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How to Make a Child's Jumper

The jumper, also known as the romper, is a classic child's garment that is appropriate for school, church and play. It is adaptable for any season, and parents with a little sewing know-how can adjust the hem to extend its life or pass it down to another child. Making a jumper is simple and provides an opportunity to use material remnants that are too small for use in a dress.

Things You'll Need

Pattern
Scissors
Fabric
Iron
Measuring tape
Seamstress chalk
Straight pins
Thread
Sewing machine
Bias tape

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a jumper pattern at a fabric store or online. Cut out the paper pattern and compare its size to that of your child. Make any necessary alterations. Choose your fabric to pre-wash and pre-iron. Depending on your child's size and jumper length, you will probably need about 2 yards of material.
- 2
  Measure your child's height from the shoulders to the desired endpoint of the jumper -- anywhere from just above the knee to just above the ankle. Add 1 inch to the measurement for hem allowance.
- 3
  Fold the fabric in half to mark and cut the front and back sides at once. Pin the pattern to the fabric, aligning the pattern shoulders with the fabric fold. Measure from the shoulders to mark the end length, using your child's height measurement from the previous step. Cut out the front and back faces of the jumper.
- 4
  Turn the fabric inside out. Pin both side seams together. Fold the hem in 1 inch, iron in place and pin.
- 5
  Run each seam through the sewing machine, followed by the front and back hem. Turn the dress right-side out.
- 6
  Fit and pin bias tape around the collar and arm holes. Remove pins and turn the jumper right-side out for your child to try on.

Sewing