How to make a carrier suck pads

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one pair, standard size)

• Outer (double gauze or Oxford) — about 25 × 50 cm
• Lining (toweling or terry) — about 25 × 50 cm
• Snap fasteners — 4 pairs
• Sewing thread

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Baby” → “Carrier suck pads” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the length, the wrap width and the corner radius. Presets cover narrow, standard and wide straps.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Measure the strap
   Measure the width of the carrier's shoulder strap and the length you want covered. The strap's circumference plus 2 cm gives the wrap width.
2. Trace the pattern
   Lay the pattern on the wrong side and trace both lines.
3. Cut the pieces
   Two outer and two lining — a pair.
4. Transfer the notches
   Mark the snap positions on each side.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the two layers

1. Place outer and lining right sides together and sew around, leaving about 7 cm open along the bottom.
2. Clip the rounded corners.
3. Make two.

4-2. Turn and topstitch

1. Turn right side out and ease the corners.
2. Fold the opening's allowance inwards and topstitch all the way round.

4-3. Add the snaps

1. Wrap the pad round the actual strap and find the position where it sits snugly.
2. Fit two pairs of snaps at that position.
3. Too tight crushes the strap padding; too loose and it slides down. Check by wrapping before you set them.

✏️ Decide the snap positions on the real strap, not from the pattern. Carriers differ a great deal in how thick their straps are, and the drawn positions may not suit yours. Pin the pad closed first, confirm it does not slide, then set the snaps.

5. Tips & variations

• Toweling inside: absorbing is the job. Terry or toweling on the inner face.
• Make two pairs: a spare set means no waiting for the wash to dry.
• Match the head rest: a cover for the head support in the same fabric completes the set.