That’s right, I decided to kick off the New Year by sewing up some toddler undies.
I’m pretty sure this adorable little bum was my introduction to the That Darn Kat underwear pattern, and I knew immediately I couldn’t pass up on that level of cuteness. Can you blame me? They’re just so….irresistible. And ridiculous.
As I started writing this post I realized it’s been almost a year since my first attempt at sewing with knits. It’s not that I was traumatized that first time – my biggest issue with knits is that the selection is so disappointing. I mean, the number of gorgeous woven prints out there could easily send you to the poor house, but it can be pretty challenging to find knits that don’t fall into this genre. Nothing against “LiL FooTBaLL PaLs” or anything, just not my style. Michael Miller has a decent line of interlock knits that includes some cute dots and stripes, but other than that, I’ve found the yardage selection for knits to be pretty uninspiring. The pattern suggests re-purposing knit T-shirts for the underwear, so I went to Old Navy and found a girls’ XL shirt on clearance for $4.94.
I cut three pair of undies from the shirt, making them well under two bucks a piece, which isn’t half bad if you ask me. Yeah yeah, I know I could probably buy them cheaper at Target, but we all know that sewing has nothing to do with saving yourself a dime and everything to do with watching your kid prance around in handmade underwear.
The pattern was great – really simple construction and the end results were highly satisfying. It comes with a little boy version as well (they’re pretty cute, too – check these out for proof). And while a serger would’ve been nice, it’s not necessary – I just zig-zagged all my seams using a very short stitch length.
Never fear, I wasn’t about to deprive you of my own child’s adorable bum (doing some of that aforementioned prancing, no less):
Also, this is surely obvious to those who sew with knits more than once per year, but it turns out you really do need to use a cotton/lycra blend for the the waistband and leg bands, just like the pattern says, and not a 100% cotton interlock like I accidentally used for my first pair. Otherwise you end up with saggy baggies.
And for anyone interested in sewing with knits, you might want to check out the “Knit-erviews” going on right now at Made by Rae. I’m looking forward to reading them myself, and possibly avoiding more mistakes of the saggy baggy variety in the future.
Adorable! I so agree about the lack of nice knit fabric. I’m in the same boat – not necessarily scared to sew with it – but definitely not motivated to sew with it. I love your idea of finding cute knit CLOTHES.
CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE! oh lordy, why are little kids in big kid undies so dang cute? i’d just giggle with glee watching my little gal dance around in those. great job!
Love those stripes! How cool that you got all those pairs from that shirt. That’s all the inspiration I need to try making some undies this year. Happy new year!
Ack! Freak’n ADORABLE!! Going to go check out that pattern now!
Too cute ever!!
These are SO CUTE! I was wondering where you got the fabrics. Corie at http://www.banberryplace.com has been stocking domestic knits like crazy. Seriously I went to her house, you cannot believe what her shop looks like with all those knits! True to knits they are all a little different if you see one you like email her and ask her questions if the description isn’t enough. I have been sewing her domestic and Euro knits, and they have all been wonderful. So far so good as far as fade and ease with sewing. I like your Old Navy solution too!
thank you! and a big thanks for the link – that’s the best selection of knits i’ve seen anywhere. great polka dots, and i love the mushrooms too!
loove. that’s a pretty cute t-shirt as is too:)
I have been trying to find motivation to potty train my 2.5 yr old and I think the reminder of this pattern may have done it. Yes soooo cute.
I have a feeling that Etsy seller is going to get a few more sales in the next few days, inspired by Lila’s lovely undies:) Certainly a cut above the Disney character undies my own Lilah is wearing. But considering they’re hand-me-downs from her older sister, perhaps it’s time to invest in some new handmade ones! Love yours, and the fact that you were able to get so many different knit prints from one t-shirt!
Coincidentally, I find my child’s bum awfully cute too 🙂
Yours came out adorable! And I love that you used cut up t-shirts for the fabric b/c I have such a hard time finding cute knits too. Using cut up t-shirts is a fantastic idea!
Yes, sewing does have EVERYTHING to do with watching your little kids prance around in homemade underwear. Darn, I wish I hadn’t missed that stage!
p.s. freakin cute underwear.
These are adorable! I’m motivated to make more now. And seriously we are no closer to potty training. Funny thing is Vinny loves them so much they have become diaper covers! He insists on wearing them everyday.
I am always happy to find one of your posts in my feed reader, every project you make is delightful! I love the way you repurposed the t-shirt and think your results are very cute. I’ll have to keep this pattern in mind for when my baby needs underwear!
Here is another link for print-on demand fabrics http://www.spoonflower.com/shop – basically you can select any print you want on any type of fabric they offer, including knits…but it isn’t very cheap. By the way, I loved your projects of 2011 post.
Love them! I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while and have held off as I don’t have a serger…you have just convinced me to give it a go anyway!
Yahoo!!! I love these undies and was intrigued since my little lady has quite the rump and gets wedgies all the time with Carter’s underwear (I also refuse to buy character underwear). I went to Old Navy yesterday and they still had this shirt!! Can’t wait to try for myself! I purchased a couple cheap tanks for the edges too- will 57% cotton/ 38% modal(?)/ 5% spandex work?
Oh good! Yes, I think the 5% spandex will give you the right amount of stretch for the binding. Good luck!!
aaaaaaaaaaaaadorable!!!!!!!
AAAH so cute. And totally agree with Rachel. Everything to do with watching your kids prance around in handmade undies!