Hello, everyone!
Since January, we’ve been going from one trade show to the next nonstop, wrapping things up under the May sunshine at the Printemps du DIY in Paris.
As soon as we got back to Lyon, we packed our bags and off we went to the countryside—with a little “work” on the agenda, but mostly just fun: the Hortense and Lulu family came along for a photo shoot in the meadow, the computer was all set to bring you new posts for 1 Idea per Week—in short, everything was going great!
We’d simply forgotten to ask our trusty old car if she was okay with our choice of vacation spot. We soon had to face the facts: we’d chosen the Toul coast, but she preferred Chalon-sur-Saône!
So she very politely—but firmly—pulled over to the side of the highway and asked us to leave her in the care of the mechanic, taking the suitcases, Hortense, Lulu, and Tuti Quanti with us.
Well, never mind. We’ve been through worse, and we’ve got great support!
With a bit of a delay, we finally reached our lovely cottage nestled deep in a small valley. A true paradise full of very chatty birds, occasionally interrupted by the neighbor’s three sheep, and the donkey expressing its joy at daybreak.
We were ready to share all of this with you because we had cleverly chosen a cottage “with internet.” But there’s internet and then there’s internet… And the one at the bottom of that pretty valley could barely manage to check the weather, assuming you had half an hour to wait for confirmation that yes, it’s pouring rain, and no, it’s not going to get any better.
In short: Hortense and Lulu refused to pose in the rain on the grounds that they aren’t waterproof, the laptop stayed in its case, and we stayed under cover with a good book.
But everything comes to an end, and here we are back: car repaired, internet restored… let’s go!
How to sew pants or bloomers—you can do it!
The finished bloomers
Just before DIY season kicked off, I received several requests that basically said, “How do you sew pants or bloomers? I just can’t figure it out…” ”
So here’s a little “two-in-one” tutorial. First, it walks you through the steps to make any type of simple elastic-waisted pants (anything without a fly). Second, it shows you how to scale up a bloomer pattern to make them more puffy.
The style we suggest making has plenty of room in the back, so the child is comfortable. The free bloomer pattern is available for download at the bottom of the page.
It consists of a back and a front. If you use the pattern as is, the fit is loose but not too baggy. It’s perfect for wearing under a little dress, for example.
But summer is coming, and it’s the ideal time to make shorter, roomier bloomers, in which little ones can wiggle around as much as they want without getting too hot.
The pattern is provided in sizes 1 year – 18 months. It can easily be used up to age 3. Just remember to adjust the waist height to the child’s size: add about 2 cm for size 2 years, and about 3 cm for size 3 years. The leg length is completely adjustable—it’s up to you: short, mid-thigh, or knee-length.
A 50 x 150 cm piece of fabric is enough to make a short bloomer, regardless of the size chosen. For a knee-length bloomer in size 3 years, allow for 65 cm by 150 cm in width.
Prepare your pattern:
First, trace the front of the legThen add 10 cmFinally, draw the back of the legFold the fabric right sides together and place your pattern on the wrong side of the fabric
Allow enough room for your seam allowances: the seam allowance for the hem at the bottom of the leg and at the waist is 3 cm, and 1 cm for the other seams. Trace the outline of each leg onto the fabric.
Cut off both legs of the bloomers
Overlock the edges! A nice little zigzag stitch all around each piece is perfect. Remember, if you take the time to overlock your pieces before sewing them, your project will hold up better over time!
Fold each leg right sides together and pin the seamsBaste the seam, then remove the pins and press the seams open with an iron or your fingernailDo the same for the other legTurn one of the two legs right side outSlide the leg that has been turned right side out into the leg that is still inside outMake sure the crotch fits perfectly…… and pin…… every 3 or 4 cm.Pin the crotch, remove the pins…… pull the leg out, lay the bloomers flat with the wrong side up, and press the seam open
The waistband:
Fold the edge over about 1 cm and iron itThen fold it up to the waistline
Pin and sew, leaving a 2-cm opening in the center of the back to thread the elastic through. I use 1.5-cm-wide elastic, which is soft and comfortable. Always adjust the bloomer’s size to fit the child who will be wearing it: as a general guide, the waist circumference for an 18-month-old is about 54 cm.
Allow an extra 2 cm to sew in the elastic.
Use a safety pin to easily thread the elastic through the hemPin both ends of the elastic flat (make sure it doesn't twist)Sew both ends securely, and always keep them flat for added comfort!Unpick the seam and sewClose the opening
The leg elastic is attached in the same way. I use 1 cm wide elastic. Just like with the waist, adjust the length of the elastic to fit the child’s leg (thigh or knee? This is important—the bloomers shouldn’t be too tight).
And there you have it: a cute little bloomer that’s quick to sew (allow about 2 hours total for a beginner).
See you next week! Here’s a hint: you’ll be meeting Hortense, who has a surprise in store for you!
Bénédicte
Great idea. I'll start tomorrow, given the weather conditions!!
Monique Jacquelot says:
Hello,
Thank you for this pattern. I was planning to sew a pair of summer pants for my youngest grandson after making the dress for his older sister.
Great idea—the instructions are very clear. I’m going to get started.
Have a nice rest of your day, and see you soon
Hello, everyone!
Since January, we’ve been going from one trade show to the next nonstop, wrapping things up under the May sunshine at the Printemps du DIY in Paris.
As soon as we got back to Lyon, we packed our bags and off we went to the countryside—with a little “work” on the agenda, but mostly just fun: the Hortense and Lulu family came along for a photo shoot in the meadow, the computer was all set to bring you new posts for 1 Idea per Week—in short, everything was going great!
We’d simply forgotten to ask our trusty old car if she was okay with our choice of vacation spot. We soon had to face the facts: we’d chosen the Toul coast, but she preferred Chalon-sur-Saône!
So she very politely—but firmly—pulled over to the side of the highway and asked us to leave her in the care of the mechanic, taking the suitcases, Hortense, Lulu, and Tuti Quanti with us.
Well, never mind. We’ve been through worse, and we’ve got great support!
With a bit of a delay, we finally reached our lovely cottage nestled deep in a small valley. A true paradise full of very chatty birds, occasionally interrupted by the neighbor’s three sheep, and the donkey expressing its joy at daybreak.
We were ready to share all of this with you because we had cleverly chosen a cottage “with internet.” But there’s internet and then there’s internet… And the one at the bottom of that pretty valley could barely manage to check the weather, assuming you had half an hour to wait for confirmation that yes, it’s pouring rain, and no, it’s not going to get any better.
In short: Hortense and Lulu refused to pose in the rain on the grounds that they aren’t waterproof, the laptop stayed in its case, and we stayed under cover with a good book.
But everything comes to an end, and here we are back: car repaired, internet restored… let’s go!
Thank you
Great idea. I'll start tomorrow, given the weather conditions!!
Hello,
Thank you for this pattern. I was planning to sew a pair of summer pants for my youngest grandson after making the dress for his older sister.
Great idea—the instructions are very clear. I’m going to get started.
Have a nice rest of your day, and see you soon