DIY Striped Fabric

Once again I’m sewing along with Project Run and Play, it’s a great site and you should check it out if you aren’t already a follower! Its Like Project Runway {the show} but with amazing clothes for kids. The contestants make incredible outfits every week. I’m just joining in the fun, not competing, although I’d love to sometime! The theme this week is to design your own fabric. I decided to create DIY Striped Fabric!

 

I needed something to do with these great stripes… so of course I made PJs! My favorite thing to sew for my boys. At bed time the other night I loved noticing that they were BOTH wearing Pjs I had made! Little Max was wearing the ROAR pjs that are hand-me downs- from his brother!  For this robot Pj set I used the FREE PATTERN from last weeks post, and the tutorial I’m sharing now.  

So go print the tank top free pattern and any shorts pattern that you have on hand. If you need one, check out this free one from MADE, if its the wrong size, I’ve posted a tutorial to resize it. I’ve been able to use her free 2/3t pattern for up to a 5t no problem! You can also just use another other shorts/pants pattern you have on hand. I’m using the Blank Slate Lazy Days Pjs pattern for these shorts. You will also need to bug your husband to give up a few t-shirts… {or go to a thrift store!} I got these three that went together so well. I had already cut the neck ribbing off the orange one for my tank tutorial last week, and I thought the green and blue would all go well together.

Cut three inch strips off the bottom of the t-shirts {hopefully plain and no graphics} You can use the original hem off one of the shirts.

Use your pattern to measure how many of these you should cut.

and then with all the colors…I needed two of each strip to create the DIY stripe fabric I was going for. {see the original hem on the bottom green one?} make sure your fabric strips are longer than the pattern.  I took the circles cut from the big shirts, and then cut them in half = enough for two pattern pieces.

Overlap two colors by 1/4 inch and sew with a zig-zag stitch.

Right side and wrong side both look pretty good!

Keep going until all the stripes are together.  Then cut out your pieces. I sewed the front and back seam and inseam, then added a waistband of orange. Fold a 3 inch strip wrong sides together and sew around the top of the shorts. Leave a small opening and put the elastic in, then close the hole.

Shorts! I got the striped to match up pretty well, but not perfect. I guess I could have gotten off with my sewing.

Now, for the top! Make up the tank pattern and add a robot!

I let Jack help me design the robot {the two arms are his design} I used scraps from the t-shirts to put this little guy together.  I used a fabric marker to add a few details.

For other Pj posts see:

FREE 4T summer Pjs pattern and tutorial

Easy Summer Pjs

and another tutorial for making pjs from Dad’s old T-shirts