How to Customize Crib Bedding

Choose either solid or printed crib bedding. Solid bedding works better for customizing with embroidery or iron-on transfers. If you are planning to make your own custom crib bedding, choose scrap materials or old articles of clothing or old blankets that hold sentimental value to you. The pieces may be scrap blocks of your first outfit, or the last dress you saw your grandmother wear.

Embroider the infant's name or initials onto the crib bedding. Embroidery usually looks best if placed in the center, or at a corner. However, you may get creative and embroider numerous inspirational quotes to cover the entire piece of bedding.

Use iron-on transfers in a similar way. Design patterns, photo layouts or text on a computer. Print your creations off on iron-on transfers. You may use photos and text, or design a family tree diagram and fill it in. Print it in reverse so the iron-ons will come out right when you iron them onto the bedding.

Test the iron-on transfers on scrap material to determine exactly how long it takes the iron-on to transfer completely. Stretch out the preferably solid bedding, and apply the iron-on transfer face down. Run a clothing iron over the back of the transfer several times until the test transfers. Repeat with the bedding transfers. Allow the bedding to cool, wash before using to prevent the transfers from rubbing off on your infant's face and body.

Cut quilt blocks out of scrap material, old clothes and old blankets. Use a crib bedding pattern to sew the pieces together, add an elastic hem and you have custom made your own bedding from scrap materials or sentimental materials or clothing.