Sewing for Boys, plus a pattern giveaway

A recent Facebook discussion showed that many were frustrated with the lack of choice in fabrics, patterns & haberdashery for boys. When researching this post, I too found it really difficult to find items & ideas that were unique. Even the large designer kids labels such Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren & Calvin Klein play it very safe when designing for boys - sticking to linens & classic colours.

  1. Adding transfers to t-shirts & bags are easy & effective. You can purchase ready made iron on transfers or you can print off your own design with Transfer Paper available in The Haby Goddess online store. This great transfer is on a Field Bag by Rainbow Swirlz
  2. Ceramic buttons & fabric covered buttons are an inexpensive addition to boy's garments. Tessa Ann 's - My Guy handmade buttons set are bright & fun and would match well on denim.
  3. Many comments acknowledged that there are only so many variations to boy's patterns that you can make. I like this Make it Perfect pattern - About a Boy - for it basic messenger bag & cap.
  4. Trims for boy's are few & far between but I did love this Airmail Bias Tape from Marchare
  5. This example by Small beans gives some great ideas on adding fun appliques to T's and matching different coloured demin's.
  6. As the range of great boy fabric's are limited, especially once they are over the toddler style prints, you may need to look at other sorts of fabrics available such as linen. I LOVE these Grey Linen pants by Adatine
  7. Trims for boy's are few & far between but I did love this Airmail Bias Tape from Marchare
  8. Younger boys look gorgeous in Kaftan styled tops with lace up fronts. If you keep detailing to a minimum they will look really smart. This image of a Mexican Lace Up Shirt is from Little Gypsies
  9. Jessica on Facebook some great suggestions about using shells & wooden buttons on boys clothing to add charm, like these Double Sea Shell Beads by RJBEADERY
I have one copy of Make it Perfect's - About a Boy - pattern to give away. I would love you to leave a comment about the crafting for the boys (big or small) in your world. It can be anthing - add another suggestion to the list above, your frustrations or a favourite item you like to make. I will draw a random winner this Friday evening - 11th June, 2010 (AEST). Although I do make every effort to contact the winner - if you do not have an email attached to your blogger profile please by sure to check back to see if you are the winner.

15 comments:

IndigoElephant :: Sash said...

I have recently started making my boys some dress up clothes - lots more scope for creativity here for me and them! I started with capes using the tutorial found here:
http://thelongthread.com/?p=98

I love the Make It Perfect patterns, so easy to use!!

Unknown said...

I get most frustrated by the lack of nice stretch fabrics for boys. It is all worth it as my boys do love the things I make for them though.

Anonymous said...

Mine is a big boy so I make hats and beanies and scarves. For the nephews its pillow cases and doona covers and super hero embellishments!!!

pinkchook said...

yes definatly a severe lack of everything for boys, material, patterns etc. My favorite patterns for boys are definatly from ottobre.

Bellgirl said...

WHile the sewing supplies are limited for boys' clothes, I find the retail alternative is pretty dire. When trying to buy inexpensive clothes for my boy, I find that there's mostly licensed characters, sports themed or, worst of all, military themed fabrics. I've taken to printing shirts with animals using freezer paper stencilling, and happily he loves them.

Cate Brickell said...

thank you for sharing these ideas! I must admit, I haven't made anything for my boy yet (beyond bunny rugs before he was born), I've been frozen by the lack of boy fabrics... but you've re-inspired me to hunt out some plain shirts and give some applique a go!

Susan said...

I have two boys and recently used some trim from your store to jazz up a pair of trackpants. Simple but effective but the lack of trim designs is annoying

Jenny from Ohjoh said...

My little man is now almost 9 so the thought of wearing something that Mum has made is not very appealing. Although he's very keen on the quilt that I'm making for him. I agree there's not a lot out there. Thanks for the tips!

SoozeM said...

I am lucky, my 9 yr old son loves everything I make, and it always asking me to make things for him, especially bags and quilts. If mum makes it then it is all good (oh except if it has even the tiniest little hint of PINK on it LOL).

Christy said...

I love making pants for my boys that actually fit! My kids are skinny and one is a little too tall for regular pants making him look very uncool in store bought clothes!

I love make it perfect patterns too!!

Nick & Mel said...

I have a friend who was recently given a sewing machine for her birthday. Her comment was but I only have boys, what am going to make? Would love to give this pattern to her to get her started.

Miss Silver Spoon Vintage said...

I find simple shorts and pants patterns can easily be "jazzed" up with all sorts of different styled pockets! Pockets are fantastic for boys as they are great for stashing little treasures like matchbox cars. Adding unusual pocket to a pair of shorts of pants really makes them unique and different. Also overalls for the little boys are very cute!

Philippa said...

I have a daughter but all my friends have boys and keep pestering me to make their boys some cute clothes so I definitely need some assistance to take the pink and frills from my sewing!

The Dodgy Housewife said...

my boy is hard on pants, one way or another, so i turned it around and now have so much fun mixmatching the salvageable parts to make a new pair, even if they just get worn in the yard!

Sue said...

The most treasured thing I have made my boy was a double sided super hero cape, he loves all the clothes and accessories I make him but the cape has been the one that he loves to show to anyone and everyone the most and he wants to take for "show and tell" at pre-school every week :)