How to Add On to a Onesie

Sleeves

• 1

  Fold the fabric you want to make the sleeves out of with the right sides facing each other and place the sleeve of a shirt that fits your baby along the fold. Trace the shape of the sleeve and add a 1/2-inch to the length and width to allow for seams.

• 2

  Cut out the traced fabric then sew the long edges together with a sewing machine to make a tube with a 1/2-inch wide seam. Fold one end of the tube up by 1/4-inch and sew the folded edge in place.

• 3

  Slide the tube up one of the onesie sleeves starting with the sewn, folded end. Keep sliding the tube up until the remaining raw edge is in line with the edge of the sleeve. The long seam of the tube should line up with the seam of the sleeve inside the onesie.

• 4

  Sew the tube and the sleeve together with a 1/4-inch wide seam. Pull the tube right side out through the opening of the sleeve. Repeat the same process with the other side to make the second long sleeve.

Appliques

• 5

  Trace a drawing onto a piece of fabric. Lay the fabric on top of a sheet of iron-on stiffening. If your drawing has different colors or uses various fabrics, do this step for each part.

• 6

  Press the traced fabric and the stiffening sheet using a hot iron until they stick together. Cut out the stiffened traced shapes when they are cool.

• 7

  Place the cut out shapes on the onesie where you want to set the applique and pin them in place. Sew carefully around the edges of the shapes with a zig-zag stitch.

Ruffles

• 8

  Measure the area where you want to attach the ruffle and multiply it by 2. The fabric will reduce in length when you ruffle it, so you have to increase the cutting measurement to allow for it.

• 9

  Cut a strip of fabric to the multiplied length you calculated. The width of the fabric should be twice as wide as you want the finished ruffle, plus 1/2-inch to allow for a seam. Fold the strip in half, lengthwise with the right sides facing.

• 10

  Sew the fabric closed along the long edge allowing a 1/4-inch wide seam then turn the fabric tube inside out. Fold in the ends of the tube and stitch them closed to finish all of the edges. Press the tube flat with an iron.

• 11

  Make a long, straight stitch down the middle of the fabric, using the widest and longest stitch your machine has. Hold the top thread on one end of the fabric to make the fabric gather along the lower thread. Keep doing this until the ruffle is as long as the original measurement for the ruffle placement.

• 12

  Pin the ruffle in place on the onesie then sew it down. Try to sew directly on top of the previous stitching so it won't be seen when you finish. Add as many ruffles in this way as you want.