Make Your Own Childrens Clothes... For Free

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Below, I've given directions for making tops and pants. Bear in mind, how ever, that you're by no means limited to just these two kinds of garments. Once you've learned how to sew a top, for instance, it's no trick to create a dress (by lengthening the top) . . . or a vest (omit the sleeves) . . . or a coat (use heavy material for the top and add buttons) . . . or any of several other variations. What you make of your tops and trousers is up to you and your imagination!

THE BASIC CHILD'S TOP

For this, you'll need [1] an old shirt to use as a pattern, [2] a piece of material at least 6" wider than the "pattern" and at least twice as long (or twice the length you want the top to be plus 4"), and [3] a piece of matching or harmonizing fabric -approximately 15" squareto use as facing material. (Note: Your "pattern" must, of course, fit the intended wearer. Don't use a stretchy pullover-type top as a pattern or your finished garment may turn out too small.)

Begin by folding the shirt you intend to use as a pattern in half, sleeve to sleeve. Fold your material in half lengthwise (right side in), then widthwise, as shown in Fig. 1. Lay the pattern on it.

Next, trace around the pattern with chalk, leaving a 3/4" seam allowance. For straight sleeves, draw a sleeve line that's parallel to the top of the material (Fig. 1-A) . . . for looseflowing or puffed sleeves, draw a diagonal line to the armpit (Fig. 1-B). If the top is for a boy, draw straight sides . . . otherwise, make the sides flare diagonally outward (Fig. 1) .

OK. Cut your shirt material out along the chalk lines, then-using the.old shirt (your pattern) as a guide-cut a curve for the neck as shown in Fig. 1. (For purposes of demonstration, I'm going to assume your pattern shirt has a scoop neck.) Remember that you can always cut more fabric off later . . . but if you cut the neck opening too big, you can't "uncut" it. When you're done, open the material up and have your young'un try it on to see if the neck hole is too small.

Now fold the shirt in half, sleeve to sleeve, right side in (Fig. 2). Cut a rectangular piece of fabric the width of the neck opening plus 4" all the way around. This is your facing: When sewn to the neck, turned under, and pressed, it'll give the neck opening a smooth, finished edge.

Next, fold the facing lengthwise and pin it to the garment (Fig. 2). Trace the neck outline onto the facing and cut it to match the shirt's neck opening. Then remove the pins. open up the garment and facing, and round off the facing's edges with a pair of shears.

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