Many of our good Oliver + S friends are having babies! Cherie, Kristin, Rae, and I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say one or two other friends who may or may not have announced. So I’ve had babies on my mind. And I’ve always wanted to do a layette pattern. I mean, what’s more fun to sew for a baby shower or new baby gift than teeny tiny baby clothes?
So here it is, the Lullaby Layette Set pattern–our first collection of patterns for babies, from newborn to 24 months. This collection is intended to function as a core wardrobe. It includes a cute little bodysuit (apparently in the U.S. no one can call them onesies except Carter’s, but you know what I mean), shirt, pants, and a jacket. Of course we had to include some wonderful details in these pieces, but the shapes are still simple and easy to construct, and the pieces work really well together.
The bodysuit and shirt include a fun partial snap placket with a cute detail. I love the pleat because it feels simultaneously modern and classic. The bodysuit is plenty roomy to allow for diapers (or nappies, or whatever you like to call them), and it snaps at the bottom for easy changing. I think you’re going to love how the casing for the elastic and the placket for the snaps are created on the bodysuit because there are no extra pattern pieces. Everything is just folded and stitched in an interesting, simple way that makes the construction really easy. I think it’s pretty ingenious, if I do say so myself. And the short and long sleeves are interchangeable, so you can decide which style to add to the shirt and the bodysuit. You can also change the shirt or the bodysuit to be sleeveless, and we’ll do a blog post soon showing this soon.
The pants are so much fun! We shifted the seams and changed it up from basic pants, so the front of the pants is a single piece with no front rise seam, and the side seams are shifted toward the front for a cute design detail. The pants include lots of room for diaper/nappy again. This is an easy pull-on style, so no snaps on this one. This makes it much easier to sew, too, and it’s a really quick sew.
The jacket is so simple and cute. It’s reversible so you can choose coordinating or contrasting fabrics and have a lot of fun with it. The raglan sleeves and simple darts at the shoulders give it a great fit, and just imagine making this in a cozy flannel or fleece! The jacket is finished with bias binding, which makes it really easy to sew. Soon we’ll show you a cool trick for sewing the sleeves. (You’ll be familiar with this trick if you’ve sewn the Firefly Jacket or followed our flannel-lined trousers tutorial.)
So there you have it! I hope you’ll have fun with this pattern. I think these are those baby clothes that get saved and passed down, but they’re also practical pieces for everyday use. I can’t wait to see what you make with them! You can get the pattern now in both paper and digital format.
I love these! I’m long done having babies (my kids are in school now) but there are always expectant family members and friends.
I love that these patterns don’t call for knit fabrics (I’m still a rookie with knits) and that they are appropriate for girl and boy babies. I might have to get this pattern 🙂
I just ordered this pattern… I love the pants and bodysuit…. My granddaughter is actually almost 2, but the sizing on this shows that she would wear a 12 month, she is pretty small… so I can make it again as she grows.. I do not see many body suits that are made of woven fabrics, instead of knits, so this will be a nice addition to her wardrobe for summer… 🙂 I can see adding a bit of flat piping on the seams to the pants too… oh the possibilities! thanks for another wonderful pattern!
It’s so clever the sleeves are interchangeable! It could be for all seasons then.What a great gift this set would make for anyone.
Its absolutely gorgeous! I love it.
The baby bodysuit is divine, perfect for the hot Australian summers and the bottoms look good and roomy. I think they will fit over a cloth nappy well.
You have definitely ticked all the boxes with this layette.
This is my favorite new design. So many gift possibilities.
Thank you Liesl-you heard my wishes posted from Germany…our baby will arrive in June so theres still some time for sewing…
Do the trousers fit over cloth diapers?
Thank you
Angela
Dear Liesl and Todd; you have sooo hit the nail on the head – a gorgeous set of patterns for gift givers, and fabric-stash busters who can be confident that the instructions will have O+S’s characteristic clarity and helpfulness for sewists of all levels of experience.
I also second others’ appreciation that the patterns can be made in woven fabrics, as well as knits. Brilliant!!!
Awww…this is great! I can’t wait to get a chance to sew up this set!
AWWW!!! LOVE IT! I’m thrilled you guys thought to do some baby stuff — I was just thinking that it’s been awhile since I saw any really cute baby-specific patterns out there. Yay!!
🙂
….and just when I thought I would have to wait for my cousin’s baby to be born before I made it anything this comes along! Thank you!
This is perfect beyond words! Cannot wait to get my hands on it. Would also looooove to know what fabric is used here.
Alas.. No more wee babes for me! Two things- the fabric is lovely- what is it!
And- who else besides me wants to eat that cutie munchkin up? Oh my. So adorable!
Love this pattern! Do you have any recommendations on types/brands of snaps and snap pliers/tools to use? Plastic vs metal?
The first pair of pants I made from this pattern, the front and back side lengths didn’t match when it came time to sew the side seams. After checking the pattern pieces, and thinking it was my mistake, I cut out another pair. Once again, the side lengths didn’t match when it was time to sew up the side seams.. Both sides of the front are shorter than both sides of the back. I could accept that I made a mistake once, but not twice. I was extremely careful when I cut the fabric. I’m extremely unhappy with this pattern, and I don’t recommend it.
I am having trouble following the instructions for the jacket. I have attached the hems of the sleeves of the lining to the main jacket and sewn the side seams and sleeve seams for the jacket and lining, but cannot follow how to turn this ouutside in to then add the bias trim. Any advise?