A shorts or bloomers pattern is one of the easiest things you can make for babies and kids. Best of all they will get worn all the time so you can admire all your hard work. This is one of my best selling patterns and can be purchased from my shop at www.treasurie.com. Here I will show you how to make the bloomers with a sew-along video. This pattern is great for beginners to sew.
Contents
Bloomers Pattern - Sew Along
Difference Between Shorts and Bloomers?
The main shape of shorts and bloomers are the same but bloomers have elastic in the bottom of the legs.
Years ago, before the invention of modern stretch fabrics, bloomers were used as undergarments. Now they are mainly worn underneath dresses. They also look really cute on babies with just a simple onesie or t-shirt as they cover up nappies.
Purchasing the Bloomers Pattern
Before you start you can purchase the Scanlan pattern from my shop at www.treasurie.com.
This is a PDF sewing pattern and not a paper pattern. You download the pattern to your computer and print the pieces on your home printer.
Sizing Groups:
Make sure you choose the correct sizing group. It comes in babies 0 to 24 months or kids 2 to 10 years. The babies' sizing group assumes a nappy will be worn underneath and has a bit more room to accommodate cloth or disposable nappies.
Printing the Bloomers Pattern
If you are new to my patterns, then here is an article including a video showing you how to print a PDF pattern. This bloomer pattern is one of the easiest ones to print as it only has 4-6 pages depending on the size you are making.
Choosing Sizes
Just measure the waist and hips and choose the closest size. Measure over a nappy if you have a baby. The waist can be adjusted by making the elastic shorter or longer so the most important measurement is the hips.
Notions
You will need ½ inch (12mm) wide elastic for the waist (both) and legs if you are making the bloomers. Some elastics are softer and stretchier than others so always just double check you are happy with the length before you sew the gap of the casing closed.
Other than the elastic, you will just need your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. A bodkin to thread the elastic can be handy but is not necessary.
Fabric Suggestions
Cotton and natural fabrics work the best for this pattern. Look for quilting cotton, soft drill and lightweight chambray. Light linens look really trendy but of course, do tend to need a bit more ironing. If you have a new baby you probably want fabrics that are just wash and wear.
Before you Start
Always pre-wash your fabrics to make sure they don't run or shrink. A lot of fabrics are finished with chemicals to make them stiffer on the rolls, so washing will soften the fabric and make irritation less likely.
Bloomers Pattern - The Video
Here is a video showing you all the steps to make the shorts or bloomers pattern. The pattern also has written instructions to back this up.
Sit back, relax and press play.
Thanks for watching and good luck with your shorts and bloomers. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more sew-alongs, tutorials and projects.
More Bloomer Patterns
Here are some more bloomer patterns from the Treasurie pattern shop
- Becca Pattern (High waist with optional bow)
- Alice Diaper Cover (With ruffle)
- Dakota Diaper Cover (Plain and great for boys and girls)
- Patchwork Pants (Comes in several lengths)
Treasurie
Hi Kayla, the lengths are in the pattern for all the different sizes.
Kayla
Hello, I love your videos and are following along, I was just wonder what length the Elastic should be that goes into the top waist and leg holes for the bloomers and waist for the shorts? Should I just stick to the size guide to match?