Making clothes for little boys

[Incubator]

I went to Joanns today, after being up most of the night, my head swimming with thoughts of all the nifty clothes I could make for my nearly three-year old boy. I was so disappointed to get there and I could only find three patterns for boys clothes, I only liked one of them, and then I only liked one of the three shirts that that pattern could make. Not worth $8.99 IMO.
Does anyone else make clothes for their toddler boys? Where do you get your patterns, or do you copy clothes that you already have? Anyone know of any free patterns for boys? Pictures of things you've made already would be great!

[scrapadoozer]

I don't have a little guy but Ottobre design magazine has the best little (and big) boy patterns I've seen. You can check out the contents of a lot of the back issues at www.sewzannes.com.

[sewchris2642]

I use KwikSew patterns, specifically their pattern books Sew for Baby (newborn to 18 months) and Sew for Toddlers (1T to 4T). Each book has basic pattern pieces that you mix and match to make garments for both boys and girls. The pieces need to be traced off onto other paper (light weight cheap sew in interfacing can also be used) as the pieces are printed on both sides of the paper. The book gives the sewing directions and suggestion for embellishments and changing the styles.

http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/Book_Baby.cfm
http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/Book_Toddler.cfm

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by scrapadoozer

I don't have a little guy but Ottobre design magazine has the best little (and big) boy patterns I've seen. You can check out the contents of a lot of the back issues at www.sewzannes.com.

:

Some ottobres do have stupid stuff in them so check it out first. Usually there are lots of usable things though.

[Incubator]

Well I found a copy of the sewing for toddlers book for $7 so I bought it. Not sure if I can justify the ottobre purchase yet, and I'll have to look into it some more anyway. I did sew the free diaper from them once, and it was nice, and easy to make so I'll probably do it eventually. For now, I'm just going to copy a t-shirt he already has, and applique some designs on the front.

[Mel L]

I sew up 97% of my son's wardrobe from Ottobre! If you really want to sew for boys, it is worth the investment. You could get by with just 1-2 back issues. Ds has about 7 different pair of shorts and pants all sewn from the same base pattern. You would never believe that they are the same pattern though. Plus, each pattern spans about 7-10 sizes.

[Incubator]

Which ones do you have? I'm mostly looking to make unique t-shirts and maybe some denim shorts for the boy for this summer.

[RasJane]

I was going to recommend the Ottobre and Kwik Sew patterns too.
I usually use the base kwik sew pants pattern and add on based on what my boys are asking for. They all still like just pull-on pants. Fine with me as I don't have to do fly and waistband that way.
But yeah, a couple of base patterns and then I go from there. Burda sometimes has slightly better stuff as well if you want to go the fabric store route. Don't forget Joann sales too.
I discovered Shiva paintsticks too. You can embellish just about any fabric with these or fabric paint. I make a design (hand or computer) and trace it onto freezer paper and cut it out. Iron the freezer paper to the fabric and you have an instant stencil!