Sewing For Boys Pump Up Series: Embellishing Boy's Clothes

When we think embellishment, so many of us turn our thoughts to ruffles, ribbons, piping, ruching, embroidery and for the most part these are thought of as "girly" embellishments.  So, I thought we'd today we'd focus on ideas for embellishing your Sewing For Boys wardrobe.
I mean really, no matter how "unisex" we try to make embellishments, bows and ruffles are just not going to cut it in the boy fashion world.   But that doesn't mean our boys' clothing must be plain and boring.  We have a variety of options that if used correctly, can give our little gentlemen a very hip look.

1.  Simply altering your pattern to use coordinating or mismatched fabrics.

like this Pieced T-shirt  from indietutes

2.  Patches!!!!!!!!! I love how patches are functional (if you've got a hole to cover up) but also bring a bit of spunk to any pair of pants.  My two favorite tutorials for this are;

Smartigan from Just Another Day in Paradise.  I love how she's added elbow patches and knit stripes to liven up this boy cardiagan.

and Made's Knee Pad Pants which make the pants.  I'm diggin' the "quilting" on the knee pads.

3. Embroidery.  Okay, I'm aware that this one walks a fine line.  Most embroidery patterns congure up images of flowers and butterflies, but I'm sticking to my guns.  Embroidery can be for boys just as well as girls.  It's in the execution.  Two examples I like:

Embroidery from Me Sew Crazy

Sprinkle Shirt by Made

Rock Star Pants from I Am Momma

4.  There is always, of course, the tried and true embellishments; applique and stenciling.

Personalized Applique from Living With Punks

Football Shirt Applique from Make It and Love It

Distressed Stencil Shirt by kojo Designs

5.  Buttons add a whole new flavor to boy clothing.  Add them on shirts, pants, shorts, or sweaters. I especially love tab and fabric buttons.

Back Button Shorts from Sew a Straight Line

Moon Coat from Made By Rae

6.  Let us not forget the infamous hood.  Add a little coordinating fabric to the inside and you've got a look that will please most every child.  I mean, come on.  Who doesn't look adorable in a hood?

Lined Hood Tutoial from this is Marzipan

7.  Argyle is popping up all over boy clothing these days.  Appliqued, stenciled, embroidered.  The addition of a few contrasting diamonds is just so boyishly cute.

The boy vest from Shwin & Shwin

I think that gives you a pretty good start.  I could keep going; piping, pocket placement, tie dye, drawstrings ect.  Have I left any out?  Do you have a favorite boy embellishment technique?

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