Cuddly Carrier

Whilst the majority of my sewing projects are clothes, every now and then an 'accessory' pattern pops up which seems perfect for someone in our family.  This time it was the Cuddly Carrie​r by Bishy Barnababes.  Being a babywearing family, this toy version is right up our street! 

Pattern Details

Having tested all of the previously released Bishy Barnababes patterns, I knew I was in for a treat with this one too. The instructions are very in depth with lots of extra hints and tips along the way and bar a few minor changes, the pattern was already ready to go with a very professional feel.  There are between 8 and 10 pages to print with an optional 2 pages can also be printed if you need a placement guide for the face pieces and they can be trimmed or not trimmed depending on your tiling preference!   

There are 6 animal faces included (fox, badger, mouse, cat, monkey and bear) as well as well as how to do a plain version or one with an appliqué of your choice.  There are also 2 sized panels to accommodate different dolls and cuddlies with a guide as to which suit which side included.  There are various waist and strap lengths and a choice of snap or d-ring fastening to make the carrier fit up to around age 10.  Directions on increasing the length of the straps are also included.  Vicki has really thought about everything to make sure it is able to be worn by as many children as possible.  ​

This is a great scrap buster as It uses less than a metre of fabric! between 55cm and 80cm depending on the size, 4 d-rings or pairs of snaps, a small amount of interfacing and some felt scraps for the faces!

My Version

Following very strict orders from my youngest, who told me exactly what his 'baby' wanted, I actually made the plain non animal version for this test using quilting cotton, 4 d-rings and 15cm of hook and look tape.  I made it in the middle sizing so that my eldest son could also wear it if he wanted to.   Having completed the sewing testing, my children took it upon themselves to complete the wearing testing, which of course involved jumping, spinning, bubble popping and running and lots and lots of laughing and happiness!

Project Cost

Full Price Pattern £3.50 ($4.93) - Disclosure, I got the final pattern free in return for testing
Stars Fabric £1 ($1.41)
Red Fabric £1.25 ($1.76)
D-Rings 40p ($0.56)
Interfacing and thread 50p ($0.70)

Total Cost £6.65 ($9.36)
Cost to make each additional one approximately £3.25! ($4.58)

To get hold of your own copy, click here! It is on sale for £3.50/$5 (excl. VAT/Taxes) and you get 20% off with the code CUDDLY or join the Bishy Barnababes Facebook group for an even better discount code! ​

I have been assured no babies were harmed during this activity and in the taking of this photo ;)

The Verdict!

Both of my children really enjoyed playing with their toys in their cuddly carriers, my eldest borrowed one from Vicki to be able to join in with the playing, testing and photos but he has requested his own to carry his bears now, so I'll be sewing that up soon!  I can see me making some for gifts and other versions ('cause any babywearer knows you can never have too many slings in your stash ;) )

I look forward to seeing your versions appearing around the sewing boards! 


Pattern - Cuddly Carrier by Bishy Barnababes
Fabric - 100% Cotton from my stash

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