I've been wanting to make a cute sun suit or romper for MONTHS now but couldn't find a vintage pattern in Ruby's size and wasn't willing to cut up an old one to make my own. The other day I thrifted this gingham pair of bloomers and it hit me. Add a simple bib and straps and it's a romper! The tricky part is already finished!
This light bulb moment has probably already hit a few other creative mamas out there. It has to have because it's such a simple way to make something adorable while reusing something cute! I'm hoping to make a few more before summer escapes us.
Grab a pair of bloomers at your local thrift store that are roomy. If you can't find anything you like you can always try to make a pair. They are pretty simple but I suggest finding a pattern. Mine already had the eyelet trim attached but it's a fun way to embellish something plain.
You'll also need a cut of fabric for the bib measuring about 1" less than the width of your bloomers (when lying flat). To find the length, measure from where the bloomers hit your toddler's waist up to their arm pits and double. Then add 2". You'll fold this over for extra sturdiness which is why it feels so long.
You'll also need two long strips of fabric for the straps and a 3" length of ribbon or lace.
Place the bib piece of fabric right side down. Iron the long sides of your bib in about 1/2" and then iron the short sides in about 1/2". Fold this in half and iron.
Next, center it on the front of your bloomers. Pin in all four corners and in the center. Make sure the bottom folds sandwich over the top of the front of your bloomers.
Stitch from the top of one corner all the way around to the top of the other corner. Remove pins. Iron flat. Be sure to stitch about 1/8" from the edge.
Cut two strips measuring roughly 3.5" wide. To get the length, measure from the natural waistline up and over the shoulder to the chest and add about six inches. Fold in half lengthwise with right sides facing and stitch down the long edge, curving in at the other end as shown. Trim edges. Turn right side out, tuck raw end in about 1/4" and iron flat. Repeat with other strap.
Add a button hole on each of the top corners of the bib. Make sure not to get too close to the edges.
Place the tucked in ends of the straps on the back of the bloomers so that they are slightly angled in and pin. Stitch to bloomer. Carefully slip the other end through a button hole and tie a knot according to how long your strap needs to be. Tie a double-knot if you need to take up slack. Repeat with other side making sure to criss-cross your straps.
The bloomers I found already had lace on the back but that would be a fun step to embellish your bloomers before you start turning them into a romper.
Add a strip of ribbon or lace about half way up one of the straps (on the inside) to use to hold the other strap in place. Try it on for size!
Ruby played in hers all afternoon and got lots of attention from older ladies when we ran errands. Sun suits, or rompers, are perfect for those hot summer days and make for some adorable photos!
If you make a romper from a pair of bloomers using this tutorial I'd love to see a photo of them!
Enjoy!
xoxo,
Rachel
