While some people say, “New Year, New You,” I’m more of a “New Year, New Outfit,” kind of gal. For the sewists who don’t want to choose between the two, we’ve got you covered with our Camden Onesie Free Sewing Pattern. As most of us are coming down from the festivities and getting back into the post-holiday groove, it’s a great project for the new year. With its quick sewing time and minimal yardage, this garment is easy on your wallet and time.
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 1.5 – 2 yards of Santorini Plus Neon Pink UV Protective Tricot
- 1 spool of 318 Fuchsia 100m Gutermann Sew all Thread
- MDF337 – The Camden Onesie Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
A few notes before getting started:
- When using a tricot or other knit fabric, I recommend using a walking foot attachment and a stretch stitch.
- I chose to self line the bodice for extra support. Instructions for lined and unlined bodice options are included. Although I chose not to, lining the shorts is also an option. If you choose to use a lining, simply double the number of pieces cut. For example: if you want to line the bodice bust, cut 4 front bust pieces instead of 2. Just be aware that the garment will have a more firm, supportive fit.
How to get started:
1. Fold the straps lengthwise, right sides together. Sew.
2. Trim the seam allowance, then turn the straps right sides out.
How to sew the shorts:
1. Right sides together, sew the front shorts and the back shorts together at the side seams. Trim the seam allowance.
2. Right sides together, sew the shorts legs together at center seam (down the rise and through the crotch).
3. Hem the shorts ⅝”. Since this fabric doesn’t fray, I chose to do a single fold here.
How to sew a lined bust bodice:
1. Place a front bust and its corresponding lining piece right sides together. Sandwich a strap between the two layers, aligning its edge with the short edge at the very top. Sew along the top. Sew the keyhole edge with a ¼” seam allowance. Trim and clip the seam allowances. Repeat with the other front bust piece.
2. Bring one bust piece right side out, and place it inside the other piece, which should still be inside out. Pin the layers together at the center front as follows: lining to lining, and self to self. Sew around the loop.
3. Place a back bust and its corresponding lining right sides together. Sew at the keyhole, then trim and clip the seam allowance. Repeat with the other side.
4. Unfold both pieces and place the right sides together. Pin and sew together along the center back.
5. Unfold the back and pin the straps to its top edge, making sure they don’t get twisted.
6. Place the front bust inside the back, pin along the top edge, then sew. Turn right side out.
How to sew an unlined bust bodice:
1. Sew the front bust pieces together at the CF, right sides together.
2. Repeat with the back, sewing the pieces together at the CB.
3. Pin the front waist to the front bust, right sides together and matching notches. Sew.
4. Repeat with the back.
5. Pin the straps onto the front & back bust, right sides together. Sew.
How to sew the lined waist:
1. Place the front waistband and its lining right sides together, and sew a ¼” seam allowance at the keyhole. Repeat with the back.
2. Sandwich the front bust inside the front waist, right sides together. Match the notches and sew. Repeat with the back.
3. Turn both the front and back pieces right sides out. Right sides facing, pin together and sew up the side seams. You should now have a single bodice piece.
How to sew the unlined waist:
1. Pin the front waist to the front bust, right sides together. Match the notches and sew, leaving the keyhole free.
2. Repeat with the back.
3. Right sides together, pin the front to the back and sew up the side seams. You should now have a single bodice piece.
4. Finish the keyholes by either using a binding strip out of the self and sewing it on, or turn under ¼” and topstitch.
How to finish the onesie:
1. Right sides together, pin the shorts to the bodice, matching notches and side seams. Sew, then trim the seam allowance.
26 comments
This is so breat! Biketards have been on-trend for dancers for the last little bit, but my kid’s long torso breaks the size charts. (We all know what short rises cause.) I’m going to add a comfort inch and mock this up in a muslin immediately.
Hi Tiffany! You’re so right, I’ve seen this style a lot in the dance world! I’m glad you’re giving this a try for your daughter, and kudos to you for making a muslin mock up for your adjustments. Good luck!
Let us know how it goes, Tiffany, for us other long waisted sewists1 🙂
How can I make it without the holes?
Hi Brandy! Just extend the lines on the pattern pieces to close it up. I suggest making a mock up first to make sure it lays against the body well! Good luck!
so cool! i’ve been looking for a legsuit pattern and i think that with a few tweaks, this could fit the bill! thank you
Wow I love this, could it be made into a swimsuit?
Absolutely! In fact, the tricot we used for this project is actually swimwear fabric! Check out the Santorini Collection to see all the colors it comes in!
This is great! I’ve got some spandexes that would be really fun for this.
I spend most of my time at home and work out often, so I would love more activewear patterns!
Lo amé!! es justo lo que estaba buscando!! muchas gracias MOOD!! los amooooo!!
This is my new swimsuit!
This would make the CUTEST swimsuit
i’m sorry i’m quite new in sewing stretchy fabrics, can i know what type of stitch i should use or do i need special threads to sew? thanks a lot
Hi Kimberly! It’s ok, sewing with stretchy fabric can be a little overwhelming at first! There are a few stitches for stretchy fabric that your machine probably has: stretch stitch, zig zag, and triple zig zag (aka the tricot stitch). I sewed this garment with the stretch stitch, but experiment with them and see what works best for your fabric. Nylon or polyester thread will work well! I like to use Heat & Bond Soft Stretch adhesive to keep the hems looking clean. And don’t forget a ball point needle :).
Do you think I can use this pattern to sew a swimsuit ? It would be just the best to swim and walk along the beach with my Newfoundland and Labrador dogs ! Perhaps would it be a good idea to put an elastic fabric under the bra for sport activities? (Please, excuse my bad english, I’m french ! I love this pattern so much because it is more cute than technical sportswear I buy
Yes, this would make an excellent swimsuit! I lined it with the self fabric, and it had great hold and support. 🙂
Where is the girth measurement on the pattern? This makes it difficult to select, as the Girth is the Most Important measurement. Please advise. I could be missing it as I have not downloaded this pattern yet, my apologies for that.
Hi Cindy, which measurement are you referring to? Take a look at the finished garment measurements chart! Hopefully that will answer your question.
I love this pattern but would love to add pockets! Do you have any suggestions on how to do that?
Hi there! The easiest way would be to add an external pocket. Take a look at our Arbor Skort for details!
Hard to follow the instructions. Not beginniner friendly
Hi Sienna! This is an intermediate pattern, with the cutout and lining. If you have any specific questions, I’m happy to help!
Hola tengo una duda! al usar lycra debo hacer la prenda en mi talle según las medidas finales o utilizar un talle menos? pregunto por que la tela es muy elastica y la idea es que ajustado como una legguin
Hola Cintia, este patron usa medidas para telas elasticas que quedan ajustado al cuerpo, entonces puedes seguir con tu propia talla. Si quieres, tambien puedes ver nuestro patron de leggings para comparar o mezclar los
diseños. Aqui esta la pagina de Ixia Leggings
Is it possible to get these patterns in A0 format?
Hi Alison, we are not able to offer A0 format on our free patterns 🙁