Photo tutorial and procedure on how to sew a baby bodysuit with shoulder snaps
- Preparation - machine and needle
- Fabrics
- Pattern
- Sewing shoulder seams and neckline
- Sleeves and side seams
- Crotch and hemming
- Snaps
What do you need to prepare to sew a bodysuit?
For machines, you will definitely need a multifunctional single-needle machine; in a few places, we will not only sew but also topstitch, and that would not be possible with an overlocker alone. Of course, if you have an overlocker and want nice and neat seams, prepare both a single-needle and an overlocker. For the overlocker, you will need needles for elastic materials, specifically ball-point needles with a rounded tip. If you don't know what a Ball point is, take a look at this article of mine about needles. For overlocker threads, use classic polyester. I recommend the Viga brand.
However, you can also manage the bodysuit with a classic machine – in which case, use needles for elastic materials and elastic thread. Choose a classic straight stitch for sewing and set a lower tension, which you will need when working with elastic thread. If you want to finish the edges, choose a three-step zigzag or an overlock stitch (this is usually part of the elastic stitches offered by SS).
For fabrics, prepare cotton knit, bamboo viscose, or elastic jersey. Ribbed knit looks great, which is my favorite for this project.
The last important things are snaps and pliers to attach them. From my extensive experience, I recommend metal snaps from the PRYM brand. In combination with their pliers, I completely trust them. I strongly advise against attaching snaps with a hammer! With a hammer, you will not only damage the snaps but probably also cut through the fabric.
Pattern for a baby bodysuit
I prepared this tutorial using my Baby pattern. After purchasing the pattern, you can immediately print it, tape it together, and start cutting the fabric. Before that, choose the size according to the chart and your child's measurements; you definitely cannot rely on the size you buy in stores.
So, start by cutting out the necessary pieces and preparing the cuffs for the sleeves, neck, and legs. Cut the cuffs precisely to your child's measurements. For example, you can measure the leg and cut the cuff 2 to 5 cm shorter. You can also adjust the width as needed for comfort. The cuff is a strip of fabric folded in half.
1. Shoulder seams and neckline
We start sewing at the shoulder seams. The longer ones are finished (overlocked), and the shorter ones are sewn together.
Pin the neckline strip into the resulting curve. Pin 1.5 to 2 cm from the edge, which will be folded over. This applies to both the beginning and the end. Sew on the neckline, then fold the finished ends over it and sew them down as well. This is where the snaps will be placed.
Turn the entire neckline to the right side, straighten it, and stitch down the shoulder seam allowances – from the neck to the shoulder.
2. Sleeves and side seams
Now it's time to attach the sleeves to the armholes. In this step, pay attention to the unsewn shoulder. The shoulder seam must overlap at this point and together form the center of the sleeve. I have a tutorial on how to sew a sleeve on this video.
Next, align the bodysuit and sew the sleeves, continuing down to the side seams. It's almost wearable, right? At this step, you can also sew the cuffs onto the sleeves (or at any later time).
3. Bodysuit crotch
Finish (overlock) both ends of the bodysuit. Prepare the cuffs and pin them just like at the neck. Leave about 2 cm from the edge, then fold this piece over the cuff. Sew on the cuff. Stitch down the allowances again.
4. Finishing - snaps
The last step is placing the snaps. I recommend size 8 or 10. I start at the shoulder, where I put 2 snaps, one in the cuff and the second roughly halfway, but it's more about your preference where you like it. Males on top and females on the bottom.
You can put 2 or 3 snaps in the crotch. Definitely place them as close to the edges as possible, and optionally one in the middle. I put the male snaps on the front piece; I then use them to mark the position for the female snaps on the back piece. You can see how easy snapping is in this video of mine.
And it's done! Congratulations on your first of many bodysuits!
