A roundup of cute handmade kids’ clothing ideas
Kids grow so fast that even after buying new clothes, you often have to buy the next size up before you know it.
If you find it a bit hard on the budget to keep replacing clothes, why not try making them yourself? In this article, we introduce cute, handmade kids’ clothing.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, from everyday pieces to stylish outfits perfect for outings.
Many of them are easy to make, so even if you’re not confident with sewing, give it a try for your child!
- Handmade hair accessories for Shichi-Go-San! Ideas using tsumami-zaiku and artificial flowers too
- [Handmade] A handmade baby dress you'd love to put on your little one
- [Handmade] Ideas for diaper pouches and wipes cases
- Easy DIY! Introducing educational toys that can be easily made with 100-yen shop items and things around the house.
- [Hand Sewing] Easy crafts recommended for elementary school students. Let's handmake something cute!
- Handmade plushies with everyday items! A collection of ideas perfect for beginners
- [Handmade] A collection of stylish DIY koinobori (carp streamer) ideas
- [Cute and Easy] Handmade Ideas for Baby Bibs and Drool Bibs
- [Handmade] Cute hat ideas you’ll want your baby to wear
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- Easy for elementary school kids! A cute collection of felt mascot-making ideas
- [Easy] Practical craft ideas. Great for beginners too!
- [Sylvanian Families] Handmade outfit ideas
A collection of cute handmade children's clothing ideas (1–10)
short-sleeve open-collar shirt
Introducing an open-collar shirt that’s perfect for hot weather! Prepare your favorite fabric, or try upcycling an adult T-shirt or dress—also recommended.
Cut the fabric to match your child’s size, and start by sewing the front and back bodice pieces together.
Then attach the collar and sleeves to complete the base.
As you sew, using a sewing machine here and there along the way will make the process easier.
Finally, just add the buttons! Choose either snap buttons or regular buttons according to your child’s stage of growth.
short-sleeve blouse
A short-sleeved blouse that’s perfect for a casual summer outing.
Cut the fabric to fit your child’s size, then sew the pieces together.
Adjust the hem length longer or shorter to your liking.
Adding a frill-like shape to the sleeves will boost the style factor! If you add a snap button at the back of the neck, it’ll be easier to put on and take off, so it’s recommended.
Pair it with shorts or a skirt, or even layer it under overalls—anything goes! It matches a variety of outfits, so give making one a try!
Shorts made from tenugui (Japanese hand towels)
You can find tenugui with many different patterns at 100-yen shops, right? Here’s an introduction to making shorts using tenugui you can easily buy at a 100-yen shop.
First, cut the tenugui in half and place the pieces right sides together, then cut out each part and sew them together.
Leave a small opening where the waistband elastic will go.
You can leave the hem as is, or if you’re concerned, fold it up slightly and stitch it.
Thread the elastic through, add a decorative button to make the front and back easy to tell apart, and you’re done! Since they’re so easy to make, it’s a good idea to sew a few pairs so you’ll have extras while washing.
Cute handmade kids’ clothing ideas (11–20)
tulle one-piece dress
Here’s an introduction to a tulle dress that creates an elegant look with a tulle skirt.
First, cut the bodice fabric into front and back pieces and sew them together.
Adding snap buttons or similar fasteners at the back will make it easier to put on and take off.
For the skirt, start by making a gathered skirt with regular fabric and attach it to the bodice.
Then, layer a gathered tulle skirt on top, and you’re done! Adding frills to the sleeve openings of the bodice is also recommended.
Try customizing it as you like and make it extra cute!
Pretty Cure costume
How about making a costume of your child’s hero, Precure? Try creating a special outfit for special occasions like music recitals, Halloween, or Christmas.
You can tailor it to your child’s preferences—choose the costume from the season currently airing or the Precure character your child likes best.
Precure costumes feature lots of intricate details, so if you want high accuracy, be sure to include all those embellishments.
There are many costumes showcased on video sites as well, so be sure to use them for inspiration!
pullover hoodie
How about handmaking a pullover hoodie that looks great just by wearing a single piece? The required parts are the front bodice, back bodice, hem panel, sleeves, cuffs, hood, and pocket.
Basically, you just make each part and sew them together.
The pocket openings are reinforced with stay tape to prevent stretching, so even kids who like to tug when they put their hands in the pockets can use it safely.
The voluminous hood and oversized pocket are super cute design ideas.
You can download patterns in sizes 100 to 130 cm.
leggings
Let’s make super easy-to-move-in leggings that are perfect for kids who love to play! If you use a ready-made pair of leggings as a pattern, it’s easier to cut the fabric.
Choose a stretchy polyurethane fabric.
Cut the fabric, sew it together, and insert elastic at the waist to finish.
They’re quick to make, so you can easily whip up new pairs as your child grows! If your child loves playing outside, it’s a good idea to make several pairs so it’s fine if they get dirty.