How to Convert Your Own Clothes Into Nursing Clothes. Breastfeeding mothers don't always have to buy a whole new wardrobe; it's easy to convert items you already own into nursing clothes.
Things You'll Need
Blouses
Camisoles
Nursing Bras
Tank Top
Materials
Sewing Kits
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Step 1
Take a solid-colored T-shirt, and cut a vertical slit in it for easy nursing access. Make the opening long enough for comfortable access but not so long that the shirt loses its shape.
Step 2
Zigzag around the edges of the slit so that it doesn't fray.
Step 3
Cut a large square of fabric, big enough to cover the opening, plus a few inches all around. This can be a contrasting fabric, or it can match the T-shirt - your choice.
Step 4
Turn in a small hem all the way around the fabric square, and straight-stitch or zigzag around the edges with a sewing machine.
Step 5
Attach the fabric square to the T-shirt at the top and bottom - leave the sides open. This shirt is ready to be worn!
Step 6
Cut nursing openings in a camisole or lightweight tank top.
Step 7
Zigzag around the slits so that they don't fray.
Step 8
Layer the item (tucked in or untucked) under any T-shirt or shirt, and nurse without showing off your postpartum tummy.
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Step 9
Use a tank top in the same fabric as your T-shirt, if you want to be as inconspicuous as possible - it will be hard for anyone to see that you are nursing.
Tip
Consider your size, personal style and body type when choosing a fabric for the overlay; also remember just where the fabric will be worn. Placement of individual flowers can be particularly tricky. Dresses with attached vests can also be turned into nursing wear - just cut the openings in the layer beneath the vest and finish the edges so that they don't fray. Overalls with deep armholes or shoulder-strap closures make great nursing garments, as do overall-style jumpers and dresses.
Warning
Prewash the fabric, or it may shrink and spoil the shape of the shirt. Make sure the overlay is big enough to provide good coverage of the openings, or you'll be showing off more than you planned to! Nursing clothes take a lot of abuse, so be sure to choose durable, washable fabrics.