Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Baby Bjorn Little Potty Warmer/Cover


Here are instructions to make a bblp warmer for those cold winter days and nights! The cover should be made out of fleece or wool so that any pee that gets on it will be repelled off (otherwise you might have to wash it each time it is used!).

Download pattern. Some download times are long. Tape section 1 to section 2 and section 3 to section 4. Then tape section (1+2) to section (3+4).

On the pattern I stated the lengths of the elastic needed but that was when I was using a fairly thick wool fabric and when I made this one out of fleece I need to make the bottom elastic shorter to achieve the correct shape around the top of the potty, therefore, before you cut your elastic, thread it through the bottom and try it on the potty to make sure the top opening rests just along the the back and doesn't cover the bowl area.

On the pattern I stated to put the short edge on the fold so that the seam would end up in the back of the potty, when I made this one I wasn't paying attention and I put the long edge on the fold. No matter, this just leaves the seam in the front! Either way it still works:)

Placing the short edge on the fold, trace and cut out your pattern. Fold right sides together and sew a straight stitch seam (1/4" seam allowance) along the open edge.

Hint: If you are having trouble drawing your pattern on fleece try using a washable crayola marker.

Roll each edge 1/4" and then 1" to form elastic casings on the top and bottom of the cover. Pin and sew with a straight stitch, leaving a hole to insert the elastic into each casing.
Attach a safety pin to the 1/4" wide elastic and feed each piece through its respective casing.
Over lap the elastic edges by 1 1/4" and zig zag to hold. Pop the elastic back into the casing and sew the hole shut. Turn right side out.
Here is the finished warmer, the longer side (left) goes to the back of the potty and the shorter side (right) goes to the front of the potty. The looser elastic goes on the top of the potty and the tighter elastic goes on the bottom.

UPDATE:
I found it much easier to put a drawstring and toggle instead of the bottom elastic. By placing the toggle at the back of the potty I can tell where the bottom is and which side is the back. I can also tighten the drawstring to ensure that the top opening is wide enough.

14 comments:

Maine Mommy said...

Thank you for posting this pattern. The nights are getting cooler and I have noticed how cold the bblp feels on my skin. I will be making this later this week. I'll let you know how it works out!

Green Momma said...

Super! Definitely do the drawstring or make the elastic quite a bit smaller then I suggest, it just sits more nicely that way:) Love to see pics when your done!

Rebecca

Maine Mommy said...

It came out great! I will be making another one so we can never be without. It looks so nice I'm thinking I should make one for the toilet too! :)

Green Momma said...

I'm so glad it came out nice.

I would love to have a warmer for the toilet - so nice on cold mornings:):)

If you make a pattern let me know, I'll post it LOL!

Anonymous said...

thanks! you're such a talanted lady!

sunshinedays said...

Thanks for this pattern, I've just made it for DS. He loved it - there's a pic on my blog if you want to have a look :)

Valerie said...

Thanks for the pattern and instructions! I made one for our potty seat and although I wasn't too precise with the cutting of the pattern and the pinning of the fabric, it turned out great. Even DH was impressed! :) Thanks!
Valerie
mommy to thing1 -46 months, thing2 -26 months, thing3 -5 months

Iris said...

Yes! Thanks for leaving these patterns up! I just finished the potty warmer...my son will love it! I also love the 3 seam crotchless pants, those are priceless. Thanks.

Jessica said...

Thanks so much for the tutorial!!! My son thanks you now that his behind won't be cold!

eLizAbeth said...

Wow, so glad to have found this - I am going to try it!!!

Anonymous said...

does anyone have one to sell? i'm terrible at sewing. i'll check again for replies. thanks!

Valerie said...

to anonymous... i'd give you mine, but currently using it for baby #4. it really was an easy pattern to follow, even if you aren't a great seamstress. i would call myself a beginner when it comes to sewing and really this was pretty easy. i printed the paper, pinned it to my fabric, cut the fabric, sewed the fabric and inserted the elastic cord. you can do it!
(had previously posted when i had 3 kids)

Elizabeth said...

Do you have any suggestions on how to convert this pattern for the high-backed Baby Bjorn potty chair?

Green Momma said...

I don't have any experience with making a cover for that potty but I would try something that wrapped around the insert? Give it a try and let us know how it goes. If you figure something out and take photos we could post it here!

Thanks!