Project by Katie Done
Peter Rabbit is timeless and I was so excited to hear that the Craft Cotton Company were bringing out another new Peter Rabbit range for 2020, I know it is going to go down a treat and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I made this dungaree pattern for my first little boy, around 4 years ago but I made it fully lined. I wanted to recreate it with only part lining so it is a little cooler in the summer.
There are quite a few techniques to this project including buttons and buttonholes. It was the perfect project for me to really try out my new sewing machine. I recently treated myself to a Janome MC6700P and I love it! I use my sewing machine for several hours every day so I was well overdue an upgrade. This is the perfect machine for what I need it for. My other business is making keepsake quilts so the longer arm makes it much easier to manoeuvre them. Features like the automatic thread cutter and knee operated foot lifter (I didn't know that was a thing!), make sewing so much easier and fun. Paired up with my Janome 6234XL overlocker which was loaned to me from Janome, this was so much fun to make, that I made two. One for my new little man, and one for my friend’s little boy who was born 9 weeks later. They can now match for their facetime calls. Overlockers are not essential but once you have used one, you won't go back. It gives your makes a much more professional finish, they will be more durable which is what you want when you are sewing for kids. It also speeds up your sewing. They go at an incredible speed! If you are doing a lot of dress making or working with stretch fabric (although this project is in woven cotton), it is worth saving up for. I bought my sewing machine from www.sewingmachinesdirect.co.uk and they have kindly said to quote 123SQUIRREL and they will endeavour to offer a small discount or free gift if you order a new machine from.
I have used 3/8th" seam allowance throughout. This is a reasonably simple pattern to follow with the trickiest bit being the button holes. Allow up to three hours to finish it. Size wise, I would put it at around age 3 months.
YOU WILL NEED
Cutting mat and rotary cutter
Sharp scissors
3 Kam Snap pairs
Kam Snap tool
4 buttons
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board
Elastic 2.5" pieces x2
METHOD
1. First you need to print out an assemble your pattern. There are 3 pieces. Join the two front parts and two back parts where indicated. Ensure your 1" mark measures 1" when printed.
Cut the following:
2 front panels
2 front lining
2 back panels
2 back lining
4 straps (1.5" x 9.5")
2 Top front bib
· Pocket (two designs to choose from)
I have used the new Peter Rabbit fabric in blue as the main fabric and lining. For the bib and pockets, I have used the white London fabric but lined the bib in plain white.
2. Join your two front pieces and two back pieces together on the curved edge. Finish your seams as you go. I have used my overlocker but you can use a zig zag stitch or an over edge stitch if your machine has one. Press as you go.
3. Repeat with the lining pieces. Finish the bottom edge and press a 1/2" seam.
like to batch sew to help save time so also sew:
With right sides together, sew the sides and top edge of the front bib.
With right sides together sew the sides and bottom edge of the straps. Clip the corners.
Turn over a small seam on the pockets. For the single pocket top stitch the curved part and for the two smaller ones, top stitch the top.
4. Turn your straps and bib the right way. Use something pokey to push the corners out. Press.
5. Top stitch the straps and bib. Top stitch down the centre front and back, close to the seam. Sew your hem on the front and back lining.
6. Fold your bib in half to find the centre and match the centre with the front panel, right sides together. Place the lining over top, pin, sandwiching the three layers. Do the same with the back but insert your straps, around 1/2" from the edge. Sew, clip curves, turn out and press.
7. Pin your pockets into position and top stitch.
8. Open your front and lining pieces out and pin them together at the sides. Finish your side and bottom seams.
9. Place your elastic on the lining, close to the seam, an inch from the front bib section, back stitch it into place. Now pull it and sew, back stitch at the end. You may need to judge the length of your elastic yourself depending on how much stretch it has. When you release, it will gather. Repeat on both sides.
10. Turn to the right side, press and top stitch around the top edge.
11. You now need to press a seam allowance around the bottom. Sew your hem.
12. Insert your kam snaps. The back will be slightly bigger but don't worry, it allows room for nappies.
13. Now for the buttonholes. You could make more use of your KAM snaps instead and save yourself a lot of time, but I love a button and think they finished of the dungarees.
My Janome machine has a great buttonhole and button option and came with the feet. If you are looking into a new machine, this is a feature you need to look for. All machines will be different, so I won't go into detail on how to make your buttonholes. I would recommend you do a practise on some scraps before you start. This will also help you work out where to start.
For the buttons, add two to each strap 3cm and 5.5cm from the end.
You are finished! I would love to hear if you give it a go. If you have liked this tutorial and want to keep up to date with future tutorials, new fabric arrivals and special offers, make sure you sign up to the mailing list.
