How to make a kids' smock

1. Materials & tools

Materials (child smock)

• Fabric (easy-care sheeting, broadcloth or light oxford) — 110 cm wide × 80–100 cm
• Thin elastic (0.5–0.6 cm) for the neckline and cuffs — the neckline plus two cuffs

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 “Kids' clothes” → “Kids' smock” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Start from a height preset. Check the neckline fits over the head.
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. Cut the body
   Fold the fabric and cut the front and back (same shape) on the fold; keep the neckline the right way up.
2. Cut the sleeves
   Cut 2 sleeves, minding the cuff direction.
3. Mark notches
   Mark the armhole notches.
4. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the shoulders

1. Sew the front and back at the shoulders; press open.

4-2. Make the elastic neckline

1. Fold the neckline into a casing, leaving an opening, and stitch.
2. Thread elastic cut to fit over the head, join the ends and close the opening.

4-3. Set in the sleeves

1. Gather the sleeve cap lightly and sew each sleeve to the armhole (flat, drop-shoulder).

4-4. Sew underarms and sides

1. Sew from the cuff to the hem in one continuous seam, matching the underarm seams.

4-5. Elastic cuffs and hem

1. Make each cuff into a casing, leave an opening, thread elastic and close.
2. Double-fold and topstitch the hem; press.

5. Tips & variations

• Wipe-clean: laminated cotton makes a great painting smock.
• Name it: add a label or initials for nursery.
• Roomy: a relaxed fit goes on easily over clothes.