by Fiona Carlson
Hey Mamas!
Have you ever been out on a walk with your little one and suddenly find yourself faced with a steep hill wishing you had a stroller strap in case your hand were to slip?
I'm an avid walker, and when my son was first born I remember thinking, Gosh, I really wish I had a stroller strap! on more than one occasion.
Well, it only took 16 months, but I finally have a beautiful, handmade stroller strap, and best of all, I used some of my my Throw size Pippilotta Quilt sewn leftovers to make it!
If you haven't made a Pippilotta Quilt yet, or you didn't use WOF strips, no stress! You can easily make your stroller strap using scraps.
Ready to make your own? It's quick, simple and easily made during nap time.
So... let's do it!
STEP 1: Materials
You will need (16) 4.5" wide x 2.5" tall scraps OR sewn leftovers from either the Kid size or Throw size Pippilotta Quilt.
When strip-piecing using WOF strips, your Throw size Pippilotta Quilt will leave you with (4) beautiful end pieces about 9" wide x 16.5" tall, while the Kid size will leave you with (3) end pieces about 4.5" wide x 12.5" tall.
For this tutorial, you will need (1) sewn leftover end piece from the Throw size, or (3) sewn leftover end pieces from the Kid size.
*Note: If you are using sewn leftovers from the Kid size, your stroller strap will measure 4" longer than using sewn leftovers from the Throw size. If this feels too long, just seam rip and remove one or two strips.
(Sewn-leftovers used in this tutorial are from the Throw size Pippilotta Quilt)
*Note: I have not made this strap with batting, though I'm sure it would work great if you'd like something a little thicker.
STEP 2: Cut pieces
Cut (2) 4.5" x 16.5" strips from your sewn leftovers as shown.
(Kid size sewn leftovers can be trimmed, if needed, to measure 4.5" x 12.5", or if you are using scraps, cut (16) 4.5" x 2.5" strips).
STEP 3: Sew pieces together
Place the tops of your (2) strip sets right sides together (RST) and sew with a 1/4" seam.
(For the Kid size, repeat once to attach your third strip set. For scraps, sew all strips RST with a 1/4" seam).
Press seam(s) open.
Your finished strip set using Throw size sewn leftovers or scraps will measure 4.5" x 32.5". For kid size sewn leftovers, your finished strip set will measure 4.5" x 36.5".
STEP 4: Fold, pin and sew
Place finished strip set right side up.
Starting at the center, fold in half (away from yourself), aligning seams, pin as shown.
Sew with 1/4" seam, then remove pins.
STEP 5: Turn!
Since both ends are left open, place a safety pin on one end and gently push the safety pin inside the tube, working through until your tube is right side out.
Align the seam in the center of one side and press flat.
STEP 6: Tuck ends and quilt
Gently tuck each end up into the tube about 1/2". Press and pin in place, then sew with a 1/4" seam.
Quilt as you like!
*Since you are working with a strip set with many seams, I do recommend quilting enough to give your seams some added support.
STEP 7: Make your handles
Take one end of your strap and wrap it around your wrist seam sides together. Leaving enough room for your hand to comfortably pass through, pin and sew across a few times.
For the other end, fold seam sides together at about 3 1/2", pin and sew across a few times.
*For extra security, add a little more into your fold and sew a square, then sew an "X" inside.
That's it!
Congratulations, you just made your very own, beautiful, handmade stroller strap.
How to use your stroller strap...
In case you're thinking This is great, Fiona... but how do I use it?! Don't worry. It's super easy.
Simply drape your strap over the stroller handle, right side up with your handle piece closer to you. Reach under the handle of your stroller and take the other piece in your hand, then slide the handle piece through and pull until tight.
*Strap can also be used with a carabiner or Mommy Hook.
I hope you enjoy using your new stroller strap! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make your own. You can find me @mommyandmequiltco and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support! I'm always happy to help.
Safe and happy walking!
Fiona