A great way to sew an adjustable back from the super cute book Sewing Clothes Kids Love

This is charming photo from the book Sewing Clothes Kids Love that shows a great way to make a garment have an adjustable back. All you need to do is sew two strips that have loops in them that a tie can be laced through and then let out or cinch it together depending on the size of the person wearing it!

If you like this then you will want to grab a copy of:

Sewing Clothes Kids Love:

Sewing Patterns and Instructions for Boys and Girls Outfits

By

Nancy Langdon and Sabine Pollehn

This is a book of colorful and imaginative children’s clothes to sew, designed with kids in mind. The authors are designers and owners of two popular pattern companies for kid’s clothes--Farbenmix and Studio Tantrum, known in the sewing community for their creativity, versatility, and fit.

This collection of exclusive patterns, included with the book, offers step-by-step instruction for making boys’ and girls’ clothing with a variety of fabric styles and decorative embellishment--including embroidery, patchwork, and trims.

The patterns for pants, tops, skirts, and dresses include variations for long and short hemlines and sleeves, various necklines, and adjustable lengths. The patterns are sized from 18 months to kid’s size 12.

Nancy Langdon is the president and principal designer for Studio Tantrum. She also hosts the blog at fledgeflyingiseasy.blogspot.com.

Sabine Pollehn is president and principal designer for the sewing pattern company Farbenmix. She also hosts klickundblick.de and farbenmix.blogspot.com.

I loved this idea so much I gave it a try:

I had a great black shirt that has some great buttons and pleating on the front but was way too big for me so I thought I could make it smaller using the lace up technique from the book .

First I had to make the arm holes smaller so that when I pulled the shirt tight I could still move my arms.

I put the shirt on and marked where the bottom of the arm hole needed to be opened up to (the underside of my arm) and cut up to there along the arm/sleeve seam.

I then cut across the sleeve as pictured. I zig zag stitched the raw cut edge, folded under and stitched.

 

I sewed my trim that had eyelets on it to the side seams to pull the shirt snug.

Sewing TIP:

Use a scrap piece of string or ribbon while in the fitting process and when you have it the way you like trim the scrap to the length needed and measure your finished piece to that length. That way there is no waist of your good ribbon!

Now I have a super cute new shirt that fits just the way I like it!

Want to see how to sew a neckband into a neckline? Pop on over to this post also from the book or click on sewing for more great tips and projects!

AND

Are you in need of a fabric conversion chart? You know the thing that will tell you how much fabric you need if it comes in a different width than the pattern calls for???

You can download one over at the post on author Nancy's blog Fledge, Flying is Easy.

One more thing: there is a Flickr group for projects from this book here. Such cute stuff!

Hey, what are you sewing right now? Anyone got any good projects or alterations/customizations they want to share? You know how it works here, leave a comment or book page request and you are entered to win a free book each week!

And speaking of winners:

Reader/commenter Roberta won

Vintage Collage Journals
Journaling with Antique Ephemera
By
Maryjo Koch

and

Barbara of the blog Moore Whimsies won

Knit or Crochet - Have it Your Way
15 Fun Projects with Complete Hook and Needle Instructions for Each
By
Margaret Hubert.

Comments

[sallyreames]

oh be still my heart!

[Andrea]

Oh, that looks fantastic!

[Roberta]

Thanks so much Stef...you made my day :D Fondly, Roberta

http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/03/winner-winner-chicken-dinner.html

[f lynn rush]

this is one of those things where i want to slap myself in the forehead and say "why didn't i - or someone else - think of this when i had a growing daughter!!!!" that outfit is wonderful, and the idea of cinching to fit now and release later, is genius! looks like a must-have for people who make clothing for their children.

[Barbara Hagerty]

What an adorable outfit!

Congratulations, winners!!

[Suella]

Intiguing idea. I need to look for such eyelet trim. I've never really seen it myself.
And... There is no reason not to imitate the idea for adults clothes with whatever cords one wanted. It wouldn't really have to be laced up more than once and then permanently stitched. It would give a rather nice back interest to some oversized but desirable shirts/blouses that I have picked up in a charity shop here in England.

[Lynda Taylor]

I love that childs outfit. Super! And love how you have used that technique on your shirt.

I am currently making a couple of green and black tutus for my daughter and her friend for sports day. They are in green house. I have yet to customise some t-shirts for them too. Maybe some applique hearts with tulle underneath.

[BrendaLea]

What a wonderful idea, and LOVE your NEW shirt! I might even have a couple of shirts I could do that with.

Sewing: need to alter my kitchen curtains, a friend brought over a top that she wants me to fix for her, and I have been making re-usable tote bags.

[Jane Hakes]

Forget the kids....*I* want to wear those clothes!!!