Friday, August 14, 2009

Kids Paint/Craft Smock Tutorial

My middle child loves to paint and do all sorts of other wonderful crafts. One problem. He forgets to not only ask, but even tell me that he's doing these things. Needless to say, when his creativity is at work, I'm brushing up on my laundry skills. A few months ago while making this quilt from Little Birdie Secrets tutorial, I was inspired to use a vinyl tablecloth to make paint smocks for my kids. It was SO easy. Supplies: Newspaper Tape (unless your using a Wall Street Journal) Marker 1 Vinyl tablecloth (really only about 1/3-1/2, but who has that laying around?) 2 pkg coordinating bias tape 1 T-shirt Velcro
How-To:
Lay out your newspaper and tape two pieces together (if necessary) and lay T-shirt flat. Tuck the T's sleeves inside the shirt.
Outline the shirt on the newspaper with your marker. Be sure to account for seams when tracing your shirt. Remember to make the scoop in the front for the neck.
Fold table cloth in half length wise and pin pattern piece on. There should be two identical pieces now.
If you want pockets, cut out a rectangle according to how deep you want your pockets. Lay the T-shirt piece on top and trim the sides to fit.
(Sorry about the sideways picture-blogger did that. It was right in my files)
Now-down to the dungeon where I do all my sewing.
Sew the bias tape across the top of your pocket rectangle. Pin the pocket piece to the shirt piece and baste/sew together using a 1/4 seam allowance.
Determine how many pockets you'd like. Mark how far apart you want them with some pins and sew from the bottom of the pocket to to the top in a straight line.
Take the non-pocket T-shirt piece and cut in half.
Lay the two T-shirt pieces right sides together and pin and shoulders and side seams. Sew using a 1/2" seam.
Pin bias tape around all raw edges and sew. I thought this was going to be difficult on the arm holes, but turned out to be quite easy.
Lastly-add some Velcro to the back for an easy, kid-friendly fastener.

8 comments:

Anisa said...

That is such a cute idea. There are some cute table cloths out there too!

Sarah Doyle said...

This is a great tutorial - and I have 3 1/2 year old quadruplet grandbabies that need these!!! We'll be posting these on our SewingBusiness.com blog - thanks again!

Sarah J Doyle
http://PatternsThatFitYou.com
http://SewingBusiness.com blog

Melissa said...

Ooohhh!! I love this! I could have used this a few days ago!! I'm going to have to go shopping for my tablecloth as soon as possible!!

Sarah Doyle said...

We posted this great information on our sewing business blog yesterday. Thanks again for the information
http://sewingbusiness.com/2009/08/19/paint-smocks-for-school-or-play.aspx

Sarah J Doyle
http://PatternsThatFitYou.com
http://SewingBusiness.com blog

Sandra said...

I love this. I've made smocks out of oilcloth before but only did one for each of my 3 boys b/c cute oilcloth can be pricey! This is such a great idea. There really are some cute tablecloth prints out there so I am off to find a couple. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

What size of t-shirt should I use? I'm assuming big (ie. one of mine) to fit my five-year-old) so that it is smocky and oversized for good coverage?

Anonymous said...

i am excited to have found this on your page! I have been looking for an EASY pattern to make smocks for my toddlers at school. I bought table cloths with the intention of making the smocks, just needed the right pattern. Glad to have found it through you! Thanks!!!

Unknown said...

I am finishing up mine for my 2 year old daughter. I didn't have any velcro so I'm in the process of making some tie straps for the back with all of the left overs. Oh and these will come in handy since she still wears full size bibs haha!