Unisex Knit Romper for Babies and Kids

Video class

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Make a long-leg, drop-crotch knit romper for a baby or child, with lined front and back upper sections, shoulder straps and fitted ankle cuffs.

The class sample uses shoulder snaps, with reinforcement inside the fabric to support the fasteners.

What you’ll learn in this class

Trace your chosen size while preserving the original pattern.
Identify fold lines, grainlines and the direction of stretch.
Position directional prints correctly before cutting.
Sew knits with a ballpoint needle without distorting them.
Finish seams with straight stitch and zigzag, or use a serger.
Distribute a smaller ankle cuff evenly with matched points.
Reinforce and install snaps at the straps.

For more help assembling a tiled garment pattern, see the Lucas Shorts tutorial.

Working with knits

If the knit stretches more in one direction, position the pieces so the needed stretch runs across the body rather than along the garment.

Use a ballpoint needle. A walking foot can feed the layers evenly, while a light-touch marking tool helps avoid stretching the fabric as you mark it.

Make it your own

Finish the shoulders with snaps or ties, as provided by the source design. After checking the fit, you can also turn up the ankle cuffs for a different look.

Sizing notes

The source pattern spans sizes from preemie through early childhood. The romper demonstrated in class is size 18–24 months.

Choose a size from the source designer’s measurement chart before tracing and cutting.

This class uses a third-party pattern referenced in the video; it is not included. The lesson covers interpreting, tracing, placing, adapting and sewing the design.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.