How to make bloomers

1. Materials & tools

Materials (baby–toddler)

• Fabric (soft double gauze, light cotton or jersey) — about 110 cm wide × 40 cm
• Waist elastic (1–1.5 cm) — the waist measurement
• Leg elastic (0.6–1 cm) — thigh circumference × 2

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Baby” → “Bloomers” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the rise, inseam, waist and leg opening. Shorter and roomier = a rounder shape.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   The right curve is the crotch, the left straight edge is the side.
2. Cut 4
   Cut 2 mirror pairs (4 pieces) from the same pattern. Mark the crotch notches.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the edges so they don't fray.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the center (crotch) seams

1. Place a left and right piece right sides together and sew the crotch curve; do this for the front pair and the back pair.
2. Clip the curve so it opens smoothly when turned.

4-2. Sew the inseam

1. Open the front and back out, place right sides together, and sew the inseam in one pass.

4-3. Sew the sides

1. Sew the side seams right sides together and press.

4-4. Elastic at waist and legs

1. Make a waist casing (fold by the seam allowance, then the elastic width plus ease) and stitch, leaving an opening.
2. Make leg casings the same way, one opening per leg.
3. Thread the waist and leg elastics, fit, sew the ends and close the openings.

5. Tips & variations

• Rounder shape: shorter length and more ease give the pumpkin look.
• Soft elastic: use gentle elastic on baby legs so it doesn't dig in.
• Grows a little: a touch of ease lets them wear it longer.