Back-to-School Sewing Ideas

Editor’s Note: With the kids back-to-school, there's more time to sew! From Sept. 6-15, we’ll be celebrating “back-to-school” season in a number of different ways  — from ideas for sewing for children to inspiration for sewing for yourself!

With September officially underway, we're feeling so inspired to sew for autumn and the upcoming holiday season! From school clothes to seasonal décor to holiday garments, there is much to keep us busy. Since school clothes are on most parents' and grandparents' minds this time of year, we perused some of our fall issues of years past to put together some of our favorite back-to-school looks. Rather than heirloom finery, we tried to restrict this list to garments that are cute enough for picture day yet practical and comfortable enough for a child to wear to school any day of the season. Enjoy!

Frannie (left) and Jack & Jill's Bibbed Romper

Frannie - Lyn Week's "Frannie" pattern is a classic. This version made by Barbara Olsen in colorful coordinating floral prints was featured in issue #131. The collar and packet flap are ecru batiste and are scalloped and embroidered by hand with bullion roses and granitos.

Jack & Jill's Bibbed Romper - Martha Demere and her sewing students stitched up this version of our "Jack & Jill's Bibbed Romper" pattern in issue #132. Made from an apple print corduroy in combination with pink micro check, the outfit is embellished with pinked-edged ruffles as well as wool felted apples appliqued with blanket stitch.

Robots & Rocketships

Robots & Rocketships - The cute smocking plate pictured here is Janet Gilbert's "Robots & Rocketships," featured in issue #126. The little boy's romper is made from the same pattern as the previous project, "Jack and Jill's Bibbed Romper" (you can also use the "Jack and Jill's Overalls" pattern). The older boy's button-up bowling shirt is made from Simplicity 5581 (or you can use any short-sleeve camp shirt style you like).

Hemstitching is Hip (left) and No-Pattern T-Shirt Dress

Hemstitching is Hip - Sometimes the simplest details can make all the difference. This floral print blouse for an older girl features a series of box pleats and tucks topped with hemstitching - an embellishment that is both sweet and economical. The pattern used is "Bias & Blooms Blouse" by Kari Mecca, and Amelia Johanson's hemstitched box pleats instructions are in issue #126 and our Heirloom Sewing Favorites for Summer special edition.

No Pattern T-Shirt Dress - Turn a simple, long-sleeve T-shirt into this adorable dress designed by Dawn Wilson in issue #149. The comfort of the knit top combined with a coordinate print creates an easy-wear option for occasions that call for something a bit dressier than play clothes. They're so fun to make, you'll want to whip together a different color combination for every day of the week.

We're hosting a huge “Back-to-School Sale” in our online store! Almost everything is 50 percent off, including the patterns mentioned above! Click here to shop and discover the savings on books, DVDs, embroidery, fabric, laces, trims, notions and more!

We also have 30 specially selected products on sale for $9.14 the entire month of September in honor of National Sewing Month — click here to see a list of products included in this offer!