You have the “Preemie Isolette Shirts” pattern for neonatal
babies. Did
you know that you can make a cute v-neck diaper shirt with plain
shoulder seams that is suitable for any baby? The “Preemie
Isolette Shirt” contains sizes newborn and infant because not all
neonatal babies are tiny. These two sizes, and the other sizes as
well, may be sewn without the shoulder overlap. Follow the
instructions below to sew the shoulders and make a beautiful lined
diaper shirt — this works for an heirloom diaper shirt or for cute
novelty prints.
1. Cut out the diaper shirt
straight across the shoulder line, allowing a 1/4” - 3/8” seam
allowance.
2. On the lining, fold down the seam allowance to the
wrong side and press it in place.
3. After you have sewn the side
seams, pin the lining to the
diaper shirt, matching the shoulder seams, as shown below. Sew the edges of the diaper shirt,
including the armholes and neckline, but not the shoulder seams. Trim the seam allowances and clip
curves. Leave a 3" - 4"
opening in the hemline to turn the shirt right side out.
Tip: You are going to sew
the shoulder seams of the diaper shirt together. The best way to
be sure the shoulder seams will be an exact match is to use a seam
gauge to mark the opening of
each part just before you sew the lining to the diaper shirt, as shown
below.
Mark between the seam
allowances on the first shoulder seam. Make a dot at
the exact point of the seam on each side. Use this same
measurement to make dots on the other three parts. Sew
through this exact mark and the shoulders should all be perfect matches.
4. After you have sewn the
lining to the diaper shirt, turn
it right side out through the opening along the hemline. Hand baste along the edges to make a
nice, flat edge. Press. Handwhip
the opening in the hemline. Then pin
the shoulder seams together, front to back, being careful not the catch
the lining in the seam. Sew
this seam.
Tuck the seam allowance of the
diaper shirt into the lining and hand
whip the shoulder seam of the lining together. Press.
View of shoulder seam from the top
side:
Add buttons and buttonholes or
velcro, as desired.
