Materials
Making bummies without a sewing machine doesn’t require much – just some fabric, scissors and a few other basic tools. Fabric with an interesting print, such as floral, polka dots or stripes, is often the best choice. You’ll also need a tape measure, pins, a marking pen and thread in a matching colour. The fabric you choose should be thick enough to provide plenty of coverage and warmth, but thin enough to be easy to pin and sew.
Cutting the Fabric
The first step in making bummies without a sewing machine is to cut two large rectangles of fabric. The rectangles should each measure one and half times the length of the wearer’s waist circumference and two times the wearer’s hip circumference. If you’re making the bummies for a child, you should measure their waist and hips as well as their body length from the waist down. The fabric should be folded in half, along the length, so that you have a double thickness of fabric that is the correct size.
Mark the Fabric
The second step is to mark the fabric. Using the measuring tape and a marking pen, draw a line down the centre of the fabric and mark a point at the top and bottom of each rectangle. Measure one-eighth of an inch on either side of the centre line and mark two more points at the top and bottom of each rectangle. These markings will be used to help you pin the fabric and make sure that the seams are even when you sew them.
Pin the Fabric
The third step is to pin the fabric. Take the two rectangles of fabric and place them together, with the underside facing you, and pin along the markings you made in the previous step. This will keep the fabric in place so that when you sew, it stays even and the stitching is even. When pinning, place one pin in the centre of the fabric and one at each end of the marked points.
Sew the Fabric
The fourth step is to sew the fabric. Using strong thread, sew along the edges of the rectangles, starting at the centre of the fabric and working your way out to the ends. Make sure that you keep the seam even and that the fabric is held firmly in place. It’s important to back-stitch at the beginning and the end of each seam to ensure that the stitching is secure.
Finishing the Seams
The fifth step is to finish the seams. After the seams have been sewn, you can either zigzag the edges to make sure that the fabric doesn’t fray or use a serger to finish the edges. Both of these methods will help to prevent the fabric from fraying and give the finished bummies a professional finish.
Waistband
The sixth step is to add a waistband. Cut a long strip of fabric that is the same width as the rectangles and is slightly longer than the circumference of the bummies. Place the strip of fabric on top of the rectangles and pin it in place. Sew the waistband to the rectangles, making sure that the seam is even and that the fabric is held firmly in place.
Hem the Legs
The seventh and final step is to hem the legs. Measure the leg openings, allowing an extra quarter of an inch for a hem, and mark the fabric. Fold the fabric over twice, allowing a quarter of an inch seam allowance, and pin the fabric in place. Finally, sew the hem, making sure that the seams are even and the fabric is held firmly in place.
Leg Cuffs
The first step in making leg cuffs is to cut two strips of fabric that are each double the circumference of the wearer’s leg. Measure the circumference of the leg and make sure that the fabric is slightly longer than this measurement. Place the two strips of fabric together and pin one end together. Sew along the edge and make sure that the seam is even and holds the fabric firmly in place.
Attaching the Leg Cuffs
The second step is to attach the leg cuffs to the bummies. Place the strips of fabric around the bottom of the legs and pin in place. Make sure that the seam on the leg cuffs is at the back of the leg. Sew along the edges, making sure that the seam is even and that the fabric is held firmly in place.
Waist Tie
The third step is to add a waist tie. Cut a strip of fabric that is slightly longer than the circumference of the bummies. Pin the strip of fabric around the waistband and sew it in place. Make sure that the seams on the waist tie and the waistband match up, and that the fabric is held firmly in place.
Finishing Touches
The fourth step is to add any finishing touches you’d like to give your bummies. For example, adding pockets, embroidery or appliqué. You can also add ribbon and lace trim to give a more decorative look. Making bummies without a sewing machine doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style – you can still make them look as good as any store-bought bummies.
Washing and Care
The fifth and final step is to wash and care for the bummies. To ensure that the fabric stays strong and the seams stay intact, you should handwash the bummies using a delicate soap and lukewarm water. Allow the bummies to air-dry and then press them with a warm iron to restore their shape.
