Do you have a pile of old shirts that you can’t bear to throw away? Maybe they’re from a special event, or perhaps they’re just incredibly comfortable. Well, instead of letting them languish in the back of your closet, why not transform them into adorable, one-of-a-kind baby clothes? Repurposing old clothing is a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste, and create unique items for your little one. This guide will walk you through the process, making it easy and enjoyable to craft tiny treasures from your well-loved shirts.
| Project | Skill Level | Materials Needed | Time Estimate | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Baby Bodysuit | Beginner | Old T-shirt, sewing machine/needle & thread, scissors, pins, baby bodysuit for template | 1-2 hours | Crawling babies, newborns |
| Simple Baby Pants | Beginner/Intermediate | Old shirt, sewing machine/needle & thread, scissors, pins, baby pants for template | 1-2 hours | Crawling babies, toddlers |
| Baby Bib | Beginner | Old shirt, sewing machine/needle & thread, scissors, pins, bias tape (optional) | 30-45 minutes | Babies in feeding stage |
| Baby Hat | Beginner | Old shirt, sewing machine/needle & thread, scissors, pins, baby hat for template | 45-60 minutes | Newborns, infants |
Why Make Baby Clothes from Old Shirts?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why this is such a great idea. First and foremost, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Baby clothes can be expensive, especially when they grow out of them so quickly. Using old shirts you already own eliminates the need to buy new fabric. Second, it’s eco-friendly. Textile waste is a significant problem, and repurposing clothing helps to reduce this waste and give new life to old items. Third, it’s a fantastic way to create unique and sentimental items. Imagine dressing your baby in a onesie made from the shirt you wore on your first date or from a favorite band t-shirt – the possibilities are endless! Finally, it’s a fun and creative project, perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of DIY.
Getting Started: Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start cutting and sewing, gather your materials. You’ll need:
- Old shirts: Choose soft, comfortable shirts made from cotton or other natural fabrics. Avoid anything too stiff or itchy.
- Scissors: Fabric scissors are best, as they provide clean cuts.
- Sewing machine or needle and thread: A sewing machine will make the process faster, but hand-sewing is perfectly fine if you don’t have a machine.
- Pins: These are essential for holding fabric pieces together before sewing.
- A baby item as a template: A bodysuit, pair of pants, bib, or hat can be used as a pattern. You can also use printable templates from online sources.
- Measuring tape: For accurate measurements.
- Marking tool: A fabric pen or chalk to trace your pattern.
- Iron and ironing board: For pressing seams.
- Optional: Bias tape for finishing edges, snaps or buttons for closures, and any decorative elements like patches or appliques.
Project 1: The Basic Baby Bodysuit
The humble bodysuit is a staple in any baby’s wardrobe. Here’s how you can make one from an old t-shirt:
Step 1: Prepare the Template
Lay a baby bodysuit you already have flat on a table. This will be your template. If you do not have an old bodysuit you can find printable templates online. Make sure the template size matches the size you want to make.
Step 2: Prepare the Shirt Fabric
Lay the shirt flat on your work surface. Ensure it’s smoothed out and free of wrinkles. You’ll likely want to use the back panel of the shirt for the bodysuit, as this is generally the largest piece of fabric. If the front of the shirt has a design you would like to include in your design, then you can use the front panel.
Step 3: Trace and Cut
Place your template bodysuit onto the shirt fabric. Pin it to prevent slipping. Use a marking tool to trace around the template, adding about a half-inch to one inch seam allowance around the entire pattern. Cut along the traced lines.
Step 4: Cut the Second Piece
Now, place the cut piece of fabric onto another section of the shirt fabric. Trace the pattern again so you have two pieces. Be careful to have the same pattern on the two pieces, for example if there is a neck-hole, make sure that you have the neck-hole on the correct side.
Step 5: Sew the Pieces Together
Place the two fabric pieces right-sides together (this means the sides you want showing on the outside are facing each other inside). Pin around the edges, leaving the neck hole, arm holes and leg holes open. Sew using a straight stitch all around the edges.
Step 6: Finish the Edges
If you have a serger, use it to finish the edges of the arm holes, neck-hole, and leg openings. If not, you can fold over a small amount of fabric and sew a straight stitch, creating a simple hem or you can use bias tape.
Step 7: Add Closures
Add snaps or buttons at the crotch to make it easy to change diapers. Make sure the closures are very secure, as babies can pull on them. Use a hammer if you are using metal snaps. If sewing buttons, make sure that they are secured tightly.
Step 8: Trim Threads and Hem
Trim any excess threads. If you have not already hemmed, you can do that now, to give your bodysuit a finished look.
Project 2: Simple Baby Pants
Baby pants are another essential for little ones. Here’s how to make them from an old shirt:
Step 1: Prepare the Template
Find a pair of baby pants that fits your little one well. These will act as your template. Alternatively, you can find pant templates online.
Step 2: Prepare the Shirt Fabric
Lay the shirt flat, smoothing out any wrinkles. Use the lower part of the shirt, which tends to be wider and more suitable for pants.
Step 3: Trace and Cut
Fold the shirt fabric in half. Place the folded pants template onto the folded fabric, aligning the crotch with the folded edge. Trace around the pants, adding a seam allowance of about a half-inch to one inch. Cut the fabric out carefully, making sure that you cut through both layers, giving you two pieces. If you use a template, then you need to cut two pieces for the legs, with a mirrored image.
Step 4: Sew the Leg Seams
With right-sides together, sew the leg seams using a straight stitch, ensuring both pieces are identical.
Step 5: Sew the Inseam
With right-sides together, sew the inseam, connecting both legs together. Make sure that the pants are not twisted. Check after the first stitch.
Step 6: Create the Waistband
Fold down the top edge of the pants about one to two inches, depending on how wide you want the waistband. Sew along the bottom edge of the folded area, leaving a small opening. Thread elastic through the opening, then sew the opening closed. Alternatively, you can use the ribbed neckline from the old shirt for the waistband.
Step 7: Hem the Ankles
Hem the bottom of the pant legs by folding over a small amount of fabric and sewing a straight stitch.
Project 3: Quick Baby Bib
Bibs are a must-have for messy babies. You can easily make one from old shirts:
Step 1: Prepare the Template
If you have an old bib that you like the shape of, you can use that as a template. If not, cut a semi circle shape from some cardboard or use a printable pattern.
Step 2: Prepare the Shirt Fabric
Lay the shirt flat and choose a section of fabric that you like. Fold the fabric to allow cutting of two pieces at once.
Step 3: Trace and Cut
Trace your bib template onto the folded fabric, adding about a half-inch to one inch seam allowance. Cut out the two pieces.
Step 4: Sew the Bib
Place the two fabric pieces right-sides together, and sew almost all the way around, leaving about a 2 inch gap for turning inside out.
Step 5: Turn Inside Out
Turn your bib inside out using the gap. Poke out the edges gently using a knitting needle or pencil.
Step 6: Finish the Edges
If you have bias tape, sew it around the outer edge of the bib for a more finished look. If not, tuck the opening in and sew along the edge of the bib.
Step 7: Add Ties or Closures
Add ties made from fabric strips or you can add velcro closures. If adding ties, sew the two ties onto either side of the bib. For velcro, sew one piece of velcro on the left and the other on the right side of the bib.
Project 4: Simple Baby Hat
Keep your baby’s head warm with a hat made from an old shirt:
Step 1: Prepare the Template
Use an old baby hat as a template. Alternatively, you can find free templates online.
Step 2: Prepare the Shirt Fabric
Lay the shirt flat and choose an area of the fabric that you would like to use.
Step 3: Trace and Cut
Fold the shirt fabric in half. Pin your template to the folded fabric and trace around the template, adding a half inch to one inch seam allowance. Cut out the two pieces.
Step 4: Sew the Pieces Together
With right-sides together, sew all the way around the edge, except for the bottom.
Step 5: Hem the Hat
Fold the bottom of the hat upwards about an inch and sew all the way around.
Step 6: Turn Inside Out
Turn your hat inside out and now you have a finished hat!
Tips for Success
- Pre-wash fabrics: Wash your old shirts before cutting and sewing to avoid shrinkage after your baby clothes are finished.
- Use sharp scissors: Dull scissors can make cutting fabric difficult and result in uneven edges.
- Pin liberally: Use plenty of pins to hold fabric pieces together before sewing, this will ensure accuracy.
- Practice on scraps: If you’re new to sewing, practice on fabric scraps first to get comfortable with the machine and stitch types.
- Don’t aim for perfection: These are handmade items; imperfections are part of their charm. Enjoy the process.
- Prioritize safety: Ensure any buttons, snaps, or embellishments are securely attached to avoid choking hazards.
- Choose comfortable fabrics: Soft fabrics like cotton jersey are ideal for baby skin.
Transforming old shirts into baby clothes is a wonderful way to express your creativity, save money, and create something special for your little one. With a few simple tools and a little patience, you can produce adorable, one-of-a-kind items that you’ll cherish. So, gather your supplies and get ready to give your old shirts a delightful new purpose. Happy sewing!
