If you can’t afford or don’t like any of the commercially available crib sets, then make your own! I promise it is not very difficult. I made a set for my son when I was 8 months pregnant (I tend to procrastinate) and the hardest part was being pregnant. I had to cut out the fabric pieces on the floor and it was difficult to maneuver around my pregnant belly. I used another crib set as my guide, but I recently found a good, free tutorial.

J Caroline Creative offers this easy, free tutorial for making your own crib set. I appreciate that her tutorial includes crib safety guidelines. The tutorial is complete with directions for a dust ruffle, sheet, bumper, and quilt. You would pay $200 and up to purchase a pre-made set, but you could make your own for $100 or less depending on your fabric selections. I made my sons from some Dwell sheets that were on clearance at Room and Board. I think the total cost for his crib set was $50, compared to $350 for the similar pre-made Dwell crib set.

The best part of making your own is the ability to choose your own fabrics. There are still very few organic crib set options on the market and it may be easier to find what you like if you make your own. There are several great organic, eco-friendly fabric sources. Near Sea Naturals has a wide variety of fabrics in prints and solids, as well as all the notions like organic cotton thread and ribbon. Ten Fold Organics sells beautiful solid colored organic cotton that is sheeting weight. Purl Soho sells Michael Miller Organic fabrics. J Caroline Creative has a modest, neutral selection of organic fabrics as well (search organic). Most of these source offer fabric swatches for a nominal fee. I highly recommend ordering swatches before you order yardage.