What outfits should you sew for the start of the school year?
Does the end of summer put you in the mood for some sewing? Why not update the kids’ wardrobes in preparation for the upcoming start of the school year?
Now is the perfect time to sort through their closets, set aside the clothes that are too small, and make them some new outfits.
Here are a few outfit ideas that will be perfect for starting the school year off on the right foot.
A skirt and a T-shirt to enjoy the last few days of nice weather
The start of the school year doesn’t necessarily mean autumn outfits! The first few weeks of September tend to still be pretty warm. So we’re opting for lighter outfits to keep the kids cool.
For example, you can put together a simple little outfit consisting of a skirt and a T-shirt for the first few days of school. The outfit can then be adapted for cooler days by adding a pair of tights and a cardigan or sweatshirt.
Our skirt pattern is very easy to sew and is perfect if you’ve taken a little break from your sewing machine this summer and want to ease back into it. You can make it with cotton poplin for a more summery look or with lightweight velvet to transition into fall.
To go with it, you can sew your own T-shirt with a pocket. Since matching outfits are in style, you can create a coordinating pattern by cutting the pocket out of the same poplin or velvet you chose for the skirt.
The rest of the garment should be sewn from stretch jersey fabric.
A preppy dress and a bomber jacket
This fall marks the big comeback of the preppy trend, which was originally inspired by prestigious American universities.
If your child dreams of starting the school year as a fashionista, you can sew her the Gaby dress from Kandix. Its polo collar and flared skirt will give her a retro, casual look.
To make this garment, you’ll need a piece of stretch jersey fabric. Choose a fabric that’s thick enough so the dress can be worn in late summer and fall and isn’t too sheer. It’s best to have some experience working with jersey fabric when sewing this dress, so you can assemble the zipper, collar, and sleeve openings without too much difficulty.
If you’re just starting out, you can also sew the collarless version of the pattern, which will make it much easier to make the garment.
To go with it, you can sew a cute bomber jacket, which will perfectly complete the outfit. Follow Klafoutis’s instructions to ensure the jacket is finished properly, especially when attaching the ribbed trim.
The bomber jacket is a very versatile piece that can be made from woven fabric (such as denim or quilted fabric) or from a very thick jersey.
A sweatshirt and a pair of cargo pants
If your child loves comfort and is looking for something to wear while running around during recess, you can make them a pair of cargo pants and a sweatshirt. These are clothes that can also be worn in the winter when the temperatures drop again.
Cargo pants can be intimidating to sew because of their many pockets and details. If you’re just starting out or looking for an easy pattern, you can sew the Last pants from Capacha. Their elastic waistband eliminates the need for a fly, and the pattern’s many options let you choose the number of pockets and keep the project simple.
Depending on the style you choose, you can opt for denim, linen (which will be cooler for fall), cotton gabardine, or even velvet. For a more casual look, you might also prefer a thick jersey fabric.
To complete the outfit, you can sew our Venaco sweatshirt using sweatshirt fabric. If your child likes clothes that stand out, you can have fun making it in a color-block style by choosing a different color for the body and the sleeves.
A Peter Pan collar blouse and a pair of pants
For an elegant and timeless back-to-school look, why not sew a pretty blouse with a Peter Pan collar? To stay on trend with the latest fashion, you can choose a polka-dot fabric to make the collar. This will add a unique touch to the garment.
For example, follow the pattern from A&A, which offers many variations. The instructions are fairly simple, but you’ll still need to go through a few more technical steps—such as attaching the collar and making the buttonhole—to complete the project.
To complete this schoolgirl outfit, you can make a classic pair of pants, like the Klafoutis chinos. Here again, you’ll need to be patient for the more complex steps—attaching a waistband, sewing a fly, and assembling the crotch…
To match it with the blouse, you can choose a pretty gabardine skirt with polka dots.
What about you? What kinds of outfits do you like to put together for the start of the school year? What factors do you consider when choosing them?
