Making the Bumper Pad

• 1). Measure each of the four crib sides, adding 1 inch to each dimension for seam allowances. Figure the depth of the bumper pad. A common size is 8 1/2 to 10 inches. Use the dimensions to figure the yardage of fabric and batting needed.
  
  
• 2). Make a pattern on tissue or paper using the dimensions for the length and width of the crib. Cut the pattern out and check the size by holding it in the crib. Remember there is an extra inch on each side.
  
  
• 3). Lay a double fold of fabric on a flat workspace and pin the patterns to it. Cut out the fabric. Lay cotton batting on the flat workspace and cut out the batting. Several layers of batting can be used to create a thicker bumper as cotton batting is thin. Cut a total of four fabric length and width pieces and two batting length and width pieces.
  
  
• 4). Pin the batting to the wrong side of two length pieces and two width pieces. Baste to hold in place.
  
  
• 5). Sew the short ends of the bumpers together making two long strips. Sew by alternating one length piece, one width piece, one length piece and a final width piece. Repeat this process for the second long strip. Trim the batting seam allowances and press seams open.
  
  
• 6). Cut ribbon in 7 to 10 inch lengths. You will need 20 to 24 pairs of ribbon cuts.
  
  
• 7). Pin the two long strips together with right sides touching. Pin a pair of ribbon cuts at each seam on the top and bottom, keeping the ribbon on the inside sandwiched between the right sides of the fabric. Pin two more sections of ribbon on the top and bottom and evenly spaced on each length section. Pin one more section of ribbon on the top and bottom in the center of the width section. Add more ribbon sections if needed.
  
  
• 8). Sew a 1/2 inch seam around the entire bumper pad, leaving a 2 inch hole to turn the right sides out. Trim the corners prior to turning, making them less bulky. Turn the right sides out by grasping the fabric and pulling it through the hole. The ribbons should be sewn in place and hanging on the outside.
  
  
• 9). Stitch the hole closed either by machine or hand. Add additional quilting by adding vertical lines every 4 to 6 inches apart to hold the two sandwich pieces together.