Megan Nielsen maternity patterns
Even though I’m running dramatically short of time I’d love to have a crack at making some of these. I haven’t been massively inspired by much of the maternity wear I’ve seen and I’ve got lots of fabric waiting to be used!
This fabulous Megan Nielsen Wrapped Maternity Top pattern, shown above in red, is available from The Village Haberdashery and it’s made in stretch jersey – with instructions for either using a normal sewing machine or an overlocker (serger).
I also like the look of her Perfect Nursing Maternity Top which has built a in modesty panel and concealed nursing options and it’s worth checking out her blog DIY Maternity too.
Adapting sewing patterns for maternity wear
New Look 6636 isn’t a maternity pattern but looks like it has potential for after the baby’s here when you want something comfy, stretchy and suitable for breastfeeding. It’s cut for stretch fabrics and it’s one of their 2-hour patterns. That’s usually just sewing time mind you, but I like the fact that the pattern only has six pieces so there shouldn’t be much faffing about with this one. The neckline looks like it’s easy to pull aside (or you could adjust it when setting in the bodice pieces).
For lovely organic jersey in a range of colours for £12 per metre, try Ray Stitch in Islington. They are also available by mail order.
Looking at the construction here, I think that Very Easy Vogue 8380 could be quite easily adapted so that you could mix a top from a larger pattern size, to accommodate pregnancy boobs, with a gently flaring skirt to give good coverage to a post-baby tummy. Playing around with the casing and tie front should give relatively easy access for nursing too.
And to really make it stand out, what about making it in this hula girl fabric?
Aloha! Red Pareo Surf’s Up by Alexander Henry £12pm from Fancy Moon
Now just imagine it accessorised with unwashed hair, a small red-faced screaming infant and some baby barf.
Do you have recommendations for great pregnancy-friendly commercial patterns that you’ve used in the past, or what’s on your ‘must sew’ list?
One Million Gold Stars 