My Beginners Tips for Sewing Kids & Baby Clothes

Hey sewing buddies! This is one for newbies to sewing, or anyone who would like a refresher on choosing projects with kids in mind.

With so many gorgeous options for sewing patterns around for kids and baby clothing, and a huge ongoing trend for “mini-me” dressing, making clothes for kids and babies can be great fun.

However, sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin. Whatever you choose to make, here are my top tips you may find useful.

1.       CHOOSING FABRIC

Fabric choices are huge, and for kids clothing you can be really bold with colour and print. Here are a couple of things to consider:

· Make sure your choices are washable and iron friendly. Avoid hand wash options unless it’s a one off special occasion piece. And always wash prior to cutting.

· Stretch jersey fabrics are great for kids, easy to run around in and comfortable. Other great options to consider are Cottons, Cords, Fleeces, Cut & Sew Knits, French Terrys, Linens, Double Gauzes, Voiles and Muslins.

· Aim for natural cloths over synthetic as they are more breathable. Avoid anything that could be restrictive.

· There are some gorgeous super soft cloths around to choose from, just make sure your choices are breathable.

· Consider hardwearing cloths for active kids.

· Prints are great as they hide stains/spills well.

WINNING TIP: When picking prints consider the scale of the motif and how it will fit on the garment. Kids and especially baby pattern pieces can be very small so worth checking the size before you buy.

2.       CONSIDER THE CHILDS NEEDS

· When choosing your pattern, consider what the child likes to wear. What do you often put them in, or see them in? They can be quite vocal when it comes to what they like and dislike and there’s no point in spending all that time making something you love for them to decide they’re not going to wear it!

· Can they dress themselves yet? Dependent on their age and abilities, think about using elastic waistbands as they are easy to pull up. Poppers are useful for easy access to nappies.

· Do they have long legs that may mean you need to lengthen the pattern?

· Do they have a skin condition such as eczema? If yes avoid labels, exposed zips, or Velcro.

WINNING TIP: Watch them play. Do they need reinforcement on any areas such as knee and elbow patches?

3.       CHOOSING THE CORRECT SIZE

Every child is different so check your child’s measurements before you start. As with buying in store, they won’t always be the size their age suggests.

· Make sure you measure your child at the key areas (chest, waist, hips, height) and check your measurements against the size chart on your chosen pattern pack.

· Select the size that is a combined best fit across all the measurements. If in doubt go up a size. Kids are all shapes and sizes, so you may find you have different sizes for your measurements. If this is the case, go up a size.

· Keep trying the garment on as you sew. If anything isn’t looking right, you can adjust and unpick before you get too far along.

WINNING TIP: Test the neckband if making a stretch garment by pulling over the child's head before attaching to your garment. These can often come up tight depending the fabric you have used. This way, you can extend the band if necessary. For further information on this, take a look at our online tips at www.patternpaperscissors.co.uk

4.       FASTENINGS:

Remember to pick kid friendly fastenings when putting your make together.

· Think about the age of your child, what's their capability? Give them autonomy when dressing themselves. Generally, kids over 5 can manage buttons by themselves.

· Go for trims such as poppers (snaps), zips, elastics and Velcro.

· Avoid tiny buttons & rouleau loops as they can be tricky to fasten.

5.       SAFETY POINTS:

Safety is important with any garment but especially with kids' clothes. Here are a few points to remember:

· Check you’ve removed all pins, if in doubt grab a strong magnet and rub over the final garment to check.

· Avoid long ties and as these can get caught on things.

· Secure drawstrings by stitching a holding stitch near the opening, removing any chance they can come loose.

· Make sure all loose threads are trimmed away.

· Make sure all your trims and fastenings are securely attached.

· Use fire resistant fabrics and components.

And finally, a few last tips I know have always helped me along the way.

Don’t forget, it seems like a lot to remember but it really is easy once you get going!

· Always trace off the pattern so you can use it again.

· Press every seam! Do this as you go. It is amazing what a difference a good press can make. 

· Use interfacing at pressure points such as buttonholes/buttons, poppers, plackets, pocket corners.

· Lengthen the hem depth on your pattern pieces. This is an effective way to ensure the garment lasts for longer. As the child grows you can release the hem and extend.

· Kids clothing can be relatively forgiving as seams, pockets, plackets, etc tend to be on the bigger size scale wise. Plus, your recipient is unlikely to notice any mistakes!

Got a question? Give me a shout on enquiries@patternpaperscissors.co.uk

Happy Sewing,

Love Becky xx