How to Customize Maternity Clothes
Pregnant women often wonder what they will do when their belly grows and their clothes no longer fit them well. You can alleviate these worries by creating a custom maternity wardrobe that will take you throughout your pregnancy in style. Most clothing alterations can be done with just a bit of time and some sewing skills.
Sewing Your Own Maternity Clothes
- Find your pattern. Take some time to browse your local craft or sewing store to find a maternity pattern that you love. If you cannot find any patterns that you like, you might want to search online to view the many patterns available on the Internet. Be sure to review the size chart to determine what size will fit.
- Choose your fabrics. Follow the guidelines on your pattern to select the fabrics and proper yardage. Choose stretchy and soft fabrics, such as cottons and knits that will fit comfortably as your belly grows.
- Follow your pattern. Your sewing pattern will have detailed instructions for cutting out your fabric pieces and assembling them. Use a sewing machine to carefully stitch your new articles of clothing together.
- Tailor your clothes as needed. Once you have sewn your new clothes, take the time to try them on and adjust the fit as needed.
Transforming Your Current Clothes into Maternity Clothes
- Add a stretch panel to your jeans, shorts or skirts. Lay your jeans flat in front of you. Measure two inches on either side seam and under the zipper and mark your measurements with a pen. Using scissors and following the marks you have made, cut a half circle from the front of your jeans. Use the half-circle that you cut as a template to measure an appropriate length of elastic or stretchable knit fabric.
- Leave the stretchable fabric two inches longer than your template. Use a sewing machine to attach the stretchable panel to the front of your jeans. Fold a half-inch seam on the front of the stretch panel and sew to create a hem.
- Create an elastic waist. This can be done on jeans, skirts or any other item. Using scissors, cut a "V" over each side seam of your clothes. Replace this opening with a band of elastic. You can stitch the elastic in by hand or use your sewing machine. The elastic will add some stretch and give to accomodate your growing belly.