Tutorial: Vintage Romper... How To plus Pattern

There's nothing cuter on a little baby girl than a vintage style Romper and with the weather finally starting to warm up down here in Australia, I can't think of a better time to share with you how I create my version.  Along with this tutorial, you can download & print this pattern that fits size 12-18mths.

I just love the gorgeous crossover straps that end in an adorable bow!

This tutorial shows you how to create a basic vintage romper & when made using a lovely vintage sheet, just as I have with this one, it all comes together nicely without needing extra embellishments.  That being said.... you can easily pretty this pattern up even more by adding a few strips of lace trim to the back piece to make a lacey ruffle butt.  Or perhaps some lace trim around the front panel would look adorable too!

If you looking for some inspiration for adding embellishments, take a look at my Vintage Pillowcase Romper.

Get the pattern HERE 
Note: When printing, printer settings need to be set to "Page scaling - none"

What you'll need:

1.5m Fabric

Thread to match fabric
40cm x Elastic (8mm width)

Sewing Machine & Overlocker (Serger)

Rotary Cutter & Mat or Scissors

Pins

Let's get started!

Step 1. Cut your pattern pieces.  2 x front panels, 1 x back panel & 2 strips of fabric (8cm wide & approx. 122cm long) for the straps.

Step 2. Create 2 straps with the long strips of fabric.  You can do this in the same way that you would make bias tape.  If you're unsure, take a look here at Dana's Tutorial.  

Once made, the straps will be approximately 3cm wide.

Sew a top stitch on both edges of the straps to ensure that the don't lose their form and look all nice and neat.

Step 3. Insert the straps between the 2 front panels 9cm apart and approx. 2cm from each end.  Make sure that the panels are facing right sides together.  Pin & sew across the top to secure the straps in place.

Step 4. Making sure that the straps are tucked in nicely between the two panels, sew down each side, from top to where the leg hole begins.

Here's a close up view of where you need to sew at the sides.  I used a 1cm seam allowance.

Step 5.  Trim down the 2 strappy bits that were sticking out of the end, at the top and snip the corners so that when you turn the front panel right way out, the corners will look much nicer.

Step 6. Turn the front panel right way out.  Use a chopstick, knitting needle or something similar to push your sides and corners out neatly and iron.

Step 7.  Now we can start on the back piece.  Serge the top edge of the back panel to neaten up, then fold down 2cm and sew to create the a casing for the elastic.

Step 8.  Top stitch at the top of the casing.

Step 8.  Create the loops for the straps to go through by cutting 14cm from each strap.  Fold in half & serge the ends together, so that it creates a kind of loop.  You'll need to make 2 of these (as pictured below)

Step 9.  Next you'll need to line up where your loops will be attached.  

If you look at the image below, I lay the front panel down and then place the back panel on top, making sure that the bottom edges of what will become the leg holes are aligned.

Pin the loops in place.

Step 10.  Attach the loops by sewing 2 straight lines as pictured below, making sure to make allowances for the existing casing.

Here's a close up view of where to sew...

Step 11.  Insert the piece of elastic into the casing and sew in at both sides to secure.

Step 12. With right sides facing, sew the back panel to the front panel, as pictured below, on each side.

Step 13.  Sew together the crotch edges and then serge to neaten up.  

Step 14.  Serge each side that you have just sewn also to neaten up.

Step 15.  Turn right way out and top stitch around the front panel.

Here's a close up of the top stitch...

Step 16. Use your serger to neaten up the leg holes.

Here's another close up...

Step 17.  Sew binding tape to each leg hole. 

**If you need some help with how to sew binding neatly to the leg hole, The Habby Goddess has a really helpful tutorial that can explain it way better than what I can!

Also... I like to leave my leg casings as is at this stage, but if you prefer it to fit snug around those cute chubba legs, leave a little opening as you sew on the bias tape so that you can insert some elastic in there, just as you would when creating a nappy cover.

Step 18.  Neaten up the ends of the straps by folding over twice and sewing across in a straight line as shown below.

And there you have it!

One gorgeous Vintage Romper!!!

Don't forget... I love seeing your creations that come from my tutorials.  

It would make my day if you could share yours with me by leaving me a link here in the comments section or you can always contact me via email, or share your pics with me on the Cass Can Sew Facebook page.

Happy Sewing!!!

If you'd love one of these, but don't have the time to make it yourself, I'll be selling this one over at Rosylou Handmade very soon!  I also take custom orders!

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