Homecoming Onesie

A couple weekends ago it was Homecoming at my son's high school.  Autumn leaves, hot apple cider (or hot Dr. Pepper when I was growing up), wool blankets and varsity letter jackets.  I love this time of year, and thought it would be fun to make a onesie in the flavor of the season.  This is a very easy project and a great way to personalize a gift for a baby born in the Fall.  Here's what you'll need:

-A blank baby onesie (I love the Circo brand from Target)

-Felt squares in 2 contrasting colors

-Fusible webbing (I used Steam-A-Seam Sticky Back Fusible Web)

-Varsity letter font (see below)

-Sewing machine

-Iron and ironing board and press cloth

Of course, what you're really making here is the felt varsity letter.  I looked long and hard to buy a real chenille or felt letter online, but couldn't find one that was small enough for a onesie.  And then I came across these free fonts: Varsity and Collegiate Heavy Outline.  I considered just printing a letter onto a t-shirt transfer then ironing it onto the onesie, which would be an even easier way to make this project. But I decided to try making the felt letter to get a more authentic look, and I love how my varsity letter "B" came out.

I downloaded the Varsity font and printed out the "B" in a 400 pt. size.  I used the two outer most lines as a guide to cut 2 layers of felt in contrasting colors. Then I cut out some "bars", like a real varsity letter -- you could also add a little football or soccer ball etc.  I sewed the bars on the top layer first, then used the fusible webbing to attach the top letter to the bottom letter. IMPORTANT: when fusing the two pieces of felt, MAKE SURE TO COVER THEM WITH A COTTON PRESS CLOTH FIRST. Also, press for just a few seconds (not the 15 - 20 seconds recommended on the package.)  The best thing to do is fuse a few scraps of felt together first as a sample.  I made the mistake of not using a press cloth the first time around and ended up completely melting the felt -- fusing it directly to my iron!   

Once the two layers are fused together, carefully stitch around the top layer to create an outline.  Then use another piece of fusible webbing to attach the varsity letter to the shirt.  Again, use a press cloth and take care not to heat too long.  If need be, flip the onesie over and apply heat from the back as well until letter is secured onto the front of the shirt.

Make one for all your little sports fans!

 

 

Comments

[Jill]

Oh my gosh this is so adorable!! I want one and I don't even little babies anymore! Love all the great, real-world tips you always offer to get the job done right the first time!