How to Make a Toddler Shirt

Pattern catalogs offer all kinds of cute shirts for toddlers. Most toddler shirt patterns also come with pants, skirts or hats, so be sure to pick a pattern that’s the best value, or that includes other patterns you like. You can sometimes find toddler shirt patterns in the easy and inexpensive pattern section. Most toddler shirts are fairly easy to sew, and they don’t require much fabric. Be sure to choose fabric that’s soft and comfortable as well as cute and colorful.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• toddler shirt pattern
• fabric
• matching thread
• soft measuring tape
• scissors
• straight pins
• iron
• ironing board
• sewing machine

Make a Toddler Shirt

1. Pick a pattern for the toddler shirt. Most patterns come in multiple sizes. Depending on the size of your toddler, you may find the right size in the infants' or children’s patterns.

2. Buy fabric for the toddler shirt, using the guidelines on the pattern envelope to determine how much you need and what type to use. Pullover shirts usually need to be made from knit fabric that will stretch, while shirts with buttons or tie-on straps can be made from cotton or other materials.

3. Pick out thread that matches the fabric, as well as any other supplies you need, such as fusible interfacing, buttons or trim.

4. Cut out the pattern pieces you need for the shirt, using the cutting lines for the appropriate size. If you’re not sure which size your toddler needs, you can measure your toddler around the chest and from the back of the neck to the waist. Most patterns have a size chart, or give the measurements for the finished toddler shirt.

5. Wash the fabric to make sure it’s soft, and preshrunk if necessary. Iron any wrinkles out of the fabric.

6. Fold the fabric in half and pin the patterns to it, following the guide in the pattern directions. Cut out all the fabric pieces you need.

7. Pin the fabric pieces right sides together, following the pattern directions. Sew the shirt together using the seam allowance recommended in the directions. It’s very important to use the right seam allowance so that the shirt will come out the right size.

8. Press all the seams after you sew them, and clip any loose threads to make sure the toddler shirt is comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• The small seams in toddler shirts, particularly in areas like the armholes, can be challenging to sew. Pin everything before sewing it, sew slowly and take care not to sew the openings closed.
• Use caution when working with scissors, irons, pins and sewing machines.

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