Baby Cardigan Onesie Tutorial

Is your baby ready to be a trendy hipster, geeky nerd, or chic prep? Choose your baby's style with the new cardigan onesie. Just take a long-sleeved onesie make a couple of snips and additions, and it's a whole new style.
I was first inspired by this onesie cardigan and came up with the tutorial back in May. I've been so excited for this tutorial all summer long! I saved it so that I could post it while two are being auctioned off for charity in Cheri's For The Love Series. Check it out HERE.

There are lots of fun details about this cardigan even though it's fairly simple to make.

It can be worn with or without pants. Or a skirt for girls. It would be fun paired with a collared shirt, suspenders, and a bow tie.

Update: I've had a lot of people have problems with the knit band or ask questions about it. The reason you multiply by .75 is so that the band does not gap. When you cut the onesie and then sew a seam, it will stretch. By using a slightly smaller band, it will counter the stretching out and make it lay nicely. You could also use .85 if you're more comfortable with that. Also, use RIBBING to make your life a lot easier. Ribbing stretches well and doesn't shrink. 

Supplies

Long or short sleeved onesie- (I think the short sleeved ones look best on girls.)

RIBBING (make your life easier by using ribbing and not regular knit!)

Buttons

Sewing machine, pins, scissors, thread

1. If your onesie has crossover shoulders, find where the crossover lays flat and pin two layers together.

2. Either zigzag or double needle the two layers together.

3. Measure across the front of the onesie and mark the center all the way down. At the bottom slant to one side between two of the snaps.

4. Cut on the line. 

5. Draw from shoulders to parallel with the armpits. 

6. Cut on lines up around the neckline so that you cut off the neck band.

*This is perfect if there's a small picture, phrase, or stain near the neckline that you want to get rid of.

7. Measure the whole cut edge. Take the measurement and multiply by .75. Add 1/4" seam allowance. This is the length of the front band. I wanted my band to be 3/4" tall, so double that amount and add 1/4" seam allowance. Make sure the stretch goes with the long sides.

8. Sew ends at 1/4".

9. Turn right side out and poke out corners.

10. Find the center of the band and then the center of each side, so you divide the band into four sections. Use the same method to divide the cut edge of the onesie into four sections. Match pins.

12. Stretch each section and pin so the excess is distributed evenly.

13. Stretch while zigzagging at 1/4".

14. Zigzag the edges of the snap facing to prevent fraying.

15. With your machine set on to a straight stitch, stretch and sew the seam allowance towards the onesie. Sew at 1/8". Careful when going over the shoulders.

16. Snap the snaps together overlapping the two sides.

17. Pin the two layers together and sew together.

18. Pin two layers of the front band together at three or four places. Sew buttons on at each pin.

19. Cut off sleeve hems. Measure length.

20. Take the measurement and multiply by .75. Add 1/4" seam allowance. Use the same height as the front band.

21. Sew short edges to make a tube. Fold in half with right sides out.

22. Sew band to each sleeve end at 1/4" stretching to fit. 

23. With a straight stitch, stretch and sew the seam allowance towards the sleeve at 1/8".

These baby boys are off to college in their new cardigan onesies.

You can play a pick up game of soccer

or just have some laughs with your friend.