Sleep Sack with Feet Tutorial

This past Christmas, I made a lot of handmade gifts.  Among them was this camo sleep sack with feet for my little nephew.  He needed something that would keep him nice and warm in his crib without using bulky blankets that could smother him.  My sister also wanted something that wouldn't inhibit movement since he can be a wild sleeper.

I first made a sleep sack with feet for my own little one last year. She loves hers so much that she begs me to wear it during naptime and around the house too!  Since they're made of fleece they are very warm and are designed to be big enough to be worn over pajamas.  Also, there is enough leg room at the bottom that makes running around the house no problem.  Just ask my little crazy lady!

Want to make one of your own?  Read on for the full tutorial.


Materials:

• Fleece (I bought 2/3 yd for my 6 mo. nephew and 1 yd. for my large 2 yr. old daughter)
• Enough rib knit for the bottom cuffs 
• zipper (depends on length of child)
• normal sewing items (scissors, pins, etc)

1. Use an existing sleep sack or pair of footed pajamas to create your pattern.   Fold the fleece in half and put the pajamas or sleep sack on top.  You're using the pajamas or sleep sack to copy length, arm holes, and neckline. Don't forget to leave 3/8" seam allowance as you cut. Extend the bottom outward at an angle so that it is blousy and full (similar to a dress). Cut a half circle between the legs to create the crotch and leg holes. Use the existing sleeves to create armholes by copying the shoulder and arm seams.  Leave a little extra room in this area since this will be worn over pajamas. Copy neckline.  Really, you are just winging it and cutting around the pajamas or sleep sack until  you have two pieces that look like this:

2.  Take one piece and cut it in half lengthwise.  This will be your front piece. I chose to make the sleep sacks v-neck, so I cut a v in the neckline as well.  Now you should have one piece that looks like this:

3. Sew a 3/8" seam to reconnect the pieces you just cut apart.  I know this sounds strange.  Iron seam flat. Place the zipper on top of this seam making sure the zipper teeth are lined up with the seam.  Pin the zipper in place on the top side of the fabric. Since you are using fleece, you will need to use your zipper foot to sew the zipper on the top side of the fabric.  If you don't, your zipper will be wavy.  Just to be clear: your zipper will be on the bottom, then the fabric, and you will sew beginning to the left of the seam where the zipper lays underneath removing pins as you go. Go slowly, turn, sew a few stitches, and sew up the other side.  Backstitch at the beginning and end. Use your seam ripper to open up the seam on the top side of the fabric to reveal the zipper beneath. It should now look like this:

4. With right sides together, sew the shoulder seams and down both sides using 3/8" seam.

5. At this point, the bottom should be completely open.   Measure the circumference around the child's ankle (or use the pajamas to guess) and add a little for comfort.  Using your rib knit, cut the knit 7" with the stripes running lengthwise and use your custom measurement for the width.  Fold it in half.  Pin right sides and raw edges together and stitch along the edge of the foot cuff. You will have to stretch the knit to match the length of the fleece as you sew along. It will look something like this when you begin sewing it:

Repeat with other leg cuff.

6. Flip leg cuffs down.  Turn entire piece inside out.  Sew crotch opening closed beginning and ending with the leg cuffs.

 
7. (optional) Fold under arm holes and neck line to create a small hem.   Pin. Sew to secure.

*I chose to serge all my seams.  This is not necessary since fleece does not unravel.

You will find that one footed sleep sack is simply not enough.  You will need another to rotate while one is in the laundry.  Don't forget to make one for the baby doll too!

One for Baby Doll

Easier Than I Thought!
 
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