tutorial: Spice Up Those White Onesies
Gather supplies: onesie :: funky fabric :: iron-on adhesive :: iron :: craft thread :: buttons (optional)
Make a pattern: Either design your own pattern or use some vintage ephemera or online clipart as your inspiration. Patterns work best if they are simple without thin parts. For this tutorial I decided to make a fire engine. I like to print several sizes to that I can see which size looks best on the onesie.
Trace your pattern in reverse onto the paper side of the adhesive. Some patterns can face any direction but I have made a cut-out of the continent of Africa backwards…twice! If you have trouble seeing through the adhesive it can help to hold it up on a window.
Cut out your pattern. It doesn’t need to be exact yet – then iron the adhesive onto the fabric. Be sure to iron onto the BACK/inside of your fabric. (Check for any product specific instructions.)
Cut out your appliqué. This time you will need to cut out the exact shape. Then iron the appliqué onto the onsie. Peel off the paper backing and iron the fabric onto your onesie. (Check for any product specific instructions.)
Embroider around the appliqué using craft thread…sew buttons on for extra fun (be careful though these can be a choking hazard for little ones – make sure to sew the buttons several times so that they won’t fall off).
TaaDaa! Dress your cute kid up and get ready for lots of compliments.
about the author: Sarah Ward lives in St. Louis, with her husband and two wonderful children. When her daughter was born she had so many boring white onsies that she started adding a little personality to them. This hobby grew and evolved into a small business, Little Knots, which Sarah could do from home. She now makes and sells appliqué/embroidered onesies and crochet hats and rattles and loves being able to make a little bit of money on the side.
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 am
I thought I recognized that fire engine!! Great job Sarah! I have a very talented sis-in-law! That reminds me, I need to place some orders!
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Perfectly timed, thank you. Simple and easy to understand. :>
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 am
This seems really easy to follow, Sarah. And if a mom was worried about buttons they could try different textured appliqués for the wheels. I found some that was almost velvety and there is really shiny stuff too!
October 25th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Well done, Sarah. I went to a baby shower yesterday and thought to myself, I need to have a few of Sarah’s onsies in stock to give as gifts when I can’t get them quickly enough from you. Let’s talk shop, ’cause I need to order a few things. Love, Mom
October 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I like the fire engine!! I think I need to do some new orders.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
[...] (6) Sarah Ward of whip up blog showed us how to spice up onesies with applique and embroidery. [...]
November 19th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Quite amazing and very cute for a baby. Thanks Sarah