Baby Gift Idea: Embroidered Baby Onesies

Baby Gift Idea: Embroidered Baby Onesies

Baby Gift Idea

Hi, Erica here again from 5 Little Monsters. The last couple of times that I posted here I shared a crochet project {see here and here}. Although I really enjoy crocheting there are a lot of other types of crafts that I also enjoy and I thought this month I would switch it up a little and make something that is not crocheted. Lately I have been enjoying working on some embroidery projects so I thought it would be fun to share a simple little embroidery project this month.

baby shower gift

It seems like this is the time of year when there are always lots of babies being born and lots of baby showers to go to. These little embroidered onesies are really quick and easy to make and a fun way to make something store bought a little more special with a handmade touch. You could pair it with a little skirt or pair of pants for a cute little outfit, or stick one in with a package of diapers to add a little bit of cuteness to a really practical gift.

custom baby gift

The best part is that you can put anything on them, any little picture, names or other words, it can be totally unique. And they can work for a boy or a girl depending on the design that you choose.  I just made some little doodles and then embroidered them onto the onesies. These are the designs that I came up with:

A bow tie for a little boy, I added some stripes just for fun.

embroidered baby onesie

Another boyish design, a dinosaur. My boys love dinosaurs and as a kid I did too, stegosaurus was always my favorite so that is the one I made.

embroidered baby bodysuit

Next I made a little fox, I think this one would be cute for a boy or a girl.

custom baby gift

I made a girly little flower. I used variegated thread on this one to make it a little more interesting.

cute baby gift

Last I made a little ASL I love you hand. Three of my five kids are deaf and use ASL to communicate so this sign is used frequently in our house and has special meaning for us. Like many of the things that I make my kids were the inspiration behind this design.

baby onesie idea

Embroidering on a onesie, or anything made of knit fabric, can be a little tricky. You want to be careful not to stretch the fabric but you also need to keep it tight. I tried a few different ideas to find the best way to do that and I am going to share the method that I found to be the easiest and work the best.

baby bodysuit

You will need:

  • a Onesie
  • a pattern for the design you want to use – Here are the designs that I drew Embroidery Ideas
  • water-soluble embroidery stabilizer (I used Pellon Wash-n-Gone)
  • lightweight fusible interfacing
  • embroidery floss
  • sewing thread
  • needle

how to embroider a baby onesie

Step 1: Cut a piece of the water-soluble stabilizer a little bigger than the design that you want to embroider. Trace the design on the stabilizer leaving a little bit of a border on each side.

Step 2: Using regular sewing thread baste the stabilizer to the onesie where you want to embroider the design. Be careful not to stretch the onesie, just keep it flat.

Step 3: Embroider your design. I mostly used backstitch for my designs, I used french knots for eyes and the flower center and lazy daisy stitch to make the flower petals. I used 3 strands for all of my stitching.

Step 4: Trim around the edge to get rid of some of the extra stabilizer. Then rinse with water or wash in the washing machine to get rid of the rest of the stabilizer.

Step 5: Turn inside out, cut a piece of interfacing big enough to cover the entire design. Iron on the back of the stitching to cover the knots and the stitching. I did this to help keep it soft against a baby”s skin, so that the stitching won”t cause any irritation especially any little knots. Turn it right side out again and you are done.

easy embroidery tutorial

By using this method you don”t need to use a hoop which is hard with knit fabrics because it can stretch the fabric. You also don”t need to trace your design onto the onesie which is nice because it is hard to trace on knit fabric because it stretches as you write and it is kind of thick so it can be hard to see the design. It is the easiest way I have found to embroider on knits, I hope it works well for you too. Have fun making lots of cute little baby gifts.

how to embroider

Looking for more baby gifts? Check these out!

baby-sandals1-final2
Barefoot Baby Sandals

Crocheted Baby Clothes Hanger
Crochet Baby Clothes Hanger

Erica
Hi, I'm Erica, and my blog is 5 Little Monsters. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah with my husband and our 5 kids. I really enjoy crafting of any kind, but I most frequently sew or crochet. On my blog you’ll find a variety of free crochet and embroidery patterns, as well as some sewing tutorials.
Erica
Erica

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