Sewing for children is so rewarding. There are rarely issues with size or whether they like it or not. Just a few measurements and you can have their summer clothes ready to go.
To make sewing for your children even more rewarding you can plan to sew more than one garment. Just pick a pattern that is simple and can be repeated multiple times in one session.
Free Pattern For Shorts
I had some small pieces of fabric that I wanted to do something with and knew just the thing I needed to sew. My Grandson is a chunky monkey. Sometimes shorts just do not fit him the right way. He has a long trunk. I wanted to make him some shorts and I knew that if I was going to sit down and sew little boys shorts I needed to make more than one pair.
Sewing in batches is the perfect way to get more done. Especially when it is something simple. I do recommend not sewing too many pairs at one time just because you may get bored, but why not sew 2 or 3 pairs at one time.
Any sewing project requires time and some concentration. I always have to rip something out at least one time, so don’t get discouraged if you do too. Make a plan, gather your materials and get started.
Measure Well
I used an old vintage pattern that I have had for years. If you are making shorts, then measuring the waist will be an important measurement. The same principle applies if you were making pants or a fitted at the waist skirt. I also measured his waist so I would know which size to choose. Since it was an old pattern I ended up using the size 4. Most patterns will have the measurements and sizes on the back. Old vintage patterns tend to run small. Chose fabrics you love, especially if you are going to batch sew.
Measuring for size is one of the most important things when using commercial patterns. The newer ones are more accurate. Older patterns are not in line with the size you may buy in ready to wear garments. I guess we used to be smaller people.
Step 1 in Sewing For Children
- Cut the pattern out.
If it is an old paper pattern you have to cut the pattern out of the tissue paper. If it is a pattern you have to download and cut out then you have to download, print it out and then cut.
Step 2
- Pin the pattern on your fabric.
Sometimes I pin the pattern on the fabric before I cut it out. Sometimes I use weights to hold the pattern down and then cut it out.
Step 4
- Cut the pattern out of your fabric.
I did this 3 times out of 3 different fabrics. It is just as easy to cut out 3 as 1 and very efficient.
Step 5
- With right side together sew the back seams together.
I sewed these seams twice and serged them. It may seem like overkill but with little boys, I just thought it best. If you do not have a serger just zigzag the seam. Anything to finish them off nicely since they will be washed many times. So if you cut out three pairs of shorts you will be going to your sewing machine with all 3 pairs and stitching away!
Step 6
- With right side together sew the front seams together.
Again, if you cut out six pairs, do all six pairs. That is why it is called batch sewing. Not fun, but it will be fun when you have all of them done.
Step 7 of Sewing For Children
- Next, you will sew the front to the back. Follow your pattern’s instructions. I am just giving you the way I did them.
I serged every seam. Double sew in places you feel like take extra stress, like the seat and crotch.
Step 8
- Sew the crotch.
Serge the crotch and double stitch. If you do not have a serger then just zigzag the seems. Some days I spend more time getting my serger to work than it is worth. That is when I zigzag. So do not feel bad if you do not have one.
Step 9
- Iron the heck out of every seam as you go along.
Ironing makes the difference between something looking homemade and something looking handmade. There is a difference and if you do not have a good ham.
Get one. They are a must-have when you sew for yourself or children. I have 2. The soft one listed above from Amazon and the wooden one. Both are for seams. You want your work to look good after so much work.
Step 10 Iron Some More
Iron the hem at the bottom and the waist where your elastic will be.
If you go ahead and iron the fabric in preparation for sewing it makes everything go so much smoother. I also like to add a little piece of ribbon or braid in the waistband of the back of the pants so my little man will know where the back is and mom too. This is such a great idea that my mother-in-law taught me when she used to make pajamas for my little ones. It looks like this,
Step 11 Tag In The Back
It will make putting those little britches on the right way so much easier.
- Make sure you measure the little one’s waist before you put the elastic in the case.
Nothing is more aggravating than to have to take this out after you have sewn the waist casing closed because it is too small.
Step 12
- Sew the casing and pant leg hem with a straight stitch.
Do this for all the pants you cut out. Do each step together for each pair.
- Then sit back and admire your work.
Sewing for children can be fun and fairly easy. Especially when you can batch sew and get more done at one sitting. Try it out.
The Right Tools Make All The Difference
I did want to mention one thing. When you have the right equipment it does make all the difference in the world. One piece of equipment you really need to have is a Good pair of scissors. I have had many different kinds and this pair that my husband got me for Christmas is the best. I absolutely love them. They cut better than any pair I have ever had. I will put a link here for them.
KAI 7230 Professional Shears.
I bought them and they are fantastic.
Next time you want to sew for your children plan to sew in batches. It can make your sewing time more efficient and will reward you with multiple garments done at one time. Pick simple garments that can easily be sewn all at one sitting. Gather your tools and materials for the day and start sewing. Happy Sewing, Janet
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