Flosstyle

Practical PDF Sewing Patterns

in Artiste· Blogs by Jess· Boutique and Hybrid Bibs· Flosstyle Patterns· Star Shorts· Ventura Lite· Zoo

Making Christmas clothing for your children

Making clothes for your children is great because you can get them involved in the process. Your little ones can choose the fabric they want and share any other design ideas that they have with you. Have you ever had the perfect article of clothing for your little one in mind but not been able to find it in store? Why not use our PDF patterns to make it yourself. You can also use sewing your own children’s clothing as an opportunity to teach your children to learn how to sew too. I remember when I was little my mum would make all my clothes for me and get me involved in the process. When I was old enough to use a sewing machine, we went through the whole process of sewing a dress together., including picking out the pattern and choosing the fabric and even the zipper! It’s one of the best memories I have with my mum and it taught me a useful creative life skill. Creative activities are a great way for your family to spend quality time together.

Making clothes for your children won’t just make them happy, it will make you happy too! Sewing has been proven to improve your mood, mental health and overall wellbeing. Our shop has a variety of PDF patterns to choose from to get you started creating your own children’s clothing. If you’re not familiar with PDF patterns, read our blog post outlining all the benefits of PDF patterns over traditional sewing patterns. 

Handmade articles of clothing are unique and one of a kind. Even if you use the same dress pattern multiple times, each item will be different and unique. Handmade clothing items aren’t just for your children, but they can be made for gifts for the other children in your life, like your nieces, nephews, and children of friends. 

Below I’ve curated my top six flosstyle PDF patterns to download for Christmas clothing creations: whether they be for yourself or for gifts! If you haven’t used PDF patterns before, give our how-to guide a read and you’ll be an expert in no time.

Bibs 

Boutique Bib and Hybrid Bib pattern duo is a perfect and simple gift idea for newborns up to toddlers. Both bibs are adjustable to grow as the child grows. This pattern is suitable for beginners and is quick and easy to whip up. To make the bib extra special, we have a free how-to guide for inverted applique without using any glue or leaving the design with zigzag edges: just neat lines. 

Dresses

Why not make a dress for the little cuties in your life? The Artiste Dresses Set pattern set comes with three interchangeable patterns for advanced beginners. 

Skirts

Six skirt patterns for six dollars – how good is that? The Milkshake Skirts pattern set is suitable for beginners and will you keep you busy creating all sorts of adorable skirts for the little ones in your life. 

Tees 

There is nothing better than a plain tee. The Ventura Lite pattern is perfect for your little ones t -shirt needs. 

Shorts 

The Star Shorts pattern set contains five different shorts patterns for boys and girls. Shorts are great for everyday wear and for playtime at the park and in the backyard. 

And everything else

If you can’t decide on the above, then the Zoo Collection pattern set is for you. The Zoo pattern is basically a magical pattern that will enable you to make rompers, tee’s dresses and even swimmers! The patterns contained in the Zoo collection range in ability levels from beginner to intermediate. 

We hope this post has inspired you to get creative this festive season. If you use any of the above patterns to create Christmas goodies, please be sure to tag us in a picture of them and we will repost it on our page! 

Happy sewing!

Jess 

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in Capsule Wardrobe· Flosstyle Patterns· Pattern Hack· Sew Along· Sew For kids· Sewing for Baby· Sewing for Boys· Sprouts· Trees· Tutorials· Uncategorized· Zoo

Pajamas – Winter Sewing Series – Sewing The Facing and Top 02

This series will show you how to make snuggly pajamas for your little ones this winter in the Southern Hemisphere! See my previous blogpost on hacking the Zoo pattern to make a facing.

In this post we will go through the steps to sew up the Zoo PJ top for my son. I have made a few changes to the construction and shall note them throughout.

Step 1: Pin facing right sides together at the shoulder seams. Sew them together with 1/4″ or 7mm seam allowance.

Repeat this with shoulder seams of the top too. Finish the rew edges with a serger or zigzag stitch.

Step 2: Interface your snap placket pieces and face the short ends right sides together, pin and sew 1/4″ or 7mm. Trim seam allowance to turn out sharp corners. Turn right side out and press well.

Step 3: Pin the placket raw edges along the raw edges of the top front. Then take the facing and pin right sides together around the neckline, then thr front, sandwiching the placket inbetween.

See that the shoulder seams on the facing and top are nested inopposite directions to reduce bulk.

Step 4: Sew from the bottom of one front around the neckline and down the opposite front. See image bottom right – sew 1/2″ or 1cm hem seam allowance – ONLY of the facing and hem. See bottom left – Trim back the seam allwance at the corners of the hem facing and neckline facing.

Step 5: Turn the facing towards the inside of the top. Press and Topstitich 1/8″ or 3mm around the top next to the snap placket and around the neckline.

Memory press the hem at this stage.

Step 6: Attaching the sleeves right sides together matching the halfway point to the shoulder seam. Serger, sew. (Do not catch the facing in the shoulder seam.)

Step 7: Once the shoulder is sewed. Place the sleeve and side of the top right side togther. Nest the armpit seams to reduce bulk. Sew or serge from the bottom of the top up the sleeve.

Step 8: I changed the construction and hemmed by overlocking the hem and with the facing stitches the hem naturally wants to curl under. Press and topstitch down.

Step 9: Overlap the snap placket as per the instructions for either boys and girls. Add your snaps evenly as per the instructions.

Step 10: Arm cuff. As per insdtructions sew the cuff on.

Congratulations! Your Pajama top is complete. I love the finish and my son keeps asking me to wear them. So I better make some more! I would suggest using flannel, fleece or even a quilting cotton for warmer weather.

Happy Sewing – Stay tuned for my sprouts Pajamas pants blogpost next!

Tash

“IMPORTANT: Most nations have strict regulations surrounding children’s sleepwear – in order to sell it, it must meet certain fire resistant standards, in both fabric content and construction/fit. Please do not sell anything you make from this pattern without first checking to see that you have adhered to those regulations. Even for personal use, it is a good idea to be aware of the standards and choose your fabric/fit accordingly. (snug fit is important if not using flame retardant fabric, per most government regulations)”

in Capsule Wardrobe· Flosstyle Patterns· How To· Pattern Hack· Sew Along· Sew For kids· Sewing for Baby· Sewing for Boys· Sprouts· Trees· Tutorials· Zoo

Pajamas – Winter Sewing Series – Facing Hack 01

This series will show you how to make snuggly pajamas for your little ones this winter in the Southern Hemisphere!

I’ve been wanting to make my littles winter PJ’s for some time now. Following Laura’s Post on our Facebook Fair Group. I used the Zoo and the Sprouts pattern to make the pj sets.

Lets start with the Zoo PJ Top

Option – Panda top and Wombat tail With Long sleeve add-on
Fabric – Flannel

For my sons version I ran out of fabric so instead of fully lining the shirt I made facings. It is very easy and heres how I did it.

Step 1 – Take the front Zoo pattern piece and trace the shirt length line and blue line in the size you are making.

Step 2: Using this pattern piece you are going to measure the front snap placket front and use this as the snap placket facing. Width around 2″ or 6cm. (you will cut 2 of the placket facings mirrored)

Step 3: Place on a piece of paper and trace the neckline. width of 2″ for the neckline facing. (You will cut 1 of the back neckline facing)

Voila – Your facing pattern is done. This can be applied to any garment that requires a lining for example a coat, dress bodice etc.

Follow for my next Blogpost on sewing the PJ top together using this facing.

Happy Sewing!

Tash

“IMPORTANT: Most nations have strict regulations surrounding children’s sleepwear – in order to sell it, it must meet certain fire resistant standards, in both fabric content and construction/fit. Please do not sell anything you make from this pattern without first checking to see that you have adhered to those regulations. Even for personal use, it is a good idea to be aware of the standards and choose your fabric/fit accordingly. (snug fit is important if not using flame retardant fabric, per most government regulations)”

in 52 Week Sewing Challange· Flosstyle Patterns· Upcycle Challenge 2018· Zoo

52 Week Sewing Challenge – Week 42

This weeks Challenge: Something Orange or Black (Accepted)

This week is also week 3 of the Flosstyle Upcycle Challenge – The Zoo Collection.

This week I decided to use a t-shirt that someone bought for my other half but was too small for him, it’s been sitting in my pile of things to upcycle (or things I don’t need but don’t want to throw because one day I might need them).

I wanted to make a lined Giraffe/Elephant, using the shirt gave me enough fabric for the outer front and back and the snap panels, I used some black cotton lycra from my stash for the lining layer. My little monster loves it and even wore it to bed lastnight so that must mean it’s good.

   

 

Happy Sewing

xx Gail

in 52 Week Sewing Challange· Artiste· Flosstyle Patterns· Pattern Hack· Zoo

52 Week Sewing Challenge – Week 10

This weeks Challenge: Something Colour Blocked (Accepted)

Who knew you could mash the Zoo with the Artiste? The Zoo is one of my favorite patterns so I use the bodice pieces often. I decided the Palette skirt from the Artiste, would be perfect for this week’s challenge. Behold a fun mash up!

I used the stork flutters from the zoo for the bodice. I even used knit and which meant I had to line the bodice to complete the armscye.
The palette skirt is made from woven fabrics so I attached the two and added clear elastic into the waist seam to help with recovery.

I interrupted an intense game of flashlight hide n seek to get this picture. My toddler is never still it seems. She had to wear it as soon as I finished sewing it, so you know it was instant love. Have you been adventurous and mixed any Flosstyle patterns together? I’d love to see them! Did you accept or reject this week’s challenge?

 

Happy Sewing! Jen

in Flosstyle Patterns· Sew Along· Zoo

Sew Along with the Flosstyle Zoo

The Bucket Hat Sew A Long was such a success, I thought it would be fun to do another sew a long. I spoke with Gail and we thought doing a pattern that worked well with all season would be best. So, here I am, excited to announce the start of my first Sew A Long using the Flosstyle Zoo!

The Zoo is packed with a variety of options and includes some fun modifications in the pattern. Zoo consists of 17+ different shirts, rompers and dresses for babies from newborn to approximately 4yrs of age, and even has an 18″ doll pattern included. If you are overwhelmed trying to decide which version/combo to make you can always check out the Flosstyle Patterns Facebook Page for inspiration. There’s also a FREE long sleeve add on you can grab here.
With the Zoo being such a big pattern we decided to split the entries up. If you make just a top that’s one entry, if you make a romper or dress that’s two entries. Each entry is a chance at winning free patterns and discount codes to Flosstyle Patterns! You can join the event here, where I will upload daily photos for you to follow along in sewing your Zoo at home. After the sew along is finished you can upload your finished Zoo into the appropriate album and sit back while I do all the tallying and draw some winners.

The Sew A Long starts November 20th so you have time to buy your pattern, Gail even included a discount code for those who join to get 20% off, so don’t forget to join the event and the group to stay up to date and follow a long!

Thanks and hope you join me!
-Jennifer King