.


Sew the whole way around with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a few inches open for turning.


Clip the curves if you wish.


Then turn right side out and stuff with Polyfil to your desired firmness.


Hand stitch the opening closed.


There you have it! It's nice for little ones to use to imitate mama, and it has other uses too. It's good for resting little heads ...


... or resting elbows whilst taking a drink.