Kids

Video Tutorial of Bear Hug Wrap Romper

Pattern: Bear Hug Wrap Romper
Designer: Peek A Boo Patterns
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Wattle Hill
Size made: 3 months & 12 months
Adjustments: None
Pros: This is a really cute little wrap romper for your babies. Perfect as a baby shower gift.
Cons: None

Effortless Baby Dressing: A Dive into the Bear Hug Wrap Romper Pattern!

There’s something innately charming about dressing up babies; their outfits are like pint-sized versions of adult clothes, filled with cuteness overload. However, the practicality of baby outfits is just as crucial, if not more so, than their aesthetic appeal. That’s where the Bear Hug Wrap Romper pattern shines bright.

This pattern effortlessly combines style with functionality. The wrap design not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures a quick dressing process – a must during those late night changes or with a wriggly baby.

The rompers’ variety is another plus. It offers short and long sleeves, making it adaptable to different seasons and climates. The optional fold over cuffs is good for those bubbas who scratch themselves, protecting their hands and face. I also like the options of both cuffs or footies, ensuring your little ones remain snug as a bug.

I also think an important feature of babywear is ease of use in getting to the nappy/diaper. If you choose to add the inseam snap placket, it eliminates the hassle of fully undressing the baby, saving both time and effort.

I would say the most difficult part of the wrap is the binding. It can be quite tricky, however I suggest going slow and using something like double sided washaway tape to help keep it in place while you sew. Have a look at the tutorial I filmed below for additional tips and tricks.

I highly recommend for those sewing for their little ones or even as a thoughtful handmade gift for expecting friends and family!

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Sewing the Adorable Bear Hug Wrap Romper for Your Little One!

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Pattern Review of the Avonlea Knit Party Dress

Pattern: Avonlea Knit Party Dress
Designer: Peek A Boo Patterns
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from The Telarie & Netting from Spotlight
Skill level: Adventurous Beginner
Size made: 2
Adjustments: None
Pros: I love how sweet this one looks and the tulle overlay really makes it.
Cons: The collar takes some time to get right and I recommend basting it before you sew it in properly.

Where sweetness meets rainbow dreams

I’m not sure there is anything sweeter than a peter pan collar on a little one, so I LOVED being able to use this pattern for a friends little girl.

This is a great staple to have in your pattern library and lends itself well to quite a quick sew. Littlies also love twirling, and the half circle skirt on this one is perfect for that. When I gave Miss I this dress she immediately wanted to put it on and start to twirl in it. Made my heart sing.

I was a little worried about how the collar would sit being that it has the neck band over the top, but the only way to avoid that would be to line the bodice, either fully lined or partial, and to be honest, I couldn’t be bothered. I needed have worried as I think it turned out really well with the neck band anyway. I wouldn’t hesitate to do another one that way.

My other thing I loved about this pattern was the cute puff sleeves. They looked just so adorable!

To add the tulle overlay I simply cut the skirt piece out of the tulle and then treated it as one piece while I was attaching it. I did actually initially try a gathered skirt over the top of the half circle but it didn’t work. I didn’t have enough volume in the gathered skirt to give the circle skirt underneath the correct movement.

All in all I highly recommend this one!

What next?

Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right.

Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

Updated Pattern Review of the Dutchie Jacket

Kid wearing Dtchie Jacket by Ellie and Mac

back photo of kid wearing Dutchie Jacket by Ellie and Mac

happy boy photo of kids raising both arms

smiling photo of a kid wearing Dutchie jacket with hands in pocket

grinning photo of a kid wearing Dutchie jacket with hands in pocket

photo of a kid's Dutchie jacket front pockets

photo of a kid's Dutchie jacket side pockets

photo of a kid showing off something with both hands

photo of a mum and a kid who looks very happy

Pattern: Kids Dutchie Jacket
Designer: Ellie & Mac
Fabrics: Black French Terry from Rubyjam Fabrics and Buffalo Plaid Flannel from Spotlight
Skill level: Intermediate
Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
Size made: 3
Adjustments: Hacked their instructions on the welt pocket.
Pros:Love this jacket cause you can mix woven in the bodice with knit for the sleeves.
Cons: I found the instructions a little confusing. Definitely read each step before progressing.

The Wrap Up

I’ve actually made this jacket for Jemma before (which you can read here) and while I loved it, I found the instructions a little heavy to follow. To be honest, some of it is that because I am such a competent sewist I tend to assume what the next step will be and go ahead with what I logically think will work, but sometimes patterns need to be done in a certain way for all the elements to work, so it doesn’t always work in my favour to jump the gun!

As I mentioned in my last review, I wasn’t a huge fan of the visible stitching lines on the front welt pocket, so this time I was determined to alter them out. I cut out all the pieces and ended up having a think about it overnight and came up with a pretty good solution I think.

I filmed it all to show how I did, you can see it all in the YouTube video below.

It is definitely a great pattern all in all, I just recommend you take your time while sewing it and you will get great results.

How to eliminate the visible stitching lines on the welt pocket, plus short review.

What next?

Need help with your sewing?

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Pattern Review of the Preppy Polo

close up photo of a dark blue polo shirt with octopus print

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print climbing wall

Dark blue polo shirt with octopus print flatlay

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print smiling on a swing

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print looking down

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print standing

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print crouching

little boy in dark blue polo shirt with octopus print back photo

Pattern: Preppy Polo
Designer: Ellie & Mac Patterns
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Rubyjam Fabric
Skill level: Confident/Advanced Beginner
Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
Size made: 2T
Adjustments: I didn’t use the interfacing on the collar
Pros: This is a super cute pattern that can be used for boys or girls.
Cons: I’m not a huge fan of the way the placket is constructed. It turned out ok but it was just a bit clunky I thought.

The Wrap Up:

When I purchased this octopus material I was absolutely thrilled with how vibrant and beautiful it was when it arrived. I knew straight away that it would make a great top for my son.

I am one of the testers for Ellie & Mac Patterns, who have weekly sales on 7 of their patterns, so when I saw the preppy polo was coming up on sale, I thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase not only the pattern, but also this stinking cute fabric!

This is the first time I have made the preppy polo, so I paid close attention to the pattern instructions, however I chose to omit one big thing it suggested to do. I did not interface my collar with the knit interfacing they suggested. I often find when I interface things like neckbands it never stretches the way I want it to and I am often frustrated with the result, so I chose to skip that step. I don’t think it had an impact on the final look and I am very happy with how it turned out.

I also wasn’t a huge fan of how the placket was constructed in general. I may investigate a different way to construct next time, but for this time it was fine and looks good. I did make sure I interfaced the placket pieces as it is important to interface when using snaps or it can pull through the material.

A definite overall win for me though, can see many more of these being made!

What next?

Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right.

Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

New Born Gifts For My Best Friend

This article contains affiliate links throughout

When my best friend told me she was pregnant earlier this year, I was so excited! I know how much she’s been waiting to make that journey from Maiden to Mother, so hearing that she was expecting her own bundle of love was beyond exciting for me.

I was also excited of course at all the fun sewing opportunities. I love gifting hand made and I knew she would really appreciate anything I made for her. I got to work straight away thinking about what I wanted to make and the materials I wanted to use.

The Wrap Up:

The first set I made was two Waves & Wild Patterns. A pair of Over it Alls and a Pick n Mix Tee.

Waves & Wild have some incredible kids patterns and are up there with one of my favourite pattern designers. Particularly the Over it Alls. I don’t even know how many of those I have made! They are so quick and easy and have a very generous size range. Newborn to Age 12.

I chose to use some of Clover & Co. Fabrics Lounge rib as it is so incredibly soft and is made from 95.4% Cotton and 4.6% spandex, making it super breathable. The print is called Midnight Soleil and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it.

I did the short version in 000 size, hoping that her bubba boy will get some wear early next year before the weather turns. I also chose to use plastic Kam snaps for the straps but I highly recommend interfacing or at least adding another square scrap of fabric for extra stability under the snaps. They get quite a lot of strain when pulling them off that if they are not properly backed, they will pull through the fabric over time.

To pair with the Over it Alls I also made a teeny tiny size 000 Pick n Mix Tee. I chose this one for the envelope neckline which if you have kids, you’ll know if a lifesaver when they get covered in anything from poop to food. Not having to pull it over their head and spread it more in their hair, instead being able to peel off over their body is SO much easier!

The awesome thing about the Pick n Mix is that within the one pattern there is also a sleep sack and body suit. The other necklines include snap neck and crew neck. You can also have either short or long sleeves and there is a handy fold over mitten option so those tiny little fingernails can’t scratch themselves.

Again I chose to make it from Clover’s Lounge rib, in their Stripes of Soleil print.

The next gift I made was one that I but a lot of thought into. Although my friend grew up here on the mainland, she now lives in Tasmania and is obviously where she is building her family. So through Clover & Co. I was able to use a fabric that has roots in Tasmania which I knew she would love.

The design, called Wattle, is from Clover’s NAIDOC round and is designed by local First Nations artist, Annie from Pia Designs. My friends partner has lived and worked with First Nations people out at Uluru, Alice Springs and they both have incredible respect for First Nations people so I knew this print would be perfect.

For this piece I chose to make a short leg Zippie from Peek A Boo Pattern Shop. I’ve done a pattern review before about the Classic zip PJ set, as its honestly one of my favourite sleepwear patterns to make. Both my kids LOVE their homemade zippies in funky fabrics. So much more than they ever did their Bonds ones. It also has a really generous size range of Newborn to 10/12.

I was also able to use another incredible Australian supplier for this one, Dreamy Bag Hardware. Coincidently, another Tassie based business! I used their ‘Made in Tassie’ zip pull and number 5 zip tape. As the Made in Tassie pull is quite chunky, and I wanted to have a two way zip for ease of nappy changes, I chose to use a slim line pull for the bottom pull, still in the antique brass to keep it within the theme.

So all in all a very Tassie themed sew for my Tassie based friend with her soon to be Tassie born babe!

Seeing the joy on her face when she received these was so worth the trip down there, as was the beautiful 2 days I got to spend with her.

I can’t wait to see her little man in these!

Links:

Waves & Wild – Over it Alls

Waves & Wild – Pick n Mix

Peek A Boo – Classic Zipper Pjs

Clover & Co Lounge Rib

Pia Designs

Dreamy Bag Hardware

Video tutorial of the Waves & Wild Over it Alls:

How to add a knit binding feature to the Kids Discoverer Tee

I love the kids discoverer tee. Its such a great, simple pattern with great colour blocking. It’s one of my go to patterns when making the kids basics.

Recently, I’ve been adding a little contrast knit binding at the front colour blocking, just to give the pattern a little something-something and I really think it jazzes it up a little. The best thing is, its really EASY to do! In this blog, I’ll walk you through all the steps you need to take to add your own contrast binding. If you haven’t already, grab the pattern here:

Kids Discoverer Tee

Let’s get started!

The first thing you need to do is cut out all your pattern pieces as per instructed in the pattern. You should have the front top piece, back top piece, 2 bodice pieces (front and back), sleeves, neckband and the optional cuff and waistband pieces if thats what you are doing, as shown below. (I chose not to do those pieces and will hem my sleeves and tee so they are not pictured)

Once you have cut those pieces, you are going to take one of the bodice pieces and measure how wide it is across the top. I’m making the 2T and its about 12 inches from side to side.

Measure the top of your bodice piece as indicated here

You are now going to cut a piece of knit fabric that is going to be your binding. You want this to be about an inch longer than what you measured the top of your bodice piece to be anything from a 1-2 inches in width. For this tee I cut mine 2 inches wide, but I think I actually prefer the original knit binding I did on the black and grey tee which I’m pretty sure was only 1 inch wide. You just need to take into account that you are going to loose about 1/4 of an inch or more when sewing it on.

I used a clear quilting ruler to cut mine which made it really easy to mark out the 2 inches width and the length I wanted of 13 inches long.

Once you’ve cut your knit binding piece, fold it in half, wrong sides together and give it a press if you like. Then you are going to pin/clip it along the top of the bodice piece, raw edges together. It should look like the image below.

Baste the binding piece to the bodice piece with a long straight stitch on your sewing machine.

Clip/pin your binding piece to your bodice piece

Now lay your top front piece on top of the bodice and knit binding piece, aligning the raw edges so the knit binding piece is sandwiched between the bodice and the top front bodice piece. The edges of the binding will stick out at the sides but thats ok, we’ll trim them after. Pin/clip in place and serge them together.

Top front bodice pin/clipped to your bodice piece

Flip the front bodice piece up and press the seam toward the top. Top stitch the seam in place using your preferred top stitching method. I have used a cover-stitch but a stretch stitch or twin needle on a normal machine will look nice as well.

The seam has been pressed up and topstitched

Trim the sides to neaten up your front bodice piece.

Tadah! You can now continue with the instructions as indicated in the pattern.

As I mentioned above, have a try with different widths until you get the width of knit binding you are happy with. I think adding the binding gives this tee such a snazzy look and helps give it a little extra something!

Thanks for reading, I really hope it helped you add your own knit binding to your kids discoverer tee. Tag me on instagram with your makes, I’d love to see them! @sewandtellau

Gallery:

Pattern Review of the Classic Zip Pj’s

Pattern: Classic Zipper Pj’s
Designer: Peek A Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: Clover & Co Fabrics, Ruby Jam Fabrics
Measurements: Various
Size made: Various
Adjustments: None
Pros: So many pros, they are a great one piece zipper pj for kids of all ages
Cons: Not any really!

Links:

Classic Zipper Pjs

Clover & Co Fabrics

Ruby Jam Fabrics

The Wrap Up:

Without doubt, the Classic Zip Pj’s are my go-to for any zippered Pj. I have made so many now cause I just LOVE them!!

I originally looked for a pattern because my daughter loved wearing the Bonds Zippies but she then grew out of their size range. I asked in a sewing group and as per usual the incredible sewing community delivered, suggesting the Peek A Boo pattern.

I love that there are 2 styles with the long and short zippie as well as long and short sleeve, so you can mix and match the leg and sleeve length options. There is also a zip guard option, but I tend to do more of a zip guard ‘tab’ if I want to include a zip guard, which just encloses the top of the zip, not the full length of the zip.

I have mainly made them from cotton lycra, but I did make a gorgeous newborn gift from a printed rib knit from Clover and Co fabrics and definitely fell in love with that. I also love using my own zipper tapes and zip pulls. its such a fun way to personalise them even further. I have some Star Wars fabric sitting there that I am going to make a gift from and bought a baby yoda zip pull to go with it. I can’t wait to finish that one and gift it.

One of my top tips for sewing this garment however would be to use washable double sided tape when installing the zip. It can be tricking sewing zips into stretch fabrics, but using a washable tape is a HUGE help. You can get it from more fabric/craft stores like Spotlight and also places Amazon stock it as well.

I have definitely got some great use from this pattern and consider it a staple for my kids wardrobe and I dare say you will too! Now where can I get an adult version….?! hehe

Gallery:

Pattern Review of the Colour Block My Way Hoodie

Pattern: Your Way Hoodie
Designer: Ellie & Mac
Fabrics: Wattle Hill Fabrics
Measurements: Chest:21.5″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
Size made: 2T
Adjustments: None
Pros: This is a great jumper for heading into Winter. Colour blocking is always a win for me.
Cons: The neckline was a little small in testing, but it was fixed for the final file.

Links:

Your Way Hoodie

Wattle Hill Fabrics

The Wrap Up:

Before I had a boy, I used to think that I wouldn’t be able to dress him up cute and fun like a girl, but I’m pleased to say, I was wrong.

True, it is a different kind of cute and fun, but, especially because I make Ted’s clothes, I have control over the fabrics. I have stocked up the last two years on super cute designs to deck out his wardrobe. The forest friends I used in this test is a personal fave of mine. I bought the same print in Soft Shell last year and I was wrapped when I saw that Wattle Hill Fabrics had it in a French Terry. I was very excited to pull this one out for the finals of this test along with their jogging sweater fleece in these really earthy colours to compliment it.

Pretty fabrics aside, this jumper was a super easy make and came together quite quickly. The fun ‘secret’ pocket at the front is a nice touch and perfect for any kid that likes to stash things away. Be it snacks, trucks, dirt… the options are endless! Haha, just don’t forget to check the pocket before you wash it!

I’m also a fan of the dropped shoulders look and hood coming into the colder weather. Very happy with this make indeed!

Gallery:

Pattern Review of the Kids Billie Bomber

Pattern: Kids Billie Bomber
Designer: Petite Stitchery Co
Fabrics: Sew Unique Fabrics French Terry
Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
Size made: 2T
Adjustments: None
Pros: Is fully lined and has the option of either snap enclosure or Zip
Cons: Being fully lined it is quite labour intensive, but so worth it.

Links:

The Wrap Up:

I have had this jacket in my head for AGES! So when I had this strike fabric to sew, it was the perfect opportunity to help it come to life. I chose the Billie Bomber as I liked the size range it came in with the option of the baby bomber as well as the kids version.

I love the ‘varsity’ type look and I thought it would be just the cutest on Ted, so I looked for a varsity font online (which I’ve linked above), measured the area I wanted it to go and then typed out the letter and projected it onto my panel piece to see if it was a good size. From there I traced it onto a piece of paper so I could use it as a template to cut out my white cuddle fleece and main fabric letter. Final stage was sewing each layer onto the panel in a normal straight stitch and voilá! Perfect!!

After I had done that I followed the rest of the instructions as per normal to make up the jacket. This was my first time doing a proper lined bomber style jacket and while it wasn’t overly hard, it was time consuming and I had to concentrate a lot on what I was doing. Especially as this is designed to be a fully reversible jacket, so there are extra steps to ensure all seams are enclosed and neat. I am pleased with the final result and glad to have added to my skill set. Plus I have a super spunky almost 2yo ready to rock this winter. Stop growing so fast baby boy!

Gallery:

Pattern Review of the Kids Raglan Tee

Pattern: Kids Raglan Top
Designer: Ellie & Mac
Fabrics: Accent Fabric – Wattle Hill Fabrics
Measurements: Chest: 21″
Size made: 2T
Adjustments: None
Pros: Raglan style on kids look so trendy & a great unisex tee option. They are also so simple in construction.
Cons: None

Links:

Kids Raglan Tee

Wattle Hill Fabrics

The Wrap Up:

As the weather turns colder in Melbourne, I’ve started having to pull out the long sleeve tops. I was a little shocked to realise all the long sleeve tops I have for Mr T are 2 sizes too small. Whoops. Lucky he has a mum who can sew him up some winter ready gear in no time!

The Ellie and Mac kids raglan tee just happened to be on their weekly sale, which made it a great opportunity to grab it cheap and have it in my kids pattern stash. The fact it is unisex and can easily switch between the kids depending on your fabric choice just made it that much easier to decide to buy it.

I’d had the tan cotton lycra in my stash for a while. I loved the funky look of it the first time i saw it while browsing Wattle Hill Fabrics and thought it would pair really well with a plain black. I think the combo is just right.

One of the things I love about raglan style sleeves is that they are so easy to put together. As they form part of the neckline, there is no easing the sleeve into the arm hole which I think helps simplify the whole process.

So if you want an easy tee pattern for your stash, the kids raglan is a great choice.

Gallery: