How to Make Many Baby Outfits from One Pattern

Patterns for baby outfits aren’t any cheaper than patterns for adult outfits. Patterns are well worth the money spent, though, if you can make many outfits from one. The type of pattern that will work best is one for a one piece sleeper that has long sleeves and feet.

After making the outfit shown there are many ways to change the pattern. Instead of cutting long sleeves in the sleeper cut short sleeves. Measure the baby’s arm from shoulder to just below the elbow to give you an idea of where to cut the sleeve.

Use the short sleeves in combination with short legs to make a romper. Measure baby’s leg from bottom of foot to just below the knee to get an idea of how much to cut the leg of the sleeper. After hemming it should be just the right length. You can also cut just the foot area off and make a romper that can be worn with walking shoes.

Cut the legs off of the pattern and make a cooler sleeper for baby. Make the short sleeves with this design for summer months. Or, cut the sleeves completely off and hem to make a sleeveless romper. These designs are great for use as a shirt that stays tucked in because of the crotch snaps. Instead of buying fabric that looks like sleeper material purchase stretch knits or something similar. The design can be long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless to wear with pants or shorts.

Cut the pattern slightly larger but cut it off mid-tummy. Cut a piece of fabric, alike or different from the top, to make a skirt. The fabric should be cut to reach from mid-tummy area to just below the knee, so that when hemmed, it will be the right length for a little girl. Cut the fabric to four times the width of the waist area on the original sleeper pattern. Mark the center front and center back of the top and skirt. Align these then pin the skirt to the shirt before stitching.

Instead of hacking the pattern, making the various outfits, fold the pattern to move certain pieces out of the way while you cut the proper shape. Fabrics and notions make all the difference when trying to make each outfit look completely different. Try ribbons, appliques, bows, buttons, pockets and other things that will make each outfit unique.

You don’t have to make every outfit from one pattern. Choose two or three patterns which will make dozens of different outfits. Choose one sleeper pattern, one dress pattern, and one two-piece pattern of shirt and pants. That way, you’ll always have a pattern on hand for the next baby outfit you make.