Pattern: Start with a free online nappy cover pattern - I used the Chloe Toes one, but there are many. Print, assemble, cut out the right size. Get another piece of paper and draw the shape & size you want for the romper front bib - I made mine with curved corners because the elastic goes on easier that way, but you could use bias binding or topstitching or whatever your favourite edge neatening technique is.
Cutting: If your fabric is big enough, you could cut the whole thing in one piece - if so, tape the bib and nappy cover patterns together along the front waist. I needed to use 2 tea towels, so I chose a stripy one for the nappy cover part and the embroidered end of another for the bib. I also cut a bib lining and 2 long straps (width of the tea towel, which is more than enough) from the second tea towel.
Sewing: How you construct it will vary depending on your preferred edging - you may want to cut elastic casings for the legs, or gather them and attach bias binding. This is what I did: 1) Sew the bib lining to the nappy piece - neither fabric had a wrong side, but if yours does, you want to sew with the right side of the bib facing the wrong side of the nappy. 2) Use the existing hem on the embroidered tea towel and sew the front bib to the nappy and lining (make sure the lining and bib match up - you should probably pin the top corners together at least). 3) Place pins to mark where gathered and ungathered sections start and finish - gather the leg curves and the centre back of the nappy - sew the fold-over elastic on (Use 3-step zigzag or other very stretchy stitch), stretching out as far as possible in the gathering areas and keeping flat in ungathered areas. When you get back to~5cm from the beginning point, stop, join the ends of the elastic with short straight stitches (right sides together), trim the ends 3-4mm from the stitching, then fold and stitch down the last 5cm with 3-step zigzag. 4) Make straps - I cut mine ~5cm wide, stitched the long sides together and turned them inside out. Sew the ends of the straps 6-10cm apart either side of the centre back. 5) If possible, try the romper on the child to test the best position for snaps on the hips and straps. I have only put on 2 each side and 1 on each strap for now, and when my daughter grows I will add more snaps - I have left the straps long enough for it to last several years unless it wears out.Pattern: Start with a free online nappy cover pattern - I used the Chloe Toes one, but there are many. Print, assemble, cut out the right size. Get another piece of paper and draw the shape & size you want for the romper front bib - I made mine with curved corners because the elastic goes on easier that way, but you could use bias binding or topstitching or whatever your favourite edge ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
2 large cotton tea towels, fold-over elastic, sewing thread, snaps
What was your inspiration?
My daughter inherited a cute romper similar to this, and I wanted to make her some more. After looking at vintage patterns on the internet, it occurred to me that the nappy cover pattern I've used before could be adapted to work.
Looking for patterns? Try one of these:
http://www.cheekydiapers.com/Free-Cloth-Diaper-Sewing-Patterns.html
What are you most proud of?
It's really quick to make! I think I will be making more like this and will add pictures here if I do.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
I used tea towels because it was a cheap way to get 2 co-ordinating pieces of cotton for a trial run - next time I will use cute quilting cottons - the size I am using I will only need 2 fat quarters. I am also thinking of lining the nappy part with PUL so I can use the romper instead of a nappy cover in summer and reduce the number of layers my toddler needs to wear.
Add your comment: