Cute Baby Clothes DIY
Some of the best cute baby clothes are those that are handmade. Have you ever considered making some yourself? If you have a sewing machine and a bit of time to spend, it is definitely within your ability to do-it-yourself (DIY). If you are unsure or inexperienced, start with a good beginner sewing project or two.
For beginners projects try to go with as few pieces as possible and use non-stretch fabrics. For example, cotton, maybe cotton and poly blends, or flannel. As you get some experience, fabrics with a bit of stretch can be attempted. A patchwork quilt is an excellent first project. Try one with mostly straight-lines.
Knits and such stretch fabrics are much more advanced, so, do some simple projects beforehand to get some confidence. But, you will be tempted to do these more difficult projects because there are so many cute baby clothes and such to make. Stay away from 4-way knits! Even experienced baby clothes makers consider it a nightmare to work with. If you do brave this advanced stuff be sure to use plenty of pins!
Save some money until you get more experience by recycling old material around the house. old flannel sheets or even regular sheets, old pants like khakis, any of this non-stretch fabric is good for the first few projects. As you get into the more advanced knits and stretchy stuff, t-shirts, jersey sheets, and old receiving blankets can be used.
An excellent, easy, quick project is to make a set of pajama pants. Here are other cute baby things you can make: flannel receiving blankets, rag quilt, diaper bag, burp cloths, carseat swaddle blanket, crib mobile, bib with sleeves, taggie blanket, pillowcase dress, carseat cover, diaper changing kit, bib made from dish towel. Just enter any of those into your favorite search engine such as Google with, maybe, “tutorial, or “free pattern” added to get instructions on how to make.
Most communities have a Jo-Ann fabric, or similar fabric store, nearby. They have a section dedicated to cloth diapering with instructional books that include color photos and paper patterns. Also, there are many online sewing communities that will be glad to share thoughts, ideas, and experience with you.
Start small and modest, there are so many great cute baby clothes project that it is easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t do a project if it seems to stressful, this should be fun. And, remember, with practice you will get better and can get more ambitious on future projects. Oh, and keep your seam ripper handy, LOL!
Here is a list of some wonderful web pages to check out:
http://www.handmadebabyclothes.org/handmade-baby-clothes/handmade-baby-clothes-neutral-series-neutral-newborn-knit-pants-tutorial
http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/tutorials
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/02/knit-receiving-blanketknit-baby-hats_08.html
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/09/super-simple-leggings-only-2-fabric-pieces.html
http://www.made-by-rae.com/2010/10/free-raes-basic-newborn-pant-sewing-pattern/
http://www.made-by-rae.com/2010/08/big-butt-baby-pants-sewing-pattern/
http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/p/tutorials_28.html
http://deliacreates.blogspot.com/2012/02/nesting-easy-baby-skirts.html
http://www.iammommahearmeroar.net/p/tutorials.html
