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OLD JEANS = TODDLER DUNGAREES
It's been a while since I've done any sewing, but today I unpacked the sewing machine and set to work transforming a pair of well-worn jeans into dungarees for Ruben.
These jeans were so so soft, but sadly had literally been worn to shreds in places. So I teamed them with some striped cotton print fabric - and now they have a new lease of life!
I have signed up for Wardrobe Refashion once again, and even though my pledge doesn't officially start until the 1st of March, I'll just call this a head start! There is something so massively satisfying about giving new life to an object that otherwise would have been binned.
Here's how:
(This is going to ba a massive post with pic overload, sorry!)
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Kathy Gregson added Toddler Dungarees to Baby
04 Aug 23:03
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Kathy Gregson favorited Toddler Dungarees
04 Aug 23:03
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Step 1Start by gathering your supplies. You will need:
♥ Pair of knackered jeans (or a fabric of your choice) ♥ Fabric for the trim (0.5m is plenty) ♥ A pair of trousers that fit your child + paper/pencil to trace a pattern ♥ 0.25m elastic, 5mm wide (optional) ♥ Matching (or contrasting if you wish) thread ♥ Buttons or snaps ♥ 0.25m bias binding (optional)And of course, you will need your sewing machine, scissors, pins etc...
Ready? Ok, here we go!
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Step 2Place your child's existing pair of trousers onto some paper and trace a pattern round them. Remember to add sufficient seam- and hem allowances! If you are lazy like me, you can skip this step and trace directly onto the fabric.
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Step 3Place your pattern onto the jeans. Remember you're keeping the outer leg seam. If you are using other fabric, fold it, and treat the fold as if it were the outer seam - if you see what i mean? Cut two of these - one from each leg. You could overlock the raw edges if you want to, but I never bother...
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Step 4It's a good idea to make the back a bit higher, as you'll need a bit of extra room for the bum!
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Step 5Next, cut two rectangles for the bib, one from the jeans, and one from the trim fabric. I just eyeballed it so I haven't got a measurement.
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Step 6also cut a strip of trim fabric approx. 7cm wide and long enough to go around the waist. Make straps as well - I forgot to take a pic, but do this however you wish!
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Step 7Now use some of the trim fabric to make pretty turn-ups! Place the trouser-leg on top of the fabric and cut a piece of fabric to fit the bottom 10cm. Repeat for the other leg, obviously!
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Step 8Place the leg piece and the trim fabric right sides together and pin. (Again, I am lazy, I don't pin..) Sew along the bottom.
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Step 9Fold the trim fabric over to the wrong side, pin and sew. I like to make the trim fabric visible at the bottom of the leg, as shown.
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Step 10Place the two pieces right sides facing, pin and sew the two top curves.
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Step 11Open the resulting "tube" and you will see a trouser shape emerging! Now pin and sew from the bottom of one leg, right up to the crotch and down the other leg.
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Step 12At this point I used some bias binding to conceal the raw edges on the wrong side, so that it will look good when turned up. If I had done this the right way in the first place I wouldn't need to do this!!!
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Step 13Time to make the bib. Place pieces right sides together, sew along three edges, turn and topstitch. I added a pocket too - and you can of course add anything you like, perhaps a nice applique or embroidery?
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Step 14Time to assemble! Place the straps and bib right side down onto the trouser part. Place the strip of trim fabric on top all around the waist, also right side down. Pin and sew all the way around.
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Step 15Fold the trim fabric round to the wrong side, and topstitch round the whole waist. Take care not to catch the straps or bib in this seam, like I did...
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Step 16This next step is optional, but I like to encase some elastic in the back, for a better fit. Attach the elastic at the side seams, and sew along the bottom edge of the trim fabric at the back back to make a casing. Be careful not to catch the elastic in the seam!
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Step 17Now, all you have to do is to add either snaps or buttons to the straps and bib! I used snaps, but buttons would perhaps be even nicer. Finally, chase down your toddler and make them model your creation!
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I thought the dungarees were so cute. I wanted some for my daughter when she was younger but no luck. I may make some now for her.
A suggestion. You can use snaps, and stitch buttons to the flap, so they are easy for the child to remove, but have the traditional look.