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. The neckline is sized from the chest so that it passes over the head before the elastic gathers it in.
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.