If you are considering sewing baby clothes, you might be wondering why bother? After all, there are plenty of cute outfits available at the store. While that is true, there are some definite advantages to sewing your own baby clothes. In this post, we will explore a few of those reasons and show you how easy it is to get started. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewer, read on to find out why making your own baby clothes is worth it!
Sewing Baby Clothes to Save Money
If you want to learn more about ways to save money while sewing baby clothes, you should read my post on this subject. As a short summary, children's apparel is much smaller than adult clothing but isn't priced accordingly. It means that while you can save some money sewing adult clothes, you can save significantly more money sewing baby clothes. Furthermore, you probably have lots of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy clothes that you will never wear. Each one contains enough fabric to downsize it into a clothing piece for your little one, and is absolutely free!
Upcycle Clothes That You Will Never Wear
As my tummy expanded during pregnancy, I had to put away all the clothes that no longer fit. Only a few select items have since re-emerged from their storage depths - those which I liked enough to actually wear. The rest are articles of clothing that I likely won't ever wear again in this lifetime. Instead of throwing them into the bin, though, fashioning baby clothes out of these holds so much more value and sentiment for me; seeing my daughter wearing my old favorite t-shirt never ceases to bring warmth and joy! If you want to learn more about upcucling adult clothes into baby clothes, there is an category about this in my blog! Some of my favorite posts on this topic are the post where I upcycle an adult shirt into a baby shirt, and the post where I upcycle adult socks into a baby beanie.
You Can Control the Quality of Materials of Your Baby's Clothes
Trying to find the perfect adult clothing can be a challenge, and finding an equally satisfactory outfit for babies is even more difficult due to the smaller market. Personally, I love rib knits and merino wool clothes for my baby—materials that are hard to find in store-bought baby clothes. Not less important, selecting fabrics of your own choice gives such a variety of colors that will help create something unique for you or your baby.
Avoid Gender Bias
When it comes to baby clothes, there are three traditional color schemes: blue for boys, pink for girls and gender neutral. However, this can limit the wide range of colors your little bundle of joy could have! By sewing your own clothing you free yourself from these restrictions imposed by manufacturers - make sure every aspect is exactly how you want it. For example I recently made my daughter a wonderful shirt with a lovely combination of pink circles on the body and green sleeves; something that cannot be found in stores! Let creativity blossom - don't let any expectations hold back what would suit them best.
No Itchy Tags
Labels in clothes and other items can often be unbearably bothersome, causing a baby to feel itchy and even break out into rashes. Unfortunately they are usually extremely hard to remove since they are sewn using the same seam that is holding the garment together. In order to ensure our little one's comfort, we must take extra precautionary measures like sewing their clothes ourselves—since babies cannot communicate these discomforts—so as not to cause them distress or tears.
Sewing Is a Useful and Transferrable Skill
Crafting something for your precious angel? Not only will this create some special memories, but the knowledge and skills gained from making baby clothes can be put to use in multiple ways. You'll effortlessly learn how to hem or tailor adult clothing; make any necessary alterations. I find that when shopping for myself, especially online, I am far more confident since I'm aware of what fabrics and constructions are preferable - even crafting custom Halloween costumes! With such an immensely valuable set of expertise that goes beyond just babies' apparel.
Sewing tiny baby clothes is an ideal way to practice your sewing skills. Babies quickly outgrow their clothing, granting you plenty of opportunities for practice. Furthermore, because these garments are so petite, not much fabric or time is needed to cut them out! Even if there are minor blemishes, nobody will notice them anyway - your cute child will get all the attention!
Sense of Accomplishment Shopping for baby clothes can be enjoyable, but nothing compares to the pride that comes from knowing you put so much effort into creating something special for them. Not only did you create a little human being, but also the item they'll wear - that feeling is simply priceless! Whether it's something as straightforward as attaching a button or spicing up apparel with dyeing and mending tears; each task involved in making newborn clothing will be full of joy and laughter!
Sewing your own baby clothes is a great way to save money and have more control over the quality of materials used; it's also a fun hobby. You'll have a sense of accomplishment knowing that you made something special for your baby to wear. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity to upcycle old clothes and practice your sewing skills!