Free Sewing Pattern: You can make a baby car seat canopy or tent! This free baby car seat canopy pattern includes a pdf and video tutorial to walk you through it step by step. With easy to follow written instructions as well.
This free baby car seat canopy pattern is easy to make and is a great shower gift. You can make a beautiful car seat that will survive the washer, and several kids! This can be made from fleece, flannel or cotton fabric. Please be sure to wash flannel and cotton before sewing as it may shrink in the wash. Looking for a Stretchy version of a Baby Car Seat Canopy? You can find that free pattern here.
You will need the following:
1 and 1/3 yards fleece (a little extra of a different color if you want contrasting straps)
1 and 1/3 yards flannel
6- 8 inches sew on Velcro
5 – 7 yards small cording (3 packages of wright’s – optional)
Washable cloth marking pen or pencil
Iron
extra buttons, ribbon for decorating
Here is the video tutorial, full step by step picture tutorial below.
Free Baby Car Seat Canopy Pattern / Tent / Cover How To
1 – Cut out the baby car seat canopy pattern
Assemble the pattern. You can find assembly directions on this page. There is a picture in the download as a reference guide. (Like the Pocket on the cover? Get the tutorial for that here.)
Place the line on the fold and cut 1 from the fleece. Be sure to mark the top of the cut out piece with a pin ( or mark from washable pen) as the pattern is not symmetrical.
Place the pattern on the flannel lining and cut out again ( be sure to pre -wash the flannel before you sew!) Be sure to mark the top of the cut out piece with a pin ( or mark from washable pen) as the pattern is not symmetrical.
Cut out 4 of the straps (2 exterior 2 lining). I recommend using the flannel especially on the straps to keep the fleece from stretching. In this pattern I used some brown fleece for a contrasting color on the straps.
Save your fleece scraps! There’s enough left over to make a cute hat and other things for the baby!
2 – Begin to sew
If you’re not using cording on the baby car seat canopy pattern skip to step 3. Personally I love how cording looks next to fleece. There’s something about cording that says “pro”. 
Here is how I sew cording.I pin the cording in place on the right side of the fabric. Lining the edge of the cording up with the edge of the fabric. I like to start in the middle of the pattern where it comes in.
Using a zipper foot (or a cording foot if you have one), I sew right next to the cording all the way around the cover. (The needle is on the left side of the foot, and the foot is butted up next to the cording)
If you are capable of sewing cording and two pieces of fabric together at the same time – you are awesome, I bow down to you – I can’t. =)
3 – Pin the lining to the top of the cover
Matching pattern at the top (remember where I had you place a pin or mark so the pieces could match up?)
Pin right sides together. Pin the fleece and the flannel lining together (cording should be sandwiched between the two). Leave a gap of about five inches for turning. ( Again I like to start and stop in the middle section where is comes in.)
Tip: Pin from the middle of the pattern (where is comes in) out – it will pin better)
4 – Sew the top and lining together, turn
If you are not using cording, sew all the way around with a straight stitch with a .5 seam allowance.
With cording, use a zipper foot, butt foot up against cording and sew all the way around – be sure to leave gap open for turning. The tighter, closer you are to the cording the better it will look – take your time to make it look right.
Turn the cover right side out and admire your work!
5 – Sew Closed the Gap
You can blind stitch the gap closed by hand…or I just machine stitch it closed, It’s in an inconspicuous spot that will be covered any way – and the machine stitches are stronger and will last longer than my hand stitches.
6 – Top Stitch the car seat tent
If you are doing the cording – you probably are sick of sewing around the cover – but just one last time. It’s worth it – promise.
On the right side of the top piece of fabric, using your zipper foot butt the right side up against the cording, with the needle on the left. This will give you some nice top stitching that will make your cording pop.No cording – top stitch .5 inches from the edge of the fabric.
Tip – You’re working with a lot of fabric – so careful that it doesn’t fold up under the needle – I like to pin the cover a little to prevent this from happening.
7 – Make the straps
Place right sides of fabric together pin and sew, leaving a gap at the bottom (not the rounded side) for turning of 2 to 3 inches.
Sew, turn, and sew gap shut like you did on the cover.
Then top stitch as you did on the cover.
8 – Add the Velcro
Using the guides on the pattern for reference place the “hook” side ( the pointy side) of the Velcro on the interior of the strap – sew into place by sewing a straight stitch along the edges, turning at corners (all four sides) of the Velcro. Note: This stitching will be able to be seen on the other side – either use thread that won’t be easily seen or make sure your stitches are nice and straight as they will be seen.
Again using the guides on the pattern for reference place the other side of the Velcro (loop) on the exterior of the strap. Straight stitch all four sides into place.
9 – Sewing Straps onto the baby car seat canopy pattern
9 – Sewing Straps onto the baby car seat canopy pattern
Using the baby car seat canopy pattern as a guide, mark the stitching pattern onto each strap.
This is how you’ll sew it onto the cover.
Pin the Straps onto the cover.
Make sure the lining fabric is flat underneath.
If you have access to the car seat you are making this for – I recommend that you lay the cover on it to gauge where the straps should go. Otherwise you can put them where I have the straps the picture – with the caveat that all baby car seat are different and what works for one might not work for another.
Sew the straps to the cover.
10 – Finishing up the the baby carseat tent!
This baby car seat canopy pattern is different from other baby covers. I don’t like how most just hang from the bar onto where the baby is. This cover is made to prevent that and to stay in place if it’s windy. Just do this final step!
Place you’re amazing looking cover on the car seat if you have access to it.
See how the edges fold over in the picture – with a single pin – pin where the top and bottom meet in the middle.
Using a washable marker pencil draw on the top and bottom where that point is on each side. The mark on the top will be on the interior lining and the mark on the bottom will be on the exterior of the cover.
Sew a small amount of Velcro ( about on inch) the hook on the top interior where the mark is – the loop on the bottom exterior of the cover.
Now your little one will be snug as a bug! You could also make this pattern with flannel, or cotton since all the edges are finished. Send me a picture I would love to see your work!
Download the free pattern:
More Free Baby Car Seat Canopy Patterns:
- Stretchy Baby Car Seat Cover
- Simple Fleece Baby Car Seat Cover
- Baby Car Seat Cover with Window
- No Sew Baby Car Seat Cover
Additional Free Baby Patterns:
- Baby Long Sleeved T-shirt
- Baby Sundress Pattern
- Baby Bib with a Pocket
- Monster Mash Up Softie Toy
- Baby Burp cloth Pattern
- Busy Baby Tag Blanket
- Fleece Vest
Sadaf says
Hi Angel,
I absolutely love your pattern for the baby car seat canopy. I made one for my own baby, and I’m working on another as a gift for a friend. I’m not really a “seasoned” seamstress, so this comment might seem silly, but the only part I have trouble with is the place where the two large curves come together to form that upside down “U”, towards the side of the car seat handles where it closes up like an envelop. That “U” part is really difficult for me to navigate, and my “U” always ends up looking puckered. Any tips on how to avoid this would be appreciated!
Angel says
Hi Sadaf,
To keep the fabric from looking puckered there are a few things you can do:
Be sure you pin it well so the fabric doesn’t shift.
Really slow down as you navigate that inner curve.
And finally be sure to snip little slits in the fabric on the curve (taking care not to snip through your seam) when you are finished sewing. when you turn it right side out it will help it lay better.
Other than that, practice makes perfect. Keep up on the sewing and those puckers will disappear! =)
Sadaf says
Thank you! That was really helpful.
Mandi says
So I printed the pattern and pages 13 & 14 are on the same page. According to the layout they are supposed to be on two separate pages. I can’t figure out how to fix this and assume they were scanned in that way. I can probably figure it out, but if you could fix it for future use that would be great.
Angel says
Hi Mandi!
the reason why 13 and 14 are on the same page is because they are partial pages, so I thought it would be better to conserve paper and put them on the same page. Sorry for the confusion.
-Angel
Roxanne says
I have a question. I was making the cover using cotton. It’s not wide enough though, did it print correctly? Also, is the top 1?
Regina Parys says
Hi, i am trying to get the baby car seat canopy pattern but it doesn’t appear that the link is working, or my computer isn’t working right. would you be able to send me the pattern in an email?
Thanks
Angel says
Hi Regina!
Yes 1 is the top. Sometimes cottons can have a slim width, but I have made this pattern out a cotton several times, so i’m guessing the fabric you chose really shrank in the wash. An easy and quick fix is to just lay the pattern down on the cloth, and instead of worrying about the “place on fold” edge being on the fold, have it hang off the edge of the cloth, and make sure the rest of pattern is on the fabric. The pattern will still work, the cover will just be a little smaller.
Another option is to print the pattern at 90% and see if it will fit then.
Best of Luck,
Angel
Carli says
What is the final measurement (height & width(of the finished product? The pattern i printed looks really large.
anna vannote says
where did you get your cording. i cant seem to find it online. or do you use cord with the wrights bias tape
Angel says
Hi Anna!
It’s wright’s cording – should be right next to the bias tape at your local store. =)
Angel
olga says
its not letting me download the pattern !! help
Angel says
Hi Olga,
Are you clicking on the pattern envelope? The brown envelope with the picture on it?
– Angel
olga says
yes ive tried it many times already ! can i just get it emailed ?
Seri says
I don’t have a lot of experience sewing so this might be a silly question, but…..
What side do I trace the pattern on the flannel?
What side do I trace the pattern on the fleece?
Thanks!
Angel says
Hi Seri!
If you’re new to sewing it can be confusing. For this pattern the right side of the fabric ( the colorfulside) will be facing you, however it will be folded so the color ful side should also be touching the counter. Fabric comes folded on the bolt and you will place the pattern on the fold. You will do this the same way for the flannel and the fleece. Typically patterns are not traced, but you pin the pattern to the fabric and cut it that way. There are a few reasons for this method:
1. The pattern won’t shift so you’ll get an acurate cut
2. On more complicated patterns you can keep the labeled pattern peice attached to the fabric until you need it so you know what it is.
Good luck with your project!
Angel
Eleanor Munich says
I saw a friend’s carseat cover and had to figure out how to make one myself, so I searched and found your instructions. Love, love, LOVE! Thanks for the video and the great pattern. (The shape and details are MUCH cuter than the one I was trying to copy!) I’m working on my second- did the first for a girl, the second for a boy, both with cotton on one side and minky on the other. Used the scraps to make bibs to match and still have lots left over so I’m going to peruse the other patterns. Thanks again for such a great project that is now my go-to gift! Pics to follow. 🙂 🙂
Eleanor
Katie says
I printed the pattern and assembled it as you demonstrated in the video. Are you using 60″ fabric or 45″? When I use 45″ flannel, i am an inch short in fabric on the fold side. Is there a way to fix this? Or can I just shorten the pattern by an inch?
Angel says
Katie,
If it’s shortened an inch it will still work fine.
– Angel
Denise says
I am making a cover with a directional print and so I was wondering which way to place the pattern on my fabric. Does the smaller section (pages 1-6) cover the back of the car seat or the front?
Angel says
Page 1-6 will sit on the back of the car seat.
Denise says
Thanks!
Megan says
Can you tell me where you got the actual blanket material?? I love the little birds on it!
Angel says
I got that particular material at JoAnn’s but that was two years ago!
– Angel
Melissa says
Just made this for my little ones car seat. It turned out awesome! It was so easy to make and I’m not a seasoned seamstress either. I can sew a straight line and sometimes that even iffy! Thank you ‘sew’ much for the tuturial. Now I have to go throw the baby in the car seat and go out for a drive so I can try it out! Thanks again!
Jeri Knaus says
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern! I was looking for one that the sides wouldn’t be flying up during windy days. This is prefect! I have completed it and it fits great. With your permission I would to like to post pictures on Pinterest and link to your site for anyone interested in making. Thanks again!
Angel says
As long as you link to me that would be great! So happy you had success.
– Angel
Jeri Knaus says
BTW…this was made for my granddaughter’s carseat. My daughter loves it for her lo’s carseat. I’m thinking I might make a lightweight one for spring.
Jeri Knaus says
I’ve never pinned anything so not sure if I will get it done. Would love to send you a pic of my final product. The front is ABC no-pill fleece pastel letters on white background. The lining is gray flannel with various sizes of yellow dots
Robin says
Hello, I can not get the PDF to open, Can you please help.
Thanks in advance.
Robin
Angel says
should be in your in box. =)
ZoAnn says
Absolutely love your pattern. I bought an actual Carseat Canopy for my great niece and was disappointed with it but gave it to her anyway. It didn’t seem to cover the carseat very well. I came across your pattern and decided to give it a try and made one for my grandson. I love the way it covers the carseat fully and keeps the wind and elements out. The pattern was easy to follow. I have son and daughter in law have been asked by many people where they got the cover and I have been asked to make a few more covers and now give them away as baby presents.
nanette says
thank you angel I like your pattern and I made one for my baby boy.
Georgia says
Downloaded this carseat pattern a few months ago. Made two with the flannel and fleece. Both turned out adorable. When my daughter goes places, she is always asked where she got it. I am now making three more for the summer with a lighter flannel and cotton fabric. Thanks for the free pattern.
Ana Rojas says
Hi,
I found this pattern and I think is wonderfull. I’m new sewing so I have a lot of dudes.
the first one is this: Can I make it just with cotton?(Cotton on both sides)
If yes, I would need something to put between the two piece of fabrics?
Thanks a lot!
Angel says
I’ve made this pattern myself out of cotton and it works great!
ana says
i love it!!!!!! my printer did not have enough ink but I still print it out and its all dead colors on the paper now but I managed to make it and put it together , it is very easy to assemble….. thankyou so so much this is incredible, thankyou for your time and effort, all though I washed my fabric before using I bought it at JoAnns and it got really ugly when I took it out of the washer the flannel or the thread of the flannel was coming apart hopefully its still enough fabric to make it. oh and by the way I purchased only 2 yards of cording that I purchased too at joanns but only that much because its way too expensive, where did u buy urs? got mine for 4.99 a yard.
Linda Nyhus says
How are you suppose to meet the raw ends of the piping so the white cording doesn’t show? I love everything about the cover and directions but the piping makes me sad.
cathy neal says
I opened a small amount of the end of the cording fabric that I am stiching and cut a piece of cord out and then inserted the end of the new cording into the other so the cords but up against each other and the two fabrics overlap, then sew as if it was one piece.
Joanie says
Thank you so very much for posting this pattern. I was exactly what I was looking for. You took all of the hard work and measuring out of the job at hand.
Hugs-
cathy neal says
tried to join but never got email conformation to click on…checked junk mail and not there eather! 🙁
cathy neal says
I just recieved it! yea! 🙂
Jennifer N. says
Hi i tried downloader the pattern to adobe reader and when i open is says that it is damaged and cant be repaired. What do i do?
Jainie bell says
Do you place the tabs at an angle or straight to sew onto the cover. I am having a little trouble with placement. Love the pattern. Thanks
Angel Hickman Peterson says
I place them straight on if I don’t have access to the car seat. If I do have access to the car seat I try to custome fit the straps ( which might require an angle)
Good luck with your project,
Angel
Jodi says
i cannot get download to work for pattern.
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Sent it to you!
Diane says
Hi Angel, just printed your patern for the carrier canopy and I probably assemble the pattern wrong, when I fold my pattern in two to see if it’s the same all the way around, it is not. One side is shorter by approx 2 inches. Is this the way it is suppose to be. thanks and I can’t wait to put it all together
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi Diane.
The pattern is not perfectly symmetrical – you’ve assembled it correctly.:)
rosa says
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATTERNS OF THE CAR SEAT COVER. I made one for my grandson and for my two new born niece was was 12/1/13 and other one was 12/12/13 I love your patters. i starting to learn HOW sewing with yOUR EASY PATTERS
Melissa Mello says
Hello! I just wanted to send a note to anyone who is interested in this project but is a little discouraged, please don’t be! I am not a seasoned sewer at all! I woke up one day and decided that I wanted to sew things (granted I was 7.5 months pregnant and that may have been a part of my nesting hahahah) – I sewed a couple blankets and then I saw this and thought ‘what the heck – give it a try’ – honestly, the canopy turned out beautifully! I watched Angels video a few times and the pattern was super easy to follow . Just go slow around those corners 🙂
Awesome tutorial Angel! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your site and you have empowered me to concur many projects that look difficult but you have simplified. This one is a great example of that! For beginners – definitely give it a shot!
xo
Becca says
I used your awesome pattern to make one as a gift for a friend. Only now, I wish I was having another wee little one so I could make one for myself!! I love it that much!! I tweaked it only a little… Used buttons instead of Velcro. And added the straps to both sides so that its reversible! Love it! Thank you for the pattern! I wish I could post the pics here… Can I email em to ya?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi Becca,
You are of course welcome to send me a picture of your creation! Also I just started a flickr group where people can share their photos as well – http://www.flickr.com/groups/fleecefun/
Jean says
I made this canopy for my first grandchild, and it turned out beautifully. I am planning to make two more in the near future. I am a stickler for detail, so I really appreciate all of your wonderfully detailed instructions, both in your video and in your written instructions accompanied by your pictures. The pattern was so easy to assemble after I printed it. I made my own binding using 8/32 cotton cording and cutting bias strips from a contrasting color. I got nervous when I washed my flannel and it seemed too narrow for the pattern, but after I gave it a good pressing, it seemed to “spread out” so the pattern just fit. ( Pressing works wonders at times. ) The only deviation from the directions was to sew a longer velcro strip along the edge of the rear flap and also where this spot meets the front flap. I thought it would hold it a bit more securely. Thanks for so generously sharing your design and outstanding instructions.
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Jean,
Thanks for sharing your tips!
-Angel
Christine Owens says
I made one of these for my son. I live in the high dessert and I loved how this held the cover in place in the wind. Now I am making a warm fleecy one for my baby due in the next two weeks.
Penny thomson says
Angel, I love your pattern. I was wondering if there was any sort of average area to put the velcro to make the envelope. My grandbaby is due in 6 weeks and is 1000 miles away. Because we live in a smaller community the car seat she has choosen is unavailable to me. I have gone to Target and tried it on their car seat but was curious if you had an general approximation!
Thanks, Penny
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi Penny,
I would say about 4 to 6 inches in from the curved in section in the middle would be a good rough estimate. Congrats on the grandbaby!
Virginia says
Thank you for the pattern I just made this cover with bug fabric and it turned out awesome. The detailed directions are easy to follow and with the pattern it’s super easy to make. I only wish I could post a picture of it to show it off : )
Crystal says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this pattern! I just made this using cotton with light weight batting for the cold winter to come, I also made it reversible. This pattern is super easy and very functional, the how the side fold and close.
Amber @ rick•a•bam•boo says
I love this pattern. My mom made one for me when I had my little man a couple years ago. I just made one for a friend this weekend. I posted pictures of both of them on my blog today if you want to check them out. Thanks for the free pattern. This cover is seriously awesome. Great work.
http://rickabamboo.com/2014/08/diy-car-seat-cover/
Jayna says
Thank you for this amazing pattern! I’ve had so many compliments on the cover. It sits like a flared skirt. I’m going to take a picture of it and post it on Pinterest with a link to your tutorial (hope that’s ok).
Mary Sawyer says
I just found this pattern and am going to make it for my daughter, who is expecting the first grandchild.
What do I print it out at? 100% When I download it prints at 67%
thank you
Angel Hickman Peterson says
It needs to print true to size at 100% – 67% is big difference. Make sure that “fit to page” is NOT selected.
emily says
question, the print out above do I suppose to print in on Regular sized paper?
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Yes 8.5 by 11 inch paper
Timetra says
Would this work on a baby trend car seat?
Thank you
Angel Hickman Peterson says
Hi,
I’m sorry I am not familiar with that brand. I would assemble the pattern and lay it over the seat to test it.
Elaine says
I made this pattern for a dear friend who welcomed twins in February… during our Michigan Winter. I used fleece and flannel in coordinating colors. She was so happy to have a warm and cozy cover and also a privacy shield. She has shared that the compliments continue wherever she goes. Thanks a bunch for this great pattern. I’m considering making one of cute nursery fabrics for spring.