Adding Snap Tape to Children's Clothing

Size 12-18 month romper available at BabyDerby.Esty.com

If you are making overalls, a bubble suit or romper, you probably are considering how you will make a quick diaper change possible.  One option is to add snap tape to the inseam.  It may seem tricky and the pattern instructions are often fuzzy at best, so here is a step by step outline of how to add snap tape to the inseam of children's clothing.

In my previous blog entry I talked about where to find snap tape for less than the $10/yard.  The snap tape that is shown in the pictures below was purchased by the yard.  I needed 18 inches for a size 1 romper.

Step 1:
Decide if you want your overlapping edge to face the back or the front. In this case, I lined the overlapping edge with contrasting fabric and wanted it to face the back.

Step 2:
Turn the edge of the fabric under 5/8' to the wrong side.  Pin the snap tape with the bump/ball facing out on the WRONG side of the fabric so that the raw edge will be covered by the snap tape.  Position the tape so that the snaps come out "even" on each leg.

Step 3:
Allow for a hem or edging as required in the instructions.  I usually allow extra tape at each end, trimming after I've sewn both edges.  Using a zipper foot, stitch close the the edge of the snap tape along the edge of the fold.

Step 4:
Move the needle to the other side of the zipper foot and stitch the other side of the tape going in the same direction you went on the first side of the tape. This will keep your fabric from wrinkling or getting waves between the two lines of stitching when viewed from the right side of the fabric.

Step 5:
Finish the snap tape edge near the hem line by stitching 2 rows across the tape abut 1/4 inch apart and then cut the tape close to the outside stitching.

Step 6:
 The other side of the snap tape, the 'hole' side will go on the RIGHT side of the fabric.  Fold and iron the edge of the leg inseam 1/4 inch towards the wrong side of the fabric,  and then fold and iron again the width of the seam tape so that you have a sturdy edge to sew the seam tape to. The folded edge will be toward the wrong side but you will sew on the right side.  I hope this makes sense!

Step 7:
Align the 'hole' side of the snap tape so that the snaps line up with the other side of the inseam.  I find it easiest to align the crotch and work out from there on both legs.  You can also snap up the tape, pin the second side in a few places and then unsnap it.

Follow steps 2 through 4 to complete the second side of the snap tape.  All you need now is to finish the hem and you are done!

Snap Tape For Clothing and Decor

Are you sewing overalls or pants for your Bundle or thinking about creating a slip cover, pillow case or furniture skirt?  Snap tape is my go-to for these projects.

http://www.nearseanaturals.com

Many people head for the hook and loop tape, which is great for holding things together, sure, but put it through the wash and it holds onto everything else as well!  Any thing that has a rough texture, such as socks, sweaters and fleece is a target for the hook part of the hook and loop closures.

"But snap tape is expensive!", you say? Ah, well you'd be correct if you look down the button aisle at the store.  It's about $7 for 1/2 yard there.  Walk around the store until you find the aisle with the home decor notions and you'll find snap tape by the yard for about $4 a yard.  It comes in white, beige or black which will blend in with almost any project you are working on, plus for baby overalls, which need about 10 inches of tape, you are spending less than $2.
 

The home-decor snap tape is durable, too! It's meant to stand tugging and yanking without tearing or the snaps coming loose- great for fast diaper changes.  Pillow cases stay closed and don't slip off. Furniture skirts stay secure.

If you just have to have pale pink or lime green snap tape, shop online for great values.  The tape you find will probably have plastic snaps, but that's ok for clothing or decor that will have limited use.

In my next post I'll teach you how to sew on the tape for a professional finish.

Kid's Camp

http://www.naibor.com/little-naibor.htm

I admit it. I'm a Pinterest junkie. Today perusing the posts gave me inspiration for this blog.

One of my Kiddles used to say he was going to Camp Grandma when he was going to his other grandmother's house.

http://www.cafepress.com

When I saw these photos from a camp website  and a cool kid's T-shirt, I thought how much fun it would be for the Kiddes and I to turn the attic, or at least part of the attic into a "camp".  Pitch a tent, add some cots or air mattresses, throw in some sleeping bags and battery powered  lanterns and we are all set.

One small problem.  We don't have an attic. Not to worry, we have a little space left over in the basement.  It's the one space that doesn't have an overhead light so it would be perfect for a tent and lantern.  Good thing we have both of those!

No tent or lantern?  I'd say throw blankets over a table and add a lamp but that just doesn't have the same camping feel as a tent and lantern.  Check your local classifieds, online classifieds and auction sites for a used one. 

For the last two days we have had the remainder of hurricane Isaac hanging around.  Rain, rain and more rain!  My grandson and I have been glued to our computers and reading books.  I think it's time to get up and set up camp!  Don't you?