Sewing For Boys Pump Up Series: Simple Simon and Company

When I branched out to my blogger idols asking, "Would you want to guest post to help my readers get pumped up for a Sewing For Boys Sew Along?", I never imagined that so many amazing bloggers would jump at the opportunity.  It is such a testament to the quality of this book and the importance of its subject.  


The Elizabeths of Simple Simon and Company were no exception.  With 3 boys between them (as well as 3 girls), they can't help but sew up some wonderful boy centered goodness.  They've also come up with some general kid centered projects (summer camp chairs, fabric fort, target practice) that have filled my "To Do" list with fun things to sew until kingdom come.  

They are here today to share a fabulous pajama shirt tutorial.  Ugh, don't you just want to kiss those cheeks?

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Hi,  I am Elizabeth from Simple Simon & Co, where I blog with my sister-in-law who has the same name.  Confusing, yes, we know.  We tend to joke about who is the "good Liz" and who is the "bad Liz" at any particular family event.... Anyway, we blog about our love for sewing, all things vintage, and recently competed in Season 2 of Project Run and Play....where we originally made these jammies for that series.

But, boy oh boy, I love little guys in fun retro jammies.  And those cheeks are some that I could kiss all.day.long.

So, if you need some cute, retro jammies that make your heart melt too, here's what you will need:

Fabric- I used a 1 1/2 yards for about a size 2T (that made the pants too)

Double Fold Bias Tape- either handmade or 1 package (I made mine.)

A tee to cut up or a pattern for a shirt

Cut out two fronts (add 1 inch to overlap for buttons), 1 back piece (cut on the fold) and two sleeves pieces.  I used an old stained tee shirt for the pattern.  Go HERE to learn how to cut up a tee and use it for pattern pieces.

Once you have your pattern pieces cut, you are ready to start....

Cut out this new line so ONE front piece is now curved on the top and bottom.  (The other one will be square and button undeneath the curved one....just like a retro baseball uniform.)

Your pajama shirt should now look like this.

Ok, below is where you are going to start your bias tape.  The non-curved front piece will ultimately be inside the other one...so the seam will be less noticeable.  Pin and sew your bias tape on....it will be one long continuous piece that goes around the bottom, front and neck of the whole shirt.  (That probably doesn't make a lot of sense now, but it will when you are pinning it on.)

If you don't know how to make or sew on bias tape, go HERE.  It's a great tutorial.

After you have sewn the unfolded part on, fold the bias tape around to the back and pin.  Now topstitch the bias tape down.

Here's what it will look like when the bias tape is all sewn on.

Two more things and you are done.

Hem your sleeves.

Find where you want your button holes to be and stitch them in.  Sew on the buttons and you are done!

I did make all the boys pajama pants by tracing existing pairs to complete the looks.  If you don't know how to do that, go HERE.  They are very easy to do.  I did add bias tape around the hems of the pants to tie in the bias tape on the shirt but that was about it.

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Thank you so much for your inspiration, Elizabeth.  I just love these "Big Boy" pajamas and the fabric is adorable.  I have a little boy who wants to live in his PJs.  Maybe I wouldn't mind so much if they were this adorable?

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