I’ve been promising our 12 year old son, Adam, a new onesie for a few weeks and now the weather is getting colder I thought it was about time I kept my promise. He adores animals and loves Lucy, our pup, to pieces and as soon as I asked what fabric design he wanted, he immediately said something that Lucy will like.

Minerva have a lovely range of fleece fabrics and I’d usually like to feel the softness and the weight of the fabric before committing to it. However, the description was really helpful, and Adam loved the dog bones and footprints fleece fabric and so the decision was made.

The fabric has a nice weight to it and, although I initially wondered if it was a bit too heavy it actually worked really well and we’re both pleased with the result. It is also a good weight for a light blanket or dog bed, and I’d hoped there would be enough fabric left to make something for Lucy, but sadly I used the majority of it. It’s surprising how much fabric is required even for a child’s onesie and this pattern required 2.5 metres of fabric

There is a good selection of onesie patterns on the Minerva site and I opted for McCall’s 7518 and, although Adam is only 12, I ordered the adult sizes. He’s a normal height for his age but has still got a chunky bottom and at least he’ll be able to grow into it. His current onesie is a ready-to-wear age 12 but it won’t fit him for much longer.

I debated whether to cut a small or medium and after comparing the pattern pieces against his current onesie I actually went for a medium. The pattern appeared quite slim fitting and knowing how Adam sits and lies around I wanted it big enough to allow him to move freely.

The alterations I made included taking in the centre back seam to make the neck smaller and I also took an inch off the neck/hood seam. The pattern pieces for the hood were absolutely huge, even for an adult. I cut the pattern for the hood as instructed and tried it on myself and ended up taking about 2 inches off the back curve and centre front. I also shortened the arms and legs using Adam’s arm and inside leg measurements.

Although the pattern pieces are large the garment is relatively simple to construct – starting with the pockets, all of the body seams, zip insertion and attaching the hood. The ribbing is sewn to the sleeves before joining to the onesie and, finally, the ribbing attached to the lower legs.

I think this is the first time I’ve ever used cuff ribbing and it’s a simple and effective method to finish the sleeves and legs. Due to the thickness of the fleece I was a bit off with my seam matching, but I don’t think a 12 year old boy will notice! The pattern includes pieces for the ribbing rather than just giving measurements & I used a pack of ribbing cuffing which was just enough to finish the arms and legs.

Having washed the fabric before I used it, the finished onesie was all ready to wear and Adam was even willing to have his photo taken.

We’re both really pleased with the dog themed onesie and, overall, it was a really quick and simple make and I now have a happy 12 year old.

Thanks for reading and to Minerva for the kit

Helen @JustSewHelen

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