How to Applique a Onesie

Gerber Onesies are always a hit at baby showers.

Gerber Childrenswear LLC.'s Onesies are infant bodysuits that are essentially T-shirts with the shirt length extended to accommodate fastening at the crotch. The practically of Onesies have made them a favorite infant garment since their invention more than 30 years ago. Even though they are available in colors with pre-embroidered designs, it is easy to turn plain, white Onesies into lovely, appliqued bodysuits, suitable for gift giving. They're easy to make, so why not make two Onesies for your next baby shower.

Things You'll Need

• White Onesies
• Plain paper
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Compass
• Scissors
• Scraps of colorfast cotton, variety of prints and colors
• Iron-on fusible fond
• Iron
• Hand sewing needles
• Thread or embroidery floss

Instructions

1. Determine the shape of the applique and whether it will be a single piece of fabric or a design made of multiple pieces.

2. Draw the design on plain paper. Use drawing tools such as the straight edge and compass to create precise elements.

3. Cut out the paper patterns and assemble the multiple pieces like a puzzle to verify that they fit together as you had planned.

4. Iron the fusible bond to the back side of the fabric, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not remove the paper layer.

5. Trace the patterns onto the paper layer of fusible bond.

6. Cut the elements out of the fabric.

7. Peel off the paper layer and position the elements on the Onesies.

8. Iron the elements onto the Onesies, following manufacturers instructions.

9. Thread the needle and sew around the applique to secure the edges. Use a simple running stitch for a rustic look, or create a more finished edge with an embroidery stitch, such as a blanket stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Fabrics designed for infants are available with designs that can be cut out and appliqued, or tiny prints can be captured in simple geometric shapes. Quilting designs are a great source of inspiration for assembled elements like flowers or teddy bears.

• Follow fusible bond instructions carefully to avoid scorching the fabric.

• Place a piece of wax paper between the iron and the fabric to avoid transferring a sticky coating from the bond to the iron.

References

• "Appliquilt Your Abc's";Tonee White;1995
• "Creative Touches - How to Add Flair to Ready-to_Wear";Leisure Arts, Inc.;1992
• Welcome to Gerber Childrenswear