How to Make Outfits for Kids

Sewing kids' clothes can be fun and economical.

Children outgrow clothing quickly, which can make a huge dent in your budget, especially in the early years. The ability to sew their clothes yourself can save a lot of money. In addition, the clothes for kids available in stores generally all have a similar look. When you sew clothes for your kids, you can customize them however you choose. Sewing can also help if your child does not fit into most commercially available clothes. Making outfits for kids is fun, creative and economical.

Instructions

1. Select patterns and fabric for the clothes you will make. Choose durable fabrics, such as denim, fleece or corduroy, for clothes that will be used for play or everyday wear.

2. Wash the fabric. Do not use fabric softener in this pre-wash stage. Tumble dry fabric to see if it will shrink. Iron fabric.

3. Cut out pattern pieces and use as a template to cut out the pieces of fabric. Modify the measurements of waist or inseam if necessary to fit your child.

4. Sew the pieces of fabric together according to the pattern directions, allowing 1/2-inch for seams. Embellish with trims or accents, such as lace or ribbon, if desired.

5. Try the finished product on your child to make sure it fits properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure your child's waist, hip and inseam to determine which size pattern you should use. Although sizing may be similar to what your child is wearing now, patterns often run larger.

References

• Love to Sew: Sewing for Children
• Fabrics.net: Sewing and Clothing for Children