Summer Outfits to Sew for Kids
For summer, we’re focusing on outfits that are easy to sew and wear—ones that kids will want to pack in their suitcases for vacation.
Checkered shorts
This summer, checks are all the rage. Put away your winter tartan prints and opt instead for Vichy checks in bright colors (pink, yellow, orange…) or more classic shades (black-and-white or blue-and-white checks).
Depending on your child’s preference, you can choose prints with larger or smaller patterns and checks that are more or less closely spaced, and mix the patterns with a matching solid-color fabric.
To keep up with this trend, you can make our Figuette shorts, which are easy to put together and very comfortable thanks to their elastic waistband. Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric to keep your child cool on hot days: cotton poplin, double-layered cotton gauze, linen…
If you want to incorporate the checkered trend in small touches, you can sew the shorts in a solid color (such as navy blue) and choose a checkered fabric (such as navy blue and white) just for the pockets. This will give this timeless piece a unique look.
To finish off the outfit, you can sew our T-shirt with a chest pocket. To match the shorts, choose two jersey fabrics: a solid blue for the body and a checkered cotton for the small pocket.
Polka-dot dresses
Polka dots will be the other big trend of the season! We’ll see them everywhere—not just in adults’ wardrobes, but in kids’ too. If you’re drawn to this bold print, you can start by asking your child what kind of polka dots they’d like on their clothes: big, small, symmetrical or asymmetrical, multicolored, black and white… Some polka-dot fabrics also play with textures, featuring gold, iridescent, or textured dots…
To highlight this retro print, you can sew some pretty cotton dresses, like the “Airelle” from Klafoutis. Its butterfly sleeves will really show off the polka dots. If you have time, you can match the pattern along the sides. This will give you a clean, polished look.
If you’re new to sewing, you can make a straight-cut dress that’s very easy to put together, like the one from Burda. It’s a great way to learn how to use your sewing machine without getting too overwhelmed.
A matching set
This summer, we’ll also see a lot of little outfits with matching tops and bottoms. The idea is for the two fabrics to complement each other: for example, you could choose a blue-and-white striped cotton for the top and a white fabric for the bottom, or a floral print for the top and a matching solid-color fabric for the bottom…
You can have fun mixing and matching your kids’ favorite colors and patterns, while opting for bright hues. And sew several tops and shorts so you’ll have outfits that are easy to slip on in the morning during vacation.
If you’d like to try out this ” matchy-matchy” trend, you can sew the Chifoumi set from Calissone.
When it comes to fabric, once again, opt for natural fibers such as cotton jersey. Or perhaps cotton French terry, or breathable linen.
A pair of denim overalls
Denim is an ideal fabric to wear all year round. For summer, opt for a fairly thin and lightweight denim. If you’re looking for something unique, you can choose a printed or embroidered fabric. It’s been back in style for the past few months!
For kids, we use this versatile fabric to sew a cute pair of overalls like the ones from Klafoutis, which are just as practical for hot days as they are for cool evenings. The elastic waistband makes them especially comfortable.
To add a little summery touch to this piece, you can sew the front pocket using a floral, polka-dot, or striped fabric… It’s a fun, colorful finishing touch.
To match it, make a tank top out of fine jersey. Or a light blouse made of cotton poplin that can be sewn with the same pattern as the front pocket.
What about you—what are you going to sew for your kids this summer? What are their favorite outfits?
