Hello, today I'm here with a new pattern and also a photo tutorial that you can follow. I've had the "Summer" romper pattern for a while now. I've sewn according to it for my customers, and it was one of the most popular patterns. I created the pattern by modifying the pattern for the Oli romper.
This pattern is especially great for babies and toddlers. I created it in the same sizes I used to sew for customers. The pattern underwent minimal changes during digitalization and should therefore faithfully copy the original pattern I used.
What you will need:
- Fabric for the romper, recommendations can be found below in the Fabrics section
- Snaps for delicate fabrics and knits, I call them Jersey snaps - you can find the highest quality ones from Prym here
- Snap press or Prym Vario pliers - how to attach snaps can be found in this video.
- Thread
- Needles - according to the type of fabric you are sewing
- Sewing machine
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
Summer romper pattern with short legs (digital PDF pattern)
Fabrics suitable for sewing rompers
For sewing a baby romper, I primarily recommend elastic cotton knits, but cotton knits without elastane, made from 100% cotton, can also work. Such knit stretches by about 25%, which is sufficient. The romper is airy, not tight-fitting, so there's some freedom of movement.
I recommend choosing lower fabric weights around 170 - 190 g/m. The upper part of the romper has a facing, so the material is doubled. If the material were too thick, it might not be entirely comfortable and would heat up too much.
What snaps for the romper and where to buy them?
The best snaps I personally used for years did not come from the Czech Republic but from Denmark. However, that's not very relevant, because you can't just order such snaps anywhere. Here, you can get Prym snaps and then Roland baby snaps from Kohinoor. I personally don't recommend the latter too much, because they don't hold very well. More on which snaps to choose and how to attach them can be found in this article.
Sewing instructions
First, trace the pattern onto baking paper in the size you want to sew. The pattern for the Summer Romper can be found here. The pattern includes seam allowances and hemming, so there's no need to add anything extra. You can cut directly around the pattern. It's a good idea to position the pattern on the fabric by pinning it or using a heavy weight.
Cut the main pieces and facings on the fabric fold. The leg cuffs as well.
Once you're done and the pieces are cut, let's get to sewing.
1.- First, prepare the front and back bodice facings and finish the bottom edges on the overlocker (as shown in the photo, with them placed together). We finish the edges mainly to prevent them from curling. If you don't have an overlocker, leave the finishing until the end and create a double hem.
2.- Now place the Front Bodice Facing on the Front Bodice piece, aligning them, and clip them together. Do the same with the Back Bodice piece and the Back Bodice Facing. Note that they have different necklines and cannot be interchanged.
3. - I recommend sewing on an overlocker. Do not pull the fabric in curves to avoid bumps and unevenness. Then, in the next step, sew the sides as shown in the picture. But only sew these curves; do not continue further.
4. Done. This is how you will have the prepared Front Bodice with facing and you will do the same for the Back Bodice with facing.
5. - For both pieces, fold the facing upwards towards the straps. Overlap the front piece with the back piece, with the facings spread out.
6. - Clip the facings together at one end. Join the facing seams together, I recommend clipping or pinning them. Clip the individual sides along their entire length.
7. - Also, sew the bottom side of the crotch. Sew one side from the curve edge for the thigh upwards towards the straps. Do the same for the other side.
8. - Now we will sew the bottom part of the romper. The crotch and the leg openings. Sew the crotch on the overlocker. Prepare the leg opening pieces. ATTENTION. They must be really elastic. Fold them in half and sew the short sides.
9. Pin or clip into the leg opening. Align the seam with the crotch seam. It looks better. Turn the seam into the crotch so that the seam is then straight and flat. Prepare the second leg opening in the same way.
10.- Sew all around on the overlocker. You need to gently stretch the leg cuff, but not the opening itself.Done. The bottom part is prepared and finished.
11. - Now secure the facing to the romper's seam so it doesn't pull out after washing. After turning the romper right side out, grab the facing piece and find the seam that will touch the side seam of the front and back pieces. Fold the facing seam over the side seam of the front and back pieces and stitch with a few straight stitches.
How to attach snaps
You have the basic structure ready. Now, let's watch this video - VIDEO how to attach snaps to a romper - to learn how to attach snaps to a romper using Vario pliers.
How to sew the romper crotch for snap fastening
How to sew the romper crotch so that it's not sewn shut and can be unfastened at the bottom? For example, so that the baby can be changed easily and simply? It's simple. First, you need to cut out the second version of the romper pattern, where the crotch piece is longer. This is necessary for creating the snap fastening.
An important lesson from experience is the following fact: never put plastic snaps in the crotch. They leave marks, they are too prominent, and if they tear out, they will likely ruin the fabric as well. And they tend to tear easily. I recommend jersey metal snaps, which have a closure mechanism designed a bit differently.
So how do you do it?
1. - We sew the romper the same way as in the previous case, only we don't sew the crotch part. Instead, overcast both parts with an overlocker as shown in the picture.Now take the leg piece and fold it in half horizontally. Sew the leg piece on both short sides. Do this for both pieces.
2. On the front and back crotch pieces, mark 2 cm from the edge and make a fold mark. This way, the fold won't be crooked.
3. Turn the leg cuff right side out. Align the unsewn part with the mark and... Fold over at the mark. Do the same on the other side at the back.
4. Prepare the other side of the leg cuff on both the front and back pieces in the same way, and then we will sew both sides. Sew on the overlocker. Now turn it inside out, and you can either stitch the edge with a straight stitch or iron it and apply the snaps.
Apply snaps to both sides of the fastening. The front piece receives the male snaps (with protrusions), and the back piece receives the female snaps. I recommend marking the snap positions beforehand. You can use two snaps, and if you think it's not enough, you can add a third pair in the middle. I recommend placing the snaps beyond the seams. Otherwise, they will tend to tear out.
And that's all.
You'll probably come up with other ways to sew, improve, and embellish the romper. Did you like the tutorial? Let me know in the comments below the article.
Sincerely,
Author Helena Lachowiczová
