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DIY Nap Mat with Pillow (for Kids)

This DIY nap mat tutorial will show you how to create a clever and super useful roll-up mat for the kiddos.

DIY Nap Mat with Pillow for Kids

Does your child have a lot of sleepovers? Or maybe they like to sleep anywhere besides their bed (of course). If so, then you are going to love this life-changing sewing project. Learn how to make a DIY Nap Mat with Pillow (for Kids) so that your child can sleep wherever they want and still be comfortable.

Not to mention that they'll wake up refreshed and happy. This DIY nap sack roll is an indoor sleeping bag with an attached pillow, intended for tots ages two through five. It rolls up for compact storage and is perfectly portable with a carrying strap.

Learning how to make a sleeping bag like this is not only easy, it offers a portable, easy-to-carry object for bringing to Grandma's house or any sleepover. Use either fleece or soft, Minky fabric to create this comfortable DIY toddler nap mat that's perfect for your child's next adventure.

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Project TypeMake a Project

Time to CompleteIn an evening

Sewn byMachine

Materials List

  • 1 yd fleece fabric
  • 2 yd Minky fabric
  • 28 in. elastic, 3-in wide
  • Polyfill stuffing (32 oz)
  • Straight pins
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Ball point needle (recommended)
  • Walking foot (recommended)

Easy stuffed animal patterns are some of the quirkiest and some of the quickest sewing projects for beginners out there because they are usually small and simple. So, if you're looking for more sewing projects for kids, be sure to look at25+ Easy Stuffed Animal Patterns

DIY Nap Mat

Notes and Tips:

  • Fleece and Minky fabrics are used for this project. If you are purchasing fabric that is at least 50 inches on the bolt, you will need 1 yard of fleece and Minky for the bag portion. You will also need Minky fabric for the pillow and strap, so purchase an additional yard of Minky, for a total of 2 yards of Minky fabric.
  • When sewing with fleece or Minky, a ball point needle is recommended.
  • Since we'll be sewing through several layers of thick fabric, you may want to use a walking foot if you own one.
  • Click on any image to enlarge.

How to Make a Nap Mat:

  1. Cut 2 rectangles 40 x 50-inches each, one from fleece and one from Minky. Place the rectangles right-sides together and pin the edges to prevent shifting.

  2. Sew side and bottom edges with a 1/4-inch seam, leaving the entire top edge open. Turn right side out.

  3. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the Minky on the outside. Pin the edges to prevent shifting.

  4. You will sew the short bottom edge and the long open edge. Stop sewing 12 inches away from the top, so that the bag is easy to climb in and out of. Sew with a 1/2-inch seam, or just inside the bulk of the previous seam.

  5. Turn right side out.

How to Sew the Pillow:

  1. Cut two pieces of Minky that are 24 x 20 in. Layer right sides together and pin.

  2. Sew the two short sides and the top with a 1/4-inch seam. Leave the bottom edge open. Turn right side out.

  3. Measure 4 inches in from the unsewn bottom edge. Mark with pins. Topstitch down the length of the pillow, leaving a 6-inch hole in the center for stuffing.

  4. Stuff the pillow with Poly-fill stuffing.

  5. Topstitch the center hole shut.

How to Sew the Strap:

  1. Now we'll work on the carrying strap. Cut a rectangle from Minky to 16 x 9 in. Fold in half lengthwise and pin.

  2. Sew down the long open edge with a 1/4-inch seam.

  3. Turn right side out.

How to Assemble the DIY Nap Mat:

  1. Slide the bottom edge of the pillow between the fleece and Minky layers on the back of the bag.

  2. Cut 2 pieces of wide elastic to 14 inches each. Fold elastic in half, to 7 inches in length.

  3. Place the bag face down. Slide the raw edge of the folded elastic between the fabric layers, about 4 inches in from each edge.

  4. Fold the fabric layers inward 1/2-inch to conceal the raw edge. Pin through only one layer of fleece and Minky; don't pin through the layers on the other side. Pin the elastic in place.

  5. Pin the looped edge of the elastic to the pillow to keep it out of the way while sewing.

  6. Pin the ends of the strap piece in the middle of the bag, between the two elastic loops. Again, pin through only one layer of fleece and Minky.

  7. Pin the loose portion of the strap to the pillow to keep it out of the way while sewing.

  8. Open the bag around the arm of your sewing machine so you are only sewing through one layer of fleece and Minky (and the flaps at the end of the pillowcase). Topstitch close to the edge of the fleece with a 1-inch seam, removing the pins as you go. Sew slowly, as the fabric is thick.

  9. Flip the bag to the front. Open the bag so you can fold under the raw edge of the Minky next to the pillow. Pin and sew with a 1-inch seam.

  10. Finally, fold in the fleece and Minky on the top of the bag. Align the edges and pin.

  11. Topstitch with a 1-inch seam.

How to Use the Nap Mat:

  1. To carry the bag, roll up from the bottom front.

  2. Loop the elastic around each end of the rolled-up bag.

  3. Use the carrying strap to tote the bag.

Does your child like camping indoors?
Let us know!

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